Norse mythology · 3 chapters

Hel and the Realm of the Dead

Below all worlds lies a realm where the unglamorous dead must wait

Hel, daughter of Loki and Angrboða, rules Niflheim, the realm of those who die of illness, old age, or any death without glory in battle. She is half living and half dead: one side of her body is flesh-colored, the other dark and rotting. Her hall is called Éljúðnir (Misery); her dish is Hunger; her knife is Famine; her threshold is Stumbling Block. When Baldur dies, Hermóðr rides Sleipnir for nine days through dark valleys until he reaches her gates. He asks for Baldur's release. Hel agrees, on the condition that every being in all the worlds weeps for Baldur. All do, except one old giantess, Loki in disguise. Baldur stays in Hel until after Ragnarök.