Editing Ratatoskr (section)

==Theories==
According to [[Rudolf Simek]], "the squirrel probably only represents an embellishing detail to the mythological picture of the world-ash in ''Grímnismál''{{-"}}.<ref name="SIMEK261">Simek (2007:261).</ref> [[Hilda Ellis Davidson]], describing the world tree, states the squirrel is said to gnaw at it—furthering a continual destruction and re-growth cycle, and posits the tree symbolizes ever-changing existence.<ref name="DAVIDSON68-69">Davidson (1993:68–69).</ref> [[John Lindow]] points out that Yggdrasil is described as rotting on one side and as being chewed on by [[Dáinn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr and Duraþrór|four harts]] and Níðhöggr, and that, according to the account in ''[[Gylfaginning]]'', it also bears verbal hostility in the fauna it supports. Lindow adds that "in the sagas, a person who helps stir up or keep feuds alive by ferrying words of malice between the participants is seldom one of high status, which may explain the assignment of this role in the mythology to a relatively insignificant animal".<ref name="LINDOW259"/>

Richard W. Thorington Jr. and Katie Ferrell theorize that "the role of Ratatosk probably derived from the habit of European tree squirrels (''[[Red Squirrel|Sciurus vulgaris]]'') to give a scolding alarm call in response to danger. It takes little imagination for you to think that the squirrel is saying nasty things about you."<ref name=THORINGTONJRFERRELL142>Thorington Jr. and Ferrel (2006:142).</ref>