Hel: The Norse Ruler of the Underworld
In Norse mythology, Hel reigns as the queen of the underworld realm known as Hel. She is the offspring of Loki, the notorious god of mischief, and Angrboda, a giantess. Hel is also the sister of significant mythical figures, Fenrir the wolf and Jörmungandr, the World Serpent. While she is frequently identified as a goddess, her nature is more ambiguous, merging attributes of both a half-goddess and a jötunn—entities associated with the giants from Jotunheim.
The essence of her name, meaning “hidden,” pertains to the deceased individuals whose presence remains invisible to the living, whether they are interred or cremated. Contemporary scholars generally concur that Hel was likely not a part of pre-Christian Scandinavian belief systems, suggesting that her character might have emerged through the medieval interpretations of Icelandic mythographer Snorri Sturluson, who captured these Norse legends primarily through a Christian lens, potentially skewing some details to resonate with a Christian audience.
Several modern experts assert that the concept of Hel as a being may have originated from earlier associations of the term with the grave itself, thus lacking a presiding deity. In art, Hel is typically portrayed as a figure with one side resembling a stunning woman and the other a decomposed corpse. This depiction diverges from portrayals seen in contemporary media, such as the 2017 film “Thor: Ragnarok,” where she is inaccurately presented as a sibling to notable characters like Thor and Loki.
While many view her as a goddess due to her lineage, primary Norse texts describe her more accurately as a jötunn—a descendent of the giants in Jotunheim, and her true identity likely lies in being a supernatural entity, perhaps akin to a demi-goddess, of average stature.
The Roots of Hel and Loki’s Offspring
Norse sagas were primarily communicated orally before being documented in written form during the Common Era. The runic writing system utilized had its limitations, primarily suited for brief inscriptions like memorials. Scholar John Lindow observes that while runes could convey various messages, the Viking Age revolved around oral tradition, forging a society where knowledge was transmitted through spoken language rather than inscribed texts. Such limited documentation meant that the tales could evolve over time as they were passed through generations, lacking firm control over their content.
This phenomenon particularly affects our understanding of Hel. Researchers like Rudolf Simek argue that historical records lack sufficient evidence of a goddess Hel prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, yet they also admit that a comprehensive view of pre-Christian beliefs remains elusive and undocumented.
The earliest reference to Hel appears in the 13th-century Gylfaginning, part of the Prose Edda. In this narrative, she is noted as one of Loki’s three children fathered with Angrboda, residing in Jotunheim. The Asgardian gods receive a prophecy about the dire implications of her siblings growing into mighty entities likely to disrupt the peace. Odin, either through summoning or journeying to Jotunheim, retrieves the three children—Hel, Fenrir, and Jörmungandr—with varying plans for each.
Jörmungandr is sent into the sea, while Odin casts Hel into the icy depths of Niflheim and grants her authority over the Nine Realms as queen of the dead, primarily responsible for guiding souls along Helvegr, the road leading to her realm, often known as Niflhel or Hel itself. Meanwhile, Fenrir remains in Asgard, where he grows to enormous proportions, instilling fear among the gods who ultimately bind him to an island.
The Domain of Hel
Hel’s realm is situated in the northern reaches, accessible via a descending road, crossing a bridge over a river filled with spikes, and through an imposing gate watched over by Garm, a fearsome wolf. This land mainly claims those departing the mortal world due to illness or old age, rather than through valorous battles.
Although the specifics regarding who else might find themselves in Hel are obscure, it is essential to note that this existence is not framed as one of punishment or suffering. Warriors venture to Odin’s Valhalla, while those who perish at sea are escorted by Ran, spouse of Aegir, and the societal mortals find solace in Fólkvangr under Freyja’s guidance.
Contrary to beliefs regarding a punitive nature, Hel treats souls hospitably. The arrival of the god Baldr in her domain illustrates this: his welcome was characterized by opulence, as their hall was adorned beautifully, signaling that death, though somber, did not equate to malevolence. However, once souls enter Hel, they are unable to depart from its confines, residing in a realm marked by cold, dampness, and obscurity.
Hel’s hall, Eljudnir, includes items aptly named reflecting the nature of her domain: her plate and knife symbolize ‘hunger’, while her servant and maid represent ‘slowness’ and ‘laziness’, respectively. The mention of these characteristics reinforces that although Hel is not an infernal tormentor, her land lacks comfort and warmth, creating a gloomy setting.
Notably, some souls who did not die from traditional ailments also find their resting place in Hel—most notably Baldr and his spouse, Nanna.
The Legend of Baldr
One of the most celebrated tales surrounding Baldr’s death elaborated in the Gylfaginning as well as the poem “Baldrs Draumar” from the Poetic Edda recalls Baldr plagued by ominous dreams, distressing the other gods who cherished him dearly. This account remains one of few where Hel figures importantly—and even here, she exerts minimal presence.
Perceived as Odin’s most beloved son, Baldr is portrayed radiantly, embodying wisdom and kindness. As his troubling dreams escalate, prompting Odin to consult a witch in Hel’s domain, he uncovers preparations suggesting Baldr’s anticipated entry. Interactions ultimately reveal that Baldr’s fate is entwined with a dark turn of events orchestrated by Loki.
The narrative unfolds as Frigg, Odin’s wife, strives to protect Baldr through enlisting a vow from all entities promising not to harm him. All obey this decree, and the gods delight in tossing objects at Baldr to see them harmlessly deflect from him. Observing this sport, Loki—ever craving chaos—disguises himself and dupes Frigg into revealing her oversight regarding mistletoe, the one object exempt from the promise.
Loki exploits this knowledge to provide mistletoe to Baldr’s blind brother, Hodr, instructing him to aim. Consequently, Baldr falls lifelessly as he is pierced by the mistletoe, invoking horror and mourning among the gods.
Hel’s Conditions for Baldr’s Resurrection
The devastation following Baldr’s death prompts Frigg to seek a volunteer to visit Hel, requesting the return of her son’s soul. Hermodr, Baldr’s brother, embarks on the solitary journey along Helvegr to plead with Hel. Upon arrival, he encounters Modgudr, Hel’s maid, who acknowledges his living essence and directs him to Hel.
Once in her presence, Hel agrees to return both Baldr and Nanna if every being in the Nine Realms mourns for him. Gifts are bestowed upon Hermodr, who manages to rally all entities save for a solitary giantess named Thokk, who brusquely denies the mourning. Fortuitously, this figure is suggested to be Loki in disguise, thwarting the possibility of Baldr’s return, thus leaving him and Nanna in Hel’s realm until the inevitable cataclysm that is Ragnarök.
Ragnarök: The Twilight of the Gods
Ragnarök signifies the climactic end of the current cosmic cycle, heralding an inevitable confrontation between the forces of order and chaos—a series of cataclysmic events foretold by the Norns, the personifications of fate. Following Baldr’s demise, Loki faces punishment, bound deep within the earth while great disruptions unfold across the realms.
The imprisonment of his children, like Fenrir and Jörmungandr, signifies the tragic fate inflicted upon them, seemingly unjust given their previous innocence. Soon, Fenrir escapes his bindings, and the tumult of Ragnarök commences with natural disasters like earthquakes, all stemming from Loki’s punishment.
Hel assumes a supporting role during this destruction, facilitating the assembly of the dead army alongside Loki, as chaos erupts, ultimately leading to widespread loss as deities like Odin, Thor, and Loki fall. Yet, amid devastation, order eventually asserts itself, leading to a rebirth of existence as the Nine Realms undergo transformation.
Conclusion
Hel plays an understated yet critical role throughout Norse mythology, reflective of the human experience with death—the silent force that shrouds existence. While she assists in orchestrating the final events of Ragnarök, it remains unclear whether she endures this chaos or meets her demise amidst the eruption unleashed by the Fire Giants.
Symbolically, Hel represents the undeniable and often overlooked nature of mortality, immuring her presence within the narratives, suggestive of death’s inherent ability to disrupt life unexpectedly. With her duality captured as both a youthful visage and a decaying form, Hel emerges as a compelling representation of life’s fleeting nature and the imperative to embrace every moment before the inevitable conclusion arises.
