The dark realm of Helheim: death and secrets revealed

The Dark Realm of Helheim: Death and Secrets Revealed

Helheim is known as the realm of the dead and is located in the deepest, darkest, and gloomiest part of Niflheim, one of the nine worlds of Yggdrasil, in Norse mythology.

Ruled by Hel, the goddess of death and daughter of Loki, the entrance to Helheim is guarded by a dog named Garm. This realm is often confused with Niflheim, but they are actually two distinct worlds.

Difference Between Helheim and Niflheim

Niflheim represents the realm of cold, ice, and darkness and, while death and destruction are also appropriate there, the latter specifically takes place in Helheim, the "capital of death," so to speak.

The distinction between Helheim and Niflheim is fundamental for understanding Norse cosmology. While Niflheim is a icy and dark world, Helheim is particularly dedicated to those who perished from illness or old age. Once entered into this realm, even the gods could not leave due to the presence of the Gjöll river, which surrounds Helheim in an inexhaustible and insurmountable manner.

The Occupants of Helheim

So, Helheim houses those who succumbed to a natural death, but also criminals. For the latter, there are special areas within Helheim, such as Nastrand (or "shore of corpses"), also called Naströnd or Nastrandir.

Nastrand: The Hall of Vile Souls

The Nastrand is a hall in Helheim where the souls of wicked people, murderers, perjurers, and notorious liars go. There, everything is dark; the sun never shines and the doors of this hall all open to the north. The walls are covered with snakes facing inward, constantly spitting poison that pours in torrents through the hall, filling it with venomous fumes.

This sinister place somewhat resembles hell as described in Christian and Catholic beliefs. Interestingly, the term "hell" is actually derived from Hel or Helheim.

Personal Reflections

Imagine this dreadful scene: walls filled with snakes spitting their poison, tormented souls of criminals, and eternal darkness... It really sends chills down your spine! And yet, it is an integral part of this fascinating Norse mythology that helps us understand how the ancient Scandinavians perceived death and the afterlife.

Personally, I have always been fascinated by how different cultures and civilizations envision death. Helheim, with its both terrifying and mysterious ambiance, perfectly illustrates this Norse vision of the world of the dead. It is a poignant reminder of human mortality and the consequences of actions in the afterlife.

Conclusion

Diving into Norse mythology and discovering places like Helheim is a true journey into the beliefs and fears of our ancestors. If this article intrigued you, feel free to explore the other articles on our blog to learn more about this captivating universe. Also, visit our online store Viking Heritage to discover objects and jewelry inspired by this rich mythology.