Hel

Definition

Hel is the Norse goddess of the underworld and the ruler of the realm of the same name, where those who did not die a heroic or honorable death would go after their demise. This domain represents a significant aspect of Norse afterlife beliefs, contrasting with Valhalla, which is reserved for warriors who die bravely in battle. Hel's figure and her realm embody the duality of life and death, showcasing how different fates awaited individuals based on their actions in life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hel is often depicted as having a dual nature: half of her body is beautiful while the other half is decayed or skeletal, symbolizing her connection to both life and death.
2. The realm of Hel is described as a cold and dark place where souls are destined to linger if they did not earn a place in Valhalla or another honorable afterlife.
3. Unlike Valhalla, which celebrates glory in battle, Hel's domain caters to those who lived ordinary lives or met unfortunate ends.
4. Hel is the daughter of Loki, the trickster god, which adds complexity to her character and signifies a blend of order and chaos in Norse beliefs about death.
5. In Norse mythology, Hel's presence emphasizes the belief that honor in life determined one's fate after death, establishing a moral framework within Viking culture.

Review Questions

• How does Hel's role in Norse mythology contrast with that of Valhalla?
  • Hel's role as the ruler of the underworld represents a stark contrast to Valhalla, which is for those who die heroically. While Valhalla serves as a reward for warriors who fought bravely in battle, Hel's domain is where souls of those who lived unremarkable or dishonorable lives are sent. This distinction highlights Norse beliefs about honor and valor being crucial for a favorable afterlife.
• Discuss the significance of Hel's dual nature and what it reveals about Norse perceptions of death and the afterlife.
  • Hel's dual nature—beautiful on one side and decayed on the other—reflects Norse perceptions that death is not just an end but also part of life's cycle. This symbolism suggests that all individuals have aspects of both vitality and decay within them. The duality encapsulates the complex feelings Vikings had towards death: it was feared yet respected, illustrating that life choices directly influenced what awaited individuals after death.
• Evaluate the impact of Hel's character and her realm on Viking cultural practices regarding funerals and burial rites.
  • Hel's character and realm profoundly influenced Viking funeral customs by emphasizing the importance of dying honorably. Since Hel accepted souls based on their life choices, funerals were often elaborate ceremonies intended to ensure proper passage into a favorable afterlife. Burial rites frequently included grave goods to aid the deceased in their journey, reflecting the belief that how one lived ultimately dictated their fate after death, thereby reinforcing societal values around honor and bravery.

Related terms

Valhalla: The hall of the slain warriors in Norse mythology, where those who died bravely in battle are welcomed to feast and prepare for Ragnarok.

Niflheim: One of the nine worlds in Norse cosmology, often associated with cold, mist, and darkness, where Hel's realm is located.

Ragnarok: The series of events in Norse mythology including a great battle that leads to the death of many gods and the eventual rebirth of the world.