Hel - Goddess of Norse Mythology

Hel (pronounced: "hell") also known as Hela, is a goddess from Norse mythology who reigns over Helheim, the underworld of the dead without honor. She is the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda.

The name "Hel" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᚼᛖᛚ

According to Norse mythology, Hel was described as a goddess with a half-beautiful and half-rotting body. Her home, Helheim, is a dark and horrible place where those who die from sickness or old age go after their death. Helheim is surrounded by a wall with gates that open, and dark rivers flow through the empire. One such stream of water is called Slid. It rises in the east, flows west through poison-infected valleys, and is full of mud and swords. A dog, Garm, guards the entrance to one of her caverns, Gnipappellir.

The road that leads to Helheim is Helway, which is so long that Hermóðr had to travel it in nine days and nine nights, always to the north and constantly descending. The access of Helway is terrible because it chains the dying man with solid bonds that cannot be broken, while anguish gnaws at his heart and Hel's servants come every night to invite him.

Before the eyes of the dying man, a dark and horrible region of mists unfolds. He sees the sun, the pure star of day, fade and disappear, and hears the hinges of the Gate of Hel (Helgate) creak as she opens it to receive him. Hel's company is large, but she has a dwelling place large enough for all; her empire stretches far, her palaces are prodigiously tall and have great gates. Naturally, her abode is made of shadows, but it has the appearance of reality.

Those who died on the battlefield were said to go to Odin, to Valhalla, while those who died of sickness or old age went to Helheim. However, others also come, good or bad, such as Baldr, Siegfried, and Brunhilda.

Before Baldr died, Odin went down to Helheim to ask Hel how he would die. The first to come was Hel's dog, who barked at Odin with a bloody chest for a long time until he disguised himself and met the mistress of hell, who told him that Baldr would die at the hands of Höðr. When Baldr's death was consummated, Hermóðr, the fastest of all the gods, mounted Sleipnir, Odin's horse, and went on his way to Helheim. When he arrived, he saw his brother occupying the most distinguished seat in the palace. Hermóðr explained to Hel the sorrow of the gods and all living things for Baldr's death, asked her to let him return to Asgard. She asked that all things in the world, animate and inanimate, mourn Baldr's death to see if he was so globally loved; Only then would she bring him back to life. Then, everything in the world cried for her dead god; all but one giant named Thok. This, who was actually her husband De Ella Loki disguised as her, refused to cry as she said that Baldr had never given her any joy. In this way, Baldr remained in Helheim until Ragnarök.

Hel is often represented as a cruel and heartless goddess, but she is simply performing her duties as the ruler of the underworld. Her realm is not a place of punishment but a resting place for those who have passed away. She is a complex figure, and her presence in Norse mythology offers insight into how ancient Norse culture viewed death and the afterlife.

If you notice an error on this web page, please email us at contact@historylists.org and let us know about it. Please be sure to include a brief description of the mistake you have noticed, along with the location of the mistake on the web page (e.g., the specific section or paragraph where it appears). We appreciate your help in keeping our website accurate and will use the information you provide to make necessary updates as soon as possible. Thank you for your assistance!