Helheim, also known as Hel, is one of the nine worlds in Norse mythology. It is described as a realm of the dead, located in the deepest depths of Niflheim, the primordial world of cold and mist. According to the Eddas, Helheim is ruled by the goddess Hel, daughter of Loki and Angrboða. This underworld is said to be a place where those who did not die in battle would go after death, in contrast to Valhalla, where the heroic slain would reside.

The descriptions of Helheim in Norse literature paint a gloomy and somber picture. It is often portrayed as a dark and misty place, surrounded by high walls and guarded by a monstrous hound named Garmr. The Prose Edda mentions a river called Gjöll that must be crossed to enter Helheim, spanned by a bridge known as Gjallarbrú. Within Helheim, the dead are said to lead a shadowy existence, neither suffering nor experiencing joy, simply continuing a pale reflection of their earthly lives. This realm plays a significant role in various Norse myths, including the tale of Baldr's death and Hermod's journey to try and bring him back to the world of the living.

Location of Helheim

According to Norse mythology, Helheim is situated in the deepest part of Niflheim, one of the nine worlds. It is described as being located far to the north, beneath one of the three roots of Yggdrasil, the world tree.

Origins of Helheim

The creation of Helheim is not explicitly detailed in the Eddas. However, it is generally considered to be one of the primordial realms, existing since the beginning of the Norse cosmos alongside other worlds like Niflheim and Muspelheim.

Creation and Purpose

While the exact creation of Helheim is not specified, its purpose is clear in Norse mythology. It was designated as the realm for those who died of old age or disease, in contrast to the warriors who died in battle and were taken to Valhalla or Fólkvangr.

Influences and Power

Helheim's influence extends beyond just being a realm of the dead. It plays a crucial role in many Norse myths:

• It is the final destination for most of humanity, influencing how people viewed death and the afterlife.
• The realm's ruler, Hel, has significant power, even over gods. This is demonstrated in the myth of Baldr's death, where she sets conditions for his return from the dead.
• Helheim is portrayed as a place that even the gods fear, as seen in Thor's journey to the realm in the Prose Edda.
• The concept of Helheim influenced later Norse and Germanic views on the afterlife and had a lasting impact on European folklore and literature.

These aspects of Helheim, as described in the Eddas and sagas, paint a picture of a powerful and influential realm that played a central role in Norse cosmology and beliefs about the afterlife.

Cultural Impact of Helheim

The concept of Helheim has had a significant impact on Norse culture and beyond:

• It shaped Norse views on death and the afterlife, influencing funeral practices and beliefs.
• Helheim has inspired numerous works of literature, art, and modern pop culture, including comics, video games, and films.