description Hel Overview
In Norse mythology, Hel is the ruler of the underworld realm of the same name. She is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboða, making her a sibling to the wolf Fenrir and the serpent Jörmungandr. Odin cast her into the underworld to govern those who died of sickness or old age. She is typically depicted as having a dual, divided appearance, with one half of her body appearing as a living woman and the other half appearing as a decaying corpse.
help Hel FAQ
Who is Hel in Norse mythology?
Hel is a fearsome figure who rules over the underworld realm of the same name, receiving those who die of sickness or old age. She is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboða.
Why did Odin cast Hel into the underworld?
Odin cast her into the underworld after learning of the prophecies regarding the dangerous children of Loki. He decreed that she would have power over the dead, managing a realm that lay beneath the roots of the world tree, Yggdrasil.
Who are Hel's famous siblings in Norse mythology?
Hel is a sibling to two of the most destructive monsters in Norse mythology: the massive wolf Fenrir and the world-circling serpent Jörmungandr. All three are destined to play major antagonistic roles during Ragnarok.
What does the Norse underworld ruled by Hel look like?
Her realm, sometimes known as Niflhel, is a bleak, cold, and damp place of misery and decay. It is described in texts like the Prose Edda as a massive hall with walls built of writhing serpents.
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