In the realm of Norse mythology, the entity known as Hel serves as the sovereign of the underworld. Individuals who pass away due to illness or old age, or those deemed cowardly and dishonorable by the divine assembly, find their resting place in her domain, referred to as Helheim. This notion held significant weight during the Viking Age, as it suggested that failing to die heroically in battle would lead one to Hel rather than the glorious afterlife.
Hel is classified as a jötunn and is the offspring of Loki, the trickster god, and Angrboda, a formidable giantess. She has siblings who include the notorious world serpent, Jörmungandr, and the fearsome Fenrir Wolf, yet they exist in their respective realms, disconnected from one another.
It is critical to clarify a common misunderstanding: Hel is not a goddess, a distinction often muddled by misconceptions. Neither the Edda texts, which serve as primary accounts of Norse lore, nor any other source references her as a goddess.
Unlike her father, Loki, who occupies a unique position as a half-jötunn and half-áss, Hel does not enjoy the same status and recognition among the gods.
Hel’s physical description is striking, depicted as half human in skin tone and half in a blue hue. Her character is characterized by a threatening demeanor, often viewed as harsh and cruel.
The term “Hel” traces its roots back to Old Norse, which correlates with the Old English word “Hell,” originating from the Indo-European term “Kel,” meaning “to hide” or “to cover.”
Hel’s fall from grace came at the hands of Odin, the chief deity of the Aesir, who cast her down from the celestial realms into the underworld’s depths. In this new realm, she established her sovereignty, reigning as the Queen of Helheim.
Helheim, also recognized simply as Hel, is encircled by a formidable fence, alongside which flows the river Élivágar at its entrance. The gates leading to her domain, termed Corpse-gates (Old Norse: Nágrindr), are situated within the Gnipa cave (Old Norse: Gnipahellir). Here, the dog known as Garmr, or Hellhound, can be heard howling whenever new souls arrive. According to Jackson Crawford’s rendition of the Poetic Edda, it’s posited that Garmr may also be identified with Fenrir due to shared descriptions of being bound.
Nearby, the dragon Nidhogg (Old Norse: Níðhöggr) gnaws at one of Yggdrasil’s roots and, upon hearing Garmr’s howls, arrives to drain the blood from the deceased inhabitants, rendering them pale.
Once the blood has been fully extracted, Hel finds it simpler to recruit them into her legion of the dead. This army is fated to set sail on Naglfar, a ship constructed from the nails of the deceased, as they head toward Vigrid—site of the ultimate confrontation, Ragnarök.
Within her grand hall, the decor reflects her ominous nature; objects bear names that conjure images of misfortune. For example, her dining table is labeled “hunger,” and her knives are dubbed “starvation.” Her sleeping quarters feature a bed named “sick-bed,” with curtains aptly called “misfortune.”
Hel makes a singular significant appearance in the tales of Norse mythology through the narrative of Baldur’s death. In this story, Hermód, the courageous figure, embarks on a perilous journey aboard Sleipnir to rescind Baldur from his fate. Upon reaching Gjöll, one of the eleven rivers of Élivágar, he encounters the Gjöll Bridge that leads to Helheim.
Initially, he is halted by Módgunn, a maiden who insists he clarify his intentions before she grants passage. Upon meeting Hel, she consents to return Baldur only if every being across the cosmos mourns for him.
Unfortunately, the only creature to resist shedding tears for Baldur is a giantess named Þökk, believed to be Loki disguising himself in yet another of his cunning tricks against the Aesir. Consequently, the failure of the Aesir to retrieve Baldur from death ensures that he remains in Helheim until Ragnarök.
Unlike the Christian interpretation of hell, which is steeped in punishment and torture, the pagan view of Hel diverges significantly. Baldur’s arrival in Hel was marked by a cordial reception, complete with sumptuous food and a warm welcome. In certain cases, such as Hermód’s, one might be allowed passage in and out without dire consequences, should they remain living.
The perception of Hel among the Viking Age populace remains largely obscured by the passage of time. Even accounts by Norse chronicler Snorri Sturluson are likely tinted by his own Christian values, further complicating our understanding of this enigmatic figure.
