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
Bifrost
The shimmering rainbow bridge connecting the Norse realms of Asgard and Midgard.
Fólkvangr
Norse goddess Freya’s domain, where half of all who died in battle spent the afterlife.
Ginnungagap
The “Yawning Void” existing between the elemental Norse realms of fire and ice.
Hlidskjalf
Odin’s majestic throne, offering a complete view of the nine Norse Realms
Nine Realms
The nine Norse worlds that rested on Yggdrasil, the world tree
Valhalla
“Hall of the Slain,” home of the Norse gods and resting place of fallen warriors.
Yggdrasil
The mighty ash tree that held up the Nine Realms in Norse mythology
The Nine Realms
Alfheim
One of the Nine Norse Realms, and the home of both light and dark elves
Asgard
One of the Nine Realms of Norse mythology, home of the Aesir gods
Hel (Realm)
The Norse underworld, ruled by the indifferent goddess of the same name.
Jotunheim
One of the Nine Norse Realms, home of the wild and chaotic jötunn
Midgard
The “middle enclosure” of the Nine Norse Realms, home of humanity
Muspelheim
One of the Nine Norse Realms, whose fires helped create the world
Nidavellir
One of Norse mythology’s most mysterious realms, home of the dwarves.
Niflheim
One of the Nine Norse Realms, home of elemental ice, cold, and mist
Vanaheim
One of the Nine Realms in Norse mythology, home of the Vanir gods