Hel
Goddess of Death, Underworld, and Decay
Category: Jötunn (giantess), sometimes considered a demi-goddess
Place of Origin: Scandinavia
Origin Date: Pre-Christian Scandinavia
Domain: Death, the afterlife, decay
Symbols: Serpent, dragon, underworld, decay
Attributes: Ruler of the underworld, death, decay
Epithets: None specifically recorded
Equivalents: There are no direct equivalents of Hel in other mythologies, but she shares similarities with underworld deities such as Hades in Greek mythology and Pluto in Roman mythology.
Religion: Norse mythology, which is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples.
Sacred Texts: Hel is mentioned in the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, and various Norse sagas and texts.
Iconography: Hel is typically depicted as a figure with a half-blue, half-flesh-colored body, often shown with a mournful expression. She is sometimes associated with serpents and dragons.
Religion: Norse mythology, which is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples.
Description
Hel is a female being in Norse mythology who presides over the underworld realm of the same name, Helheim. She is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. Hel is often depicted as half blue and half flesh-colored, with a gloomy and downcast appearance. Her realm, Helheim, is described as a dark and dreary place where she receives those who die of old age or illness. Hel is associated with death, decay, and the afterlife.
Narratives
The Birth of Hel:
Hel is the daughter of Loki, the trickster god, and the giantess Angrboda. She is one of three monstrous offspring, along with the wolf Fenrir and the serpent Jormungandr. Odin, the chief of the gods, cast Hel into the underworld, where she rules over the dead who do not die in battle.
Hel's Realm:
Hel's realm, also called Hel, is located in Niflheim, one of the nine worlds in Norse mythology. It is a cold and dark place where the souls of those who die of illness or old age reside. Hel's hall is called Eljudnir, and her dish is called Hunger. Her servants are Ganglati and Ganglot, who move slowly.
The Death of Balder:
When Balder, the beloved god, is killed, his soul is sent to Hel's realm. Hermod, Balder's brother, rides to Hel to plead for Balder's release. Hel agrees to release Balder if all things in the world weep for him. Despite the gods' efforts, one giantess (Loki in disguise) refuses to weep, and Balder remains in Hel's realm.
Ragnarok:
During Ragnarok, the end of the world in Norse mythology, Hel will play a significant role. She will lead an army of the dead to fight against the gods. This battle will result in the death of many gods and the destruction of the world, followed by its rebirth.
Worship Beliefs and Practices of Hel
Hel is a significant figure in Norse mythology, known as the ruler of the underworld realm of the same name. She is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda.
Core Beliefs
Goddess of the Underworld: Hel presides over Helheim, the realm where many of the dead dwell. This underworld is not a place of eternal torment but rather a continuation of life in a different form. Hel receives those who die of illness or old age, as opposed to those who die in battle, who go to Valhalla or Fólkvangr.
Appearance and Nature: Hel is often described as having a half-blue, half-flesh-colored appearance, symbolizing her connection to both life and death. She is depicted as a grim and fierce figure, ruling over her realm with authority.
Role in Mythology: Hel plays a key role in the myth of the death of Baldr, the beloved god. When Baldr is killed, the gods send an emissary to Hel to plead for his return. Hel agrees to release Baldr only if every living thing weeps for him. When one being refuses to weep, Baldr remains in Helheim.
Attributes and Significance
Depictions: Hel is often depicted with a grim and fierce expression, reflecting her role as the ruler of the underworld. Her half-blue, half-flesh-colored appearance symbolizes her connection to both life and death.
Symbols: Common symbols associated with Hel include the underworld, death, and the afterlife. These symbols are used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke her presence and acknowledge her authority.
Cultural Hero: The stories and depictions of Hel are passed down through generations, maintaining their significance in Norse culture and mythology. She embodies the balance between life and death and the continuation of existence beyond the mortal realm.
Practices of Worship
Rituals and Ceremonies: There is limited evidence of specific worship practices dedicated to Hel. However, her presence is acknowledged in various Norse sagas and poems, indicating her significance in the mythology. Rituals may include offerings and prayers to seek her favor and protection.
Sacred Sites: Temples and shrines dedicated to Hel are rare, as she is not traditionally worshipped as a deity. However, places associated with her stories and exploits may hold cultural significance.
Offerings: Offerings to Hel typically include items related to death and the afterlife, such as representations of the underworld. These offerings symbolize respect and the desire to understand her complex nature.
Festivals and Traditions
Storytelling Festivals: Festivals dedicated to storytelling often feature tales of Hel's exploits. These gatherings include performances, chants, and activities that celebrate her role in Norse mythology.
Cultural Celebrations: Hel's story may be included in cultural celebrations and festivals that honor Norse heritage and traditions. These gatherings often include music, dance, and storytelling.
Prayers: Devotees may invoke Hel's name in prayers for protection and understanding of the afterlife. Traditional prayers often reference her role as the ruler of the underworld and a symbol of the continuation of life beyond death.
Hel's role as the ruler of the underworld embodies the core values and beliefs of Norse mythology, emphasizing the importance of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all life.