The Origins of the Nine Worlds
Muspell
The primordial realm known as Muspell was the very first to emerge. It is characterized by intense light and searing heat, to such an extent that outsiders find it unbearable. At the threshold of Muspell stands Surt, a giant who guards the territory with a fiery sword. He is destined to bring ruin to the gods and consume the entire world in flames at the apocalypse.
Ginnungagap and Niflheim
Adjacent to Muspell is the vast void dubbed Ginnungagap, beyond which lies the frigid domain of Niflheim. This realm exudes ice, biting winds, and incessant rain, merging harshly with the warmth and brightness from Muspell within Ginnungagap.
Ymir
In the convergence of heat and cold, droplets formed, which over time transformed into a colossal frost giant named Ymir. Ymir, in his slumber, began to sweat, causing a man and a woman to materialize from under his left arm. Additionally, one leg of Ymir sired a son with the other leg, marking the genesis of frost giants.
Audhumla
Ymir’s melting ice gave birth to a sacred cow named Audhumla. From her udder flowed four rivers of milk that nourished Ymir. Meanwhile, the cow licked the salty ice, revealing the hair of a man after one day. By the second day, his head was uncovered, and on the third, the entire figure emerged—this man’s name was Buri, distinguished by his impressive stature and strength. Buri had a son named Bor, who wedded Bestla, a giant’s daughter.
Odin, Vili, and Vé
Bor and Bestla parented three sons: Odin, Vili, and Vé. Together, they are viewed as the divine governors of the heavens and earth, with Odin being esteemed as the most illustrious of all beings.
The Death of Ymir
In a momentous event, Odin, Vili, and Vé ended Ymir’s life. The death of Ymir was so catastrophic that his blood flowed forth like a deluge, drowning all frost giants aside from Bergelmir, who escaped with his wife in a hollowed-out tree trunk. From them originated the lineage of frost giants.
Formation of Earth, Trees, and Mountains
Next, Ymir’s remains were utilized to fashion the world. His blood formed the seas and lakes; his flesh became the land; his hair morphed into trees; and his bones were sculpted into mountains. The fragments of his teeth and jaws turned into rocks and pebbles.
Dwarfs
Life emerged from the decay of Ymir’s flesh, giving rise to maggots that gained human form and intellect by divine decree, dwelling within the earth and rocks.
The Sky, Clouds, and Stars
From Ymir’s cranium, the brothers crafted the sky, establishing its four corners, each supported by a dwarf named after the cardinal directions: East, West, North, and South. Ymir’s brains were thrown into the sky, forming the clouds, while sparks and embers from Muspell were scattered throughout Ginnungagap, illuminating the heavens above and the earth below. Stars were assigned specific positions and routes.
Midgard
To defend against the threats posed by the giants, the sons of Bor erected a fortification known as Midgard using Ymir’s eyebrows.
Ask and Embla
While strolling along the shore, they discovered two trees from which they fashioned a man and a woman. Odin breathed life into them, Vili granted them consciousness and mobility, while Vé gifted them clothing and identities. The man named Ask and the woman Embla became the ancestors of humanity residing in Midgard.
Asgard
At the heart of the universe, the sons of Bor constructed a stronghold known as Asgard, referred to as Troy in later lore. Here, the deities and their kindred resided, witnessing numerous remarkable events. In Asgard, a magnificent hall named Hlidskjálf was established, where Odin sat upon a lofty seat, ushering a vantage point to observe the entirety of existence and comprehend all he beheld.
Odin, Frigg, and the Æsir
Odin united with Frigg, the daughter of Fjörgvin, resulting in a lineage that populated ancient Asgard and its surrounding realms. This lineage, known as the Æsir, represents divine beings, corroborating Odin’s title as All-Father, fathering both deities and mortals alike through his creative power.
Thor
The earth serves as both the daughter and wife of Odin, from whom he fathered his notable son, Thor, characterized by unparalleled might and strength, dominating all living beings.
Bifröst
Well known to all, the gods engineered a bridge named Bifröst, linking earth to the heavens, often depicted as a rainbow. Its tri-colored structure is robust, showcasing craftsmanship superior to other constructions. Nevertheless, it is foretold that during the advance of the sons of Muspell, the bridge will crumble—this is not a fault of the gods, but rather an inevitability amidst chaos, rendering Bifröst unreliable in such dark times.
Yggdrasil
The supreme sanctuary of the deities is the sacred ash tree Yggdrasil, where they convene for their divine discussions. Yggdrasil is the most revered and expansive of all trees, with branches that stretch across the world and tower into the heavens.
