Norse Cosmology
Norse cosmology focuses on how the Norse people perceived the cosmos and their place in it. It includes their creation myths, the nine realms of the universe, and their perception of the inevitable end of both humanity and the gods in the form of Ragnarok.
List of Norse Cosmological Concepts
Yggdrasil
The mighty ash tree that held up the Nine Realms in Norse mythology
Yggdrasil was the mythical ash tree that supported the Nine Realms of Norse mythology, giving structure to the cosmos. It was the source of ultimate wisdom, where the god Odin sacrificed mightily to gain knowledge and power.
ViewNine Realms
The nine Norse worlds that rested on Yggdrasil, the world tree
The Nine Realms, or worlds, were the geographical building blocks of Norse cosmology. Each realm was located on Yggdrasil, the world tree, and only the most intrepid gods and mortals could travel between them.
ViewValhalla
“Hall of the Slain,” home of the Norse gods and resting place of fallen warriors.
Valhalla was the magnificent home of the gods, where those warriors claimed by the Valkyries were brought to drink, feast, and fight in the afterlife. When Ragnarök came, those warriors would do battle against the jötnar.
ViewGinnungagap
The “Yawning Void” existing between the elemental Norse realms of fire and ice.
Ginnungagap, in Norse cosmology, was the empty space that existed between the fires of Muspelheim and the ice of Niflheim. The gods used the body of the tyrannical giant Ymir to create new realms within the massive void.
ViewHlidskjalf
Odin’s majestic throne, offering a complete view of the nine Norse Realms
Hlidskjalf was the magical throne of the Norse god Odin, offering its occupant a vantage into every part of the Nine Realms. Often joined there by his wife Frigg, they could see whatever they wished from this lofty pinnacle.
ViewBifrost
The shimmering rainbow bridge connecting the Norse realms of Asgard and Midgard.
Bifrost was the shimmering rainbow bridge that connected the Norse realms Asgard and Midgard. Guarded by the god Heimdall, whose eyes never closed, it was fated to fall after the jötnar’s invasion during Ragnarok.
ViewFólkvangr
Norse goddess Freya’s domain, where half of all who died in battle spent the afterlife.
Folkvangr, domain of the Norse goddess Freya, was a meadow where half of all who died in battle spent the afterlife. She dwelled in Sessrumnir, a hall built in the shape of a ship, mimicking actual Norse burial customs.
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The Nine Realms
Hel (Realm)
The Norse underworld, ruled by the indifferent goddess of the same name.
Hel was the lowest of the Nine Realms in Norse mythology, resting place of the vast majority of the dead. Ruled by the cold and uncaring goddess Hel, when Ragnarök came, she would unleash the dead upon the living.
ViewJotunheim
One of the Nine Norse Realms, home of the wild and chaotic jötunn
Jotunheim was the Norse realm where the jötnar, non-human and non-divine creatures like giants and trolls, lived. It was a place of lawlessness and destruction, and the chaotic jötnar and order-loving gods fought constantly.
ViewMuspelheim
One of the Nine Norse Realms, whose fires helped create the world
Muspelheim was the Norse realm of fire and heat, whose elemental blaze melted the ice of Niflheim and created Ymir, the first giant. It would play a role in Ragnarök as well, consuming all creation in its flames.
ViewNidavellir
One of Norse mythology’s most mysterious realms, home of the dwarves.
Nidavellir was one of the Nine Realms and home to the greatest craftsmen in Norse mythology. Consisting of underground mines and workshops, the dwarves living there forged magnificent creations for the gods.
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