In Norse mythology, Audumla (also Audhumla, Audhumbla) was the primeval cow who came into existence at the beginning of time through shaping of the melted Ginnungagap ice. She lived off the Niflheim ice, licking pieces of salt and hoar frost as the ice melted upon contact with the hot air from Muspell. The frost giant Ymir lived off of her milk.
While licking the ice, Audumla revealed the shape of a man underneath; she eventually licked him free. This was the god Buri, who later fathered Bor, father of Odin, Vili and Ve.
