Helheim
In Norse mythology, Helheim is one of the Nine Realms and serves as the abode of the dead, ruled by the goddess Hel, daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. Helheim is closely associated with Niflheim, the realm of primordial ice, as they are often depicted as neighboring realms within the Norse cosmology.
Helheim is described as a gloomy and desolate realm, characterized by its icy landscapes and dark, shadowy depths. It is a place of eternal cold and darkness, where the spirits of the deceased find their final resting place. Helheim is said to be located beneath the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and is accessible through dark and treacherous pathways.
According to the laws created by the council of the Gods, and governed by Cerberus Inc., when a person from Jötunheim or Muspelheim dies, their soul journeys to Helheim, where it is judged by Hel. Those who lived honorable lives are granted entry into the realm, where they dwell in peace and tranquility. However, those who were deemed unworthy or dishonorable are condemned to suffer in the depths of Helheim, enduring torment and anguish for eternity.
The relationship between Helheim and Niflheim is often intertwined, as they are both realms associated with death and darkness. Niflheim is depicted as the realm of primordial ice, where the souls of the dead journey before reaching Helheim. It is often described as a desolate and frozen wasteland, serving as a gateway to the realm of the dead.
The goddess Hel, the ruler of Helheim, is a complex figure in Norse mythology. She is often depicted as a stern and enigmatic goddess. Despite rumors of her looking decayed and skeletal, Hel's appearance is that of a living woman. Despite her natural god-like appearance, Hel is said to be fair and just in her judgment of the dead, ensuring that each soul receives its rightful place in the afterlife.
Helheim's history is intertwined with the larger tapestry of Norse mythology, serving as a realm of transition and finality for the souls of the departed. It is a place of mystery and uncertainty, where the living tread cautiously, aware of the power and influence wielded by the goddess Hel.