The Messed Up Origins™ of Hela, Goddess of Death | Norse Mythology Explained - Jon Solo
Jon Solo・2 minutes read
Hel, the Norse deity of the afterlife, is distinct from the Marvel character Hela and rules over the souls of the dead who don't go to Valhalla in her mansion, Elijudner, with unique servants and symbols. The journey to Helheim is perilous, involving a cold path through Niflheim, and Hel's realm is depicted as a place where the dead are not punished, contrasting with Valhalla, with various goddesses overseeing different realms for those who die under specific circumstances.
Insights
- Hel, the Norse deity of the afterlife, differs significantly from the Marvel character Hela, portrayed inaccurately in movies, with Hel being Loki's daughter, not sister, and responsible for ruling over the souls of the dead who don't enter Valhalla.
- Norse mythology's depiction of Helheim as a realm where the dead are not punished, contrasting with Valhalla, and the journey to Hel's mansion is shrouded in mystery and danger, showcasing a complex and nuanced view of the afterlife in Norse beliefs.
Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free
Recent questions
Who is Hel in Norse mythology?
Hel is the Norse deity of the afterlife, ruling over the souls of the dead who do not go to Valhalla.
Related videos
Storied
Valkyries: The Real Story Behind These Warriors of Legend | Fate & Fabled
Jon Solo
The Messed Up Origins™ of Heimdall, Guardian of the Gods | Norse Mythology Explained - Jon Solo
Jon Solo
The Messed Up Origins™ of Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo
TED-Ed
The myth of Loki and the deadly mistletoe - Iseult Gillespie
Fortress of Lugh
What are Elves?
Summary
00:00
Hel: Norse Deity of Afterlife and Realm
- The episode is sponsored by Magic Spoon cereal, a healthy alternative to traditional cereals with 0 grams of sugar, 14 grams of protein, and only 4 net grams of carbs.
- Hel, the Norse deity of the afterlife, is distinct from the Marvel character Hela, portrayed inaccurately in the movies.
- Hel is Loki's daughter, not sister, and is responsible for ruling over the souls of the dead who don't go to Valhalla.
- Hel resides in a mansion called Elijudner with servants named Ganglate and Ganglot, and her kingdom includes a table named Famine and a bed called Care or Sick Bed.
- Norse mythology presents conflicting views on Hel's realm, with Snorri Sturluson's "Prose Edda" blending Norse beliefs with Christian influences.
- The journey to Helheim involves traveling the Road to Hell, a cold and perilous path through valleys in Niflheim, the realm of ice.
- Hermod, on a mission to retrieve Baldur from Helheim, crosses the Gjöll bridge guarded by Móðguðr, a female entity, suggesting a challenging journey.
- The concept of Helheim as a place for the dead is intertwined with various goddesses overseeing different realms for those who die under specific circumstances.
- The nine realms beneath Helheim, mentioned in the "Poetic Edda," remain ambiguous, with interpretations varying among scholars and experts.
- Helheim is depicted as a realm where the dead are not punished, contrasting with Valhalla, and the journey to Hel's mansion is shrouded in mystery and danger.
10:59
"Baldur's Journey to Helheim and Ragnarök"
- Hermod rides Sleipnir to Helheim to find Baldur, who is having a good time in the house of the dead.
- Hel had prepared a celebration for Baldur, treating him well and providing food and drink.
- Hermod stays and parties with Baldur all night, indicating Helheim isn't necessarily a bad place.
- Hel agrees to let Baldur go back to Asgard if everything on Earth cries for him, but a giantess named Thokk refuses, keeping Baldur in Helheim.
- In Norse myth, Baldur's death triggers Fimbulwinter, leading to Ragnarök, where warriors will fight for Odin and against him, with Hela playing a different role in the myth compared to the Marvel cinematic universe.
