What Do Legends Say About The Norse God Hel?

The Norse mythological cosmos is teeming with enigmatic figures, monstrous beings, and powerful deities, each carrying a rich tapestry of tales. Yet, one character’s enigma often eclipses the rest – the goddess Hel. The female goddess of death, ruler of the underworld, and one-half human and one-half corpse, Hel holds a unique position in the Norse pantheon.

The legends surrounding Hel are intriguing, painting a complex picture of a character that embodies darkness, death, and, perhaps, fairness. This article delves into the legends about the Norse god Hel, exploring what they reveal about her roles, character, and significance in Norse mythology.

Origins of Hel: Daughter of Loki

Born to Loki, the trickster god, and Angrboda, a giantess from Jotunheim, Hel is part of a sinister trio that includes Jormungand, the Midgard serpent, and Fenrir, the gigantic wolf. The deities in Norse mythology, also known as Aesir, feared the siblings for the foretold destruction they would bring to the gods during Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse.

Hel’s dual nature, as depicted in the Poetic Edda, aligns her with both life and death. This unusual form, with one side resembling a living woman and the other appearing as a decaying corpse, might symbolize her position as the boundary between life and death.

Hel: The Ruler of the Underworld

When Odin, the All-Father, discovered Loki’s progeny, he dispatched them across the cosmos to contain their potential threat. Hel received the rulership over the vast realm of the dead, named after her. In some legends, she is seen as a cold and stern overseer, indifferent to the affairs of the living. Yet, in others, she is a fair distributor of punishments and rewards to the souls in her realm, maintaining a balance between the deserving and the undeserving.

Hel’s domain is often described as a dreary and depressing place, a stark contrast to the glorious halls of Valhalla where heroes and fallen warriors reveled. The fortress of Hel, named Eljudnir, was where she passed judgment on the dead. Those who died from old age, sickness, or in any non-heroic manner found themselves in Hel’s realm.

Is Hel and Hela Norse Mythology the Same? 

Yes, “Hel” and “Hela” refer to the same deity in Norse mythology, the goddess of death and the underworld. Still, the distinction between the two largely stems from modern pop-culture adaptations. The traditional Norse mythology describes Hel, while the contemporary Marvel Comics and the subsequent Marvel Cinematic Universe have popularized the name “Hela.

In the ancient sagas and Eddas, Hel is a complex figure ruling over the realm of the same name. She is often depicted as half-living, half-corpse, embodying the dichotomy of life and death. She manages her realm with a sense of fairness, providing an afterlife for those who didn’t die in battle.

On the other hand, “Hela,” in Marvel’s interpretation, is portrayed as an outright villain, the ruthless Goddess of Death, and a nemesis to Thor. This characterization, while captivating, is a significant departure from the more nuanced image of Hel in Norse mythology.

In essence, while Hel and Hela originate from the exact mythological figure, the contexts of traditional Norse mythology and modern pop culture have shaped them into distinct versions of the death goddess.

Is Hela Dark Goddess?

Hela, or Hel, is often described as a dark goddess in Norse mythology, but this description requires a nuanced understanding. The term “dark” refers not only to her domain. This underworld is often associated with darkness but also with her rule over death, a concept typically considered dark and mysterious.

As the goddess of death, Hel’s primary responsibility involves overseeing the realm of the dead, receiving those who did not die in battle. Her appearance, described as half-living, half-corpse, further enhances her association with darkness and death.

However, it’s important to remember that Hel’s rule is not marked by malice or evil. Rather, she is known for her fairness in distributing rewards and punishments to the souls in her realm. In this sense, she maintains a balance in the afterlife, ensuring every soul gets what it deserves based on its deeds in life.

So, while Hel is considered a dark goddess due to her association with death and the underworld, this darkness carries a sense of necessity, fairness, and balance rather than sheer negativity or evil. This depiction reflects the Norse understanding of death as an integral part of life’s cycle. 

The Goddess of Death: A Symbol of Fear and Respect

So, what is Hel, the goddess of? In the Norse worldview, Hel was primarily the goddess of death. She was in charge of the nine worlds’ non-heroic dead, a responsibility that often associated her with coldness, darkness, and decay. But despite the fear she incited, Hel was also respected, for death was a universal reality everyone had to face.

Her power was such that even the gods themselves were not immune to it. The best example of this comes from the story of Baldr, the beloved god of light and purity. Upon his death, his mother, Frigg, undertook a quest to rescue him from Hel. However, Hel agreed to release Baldr only if everything in the world wept for him. When everything but one creature did, Hel maintained her decision, demonstrating her authority even over other gods.

What Are Hel’s Powers?

Hel, the goddess of the underworld in Norse mythology, possesses significant powers that allow her to govern her domain effectively. Being the ruler of the realm of the dead, her primary power is her dominion over death. This power is not just about inducing death but also about controlling what happens after death.

Within her realm, she holds sway over the souls of those who didn’t die heroic or battle-related deaths. She can judge these souls, distributing them into various areas of her realm based on their deeds in life. This power reveals her as a deity of justice and balance, ensuring every soul gets what it deserves.

Furthermore, Hel’s authority extends to the point where she can withhold souls from leaving her realm. This power is evident in the myth of Baldr, where she only agrees to release the beloved god if all things in the world weep for him.

It’s also believed that Hel will demonstrate her power on a cosmic scale during Ragnarok, leading an army of the dead against the gods. These are the main powers attributed to Hel, painting her as a potent figure in Norse mythology.

What Is the Weakness of Hel?

Like most figures in Norse mythology, Hel, the goddess of death and the underworld, is a complex character with her strengths and limitations. Although she holds significant power within her realm, she also exhibits certain constraints or weaknesses that reveal her place within the Norse pantheon’s hierarchy.

One notable limitation is Hel’s confinement to her realm. Given by Odin as a response to the prophecy predicting the role of Loki’s offspring in Ragnarok, this banishment is as much a containment strategy as it is a delegation of power. This suggests a certain level of subservience to Odin, despite her authority in the underworld.

Also, while she rules the realm of the dead, her power doesn’t extend to those who die in battle, who are taken by Odin and Freya to Valhalla and Folkvangr, respectively. This limitation denotes a restricted jurisdiction over the souls of the deceased.

Finally, Hel’s association with death, decay, and the underworld inherently positions her as a figure inspiring fear and avoidance, which could be perceived as a social weakness. Still, it’s important to remember that these “weaknesses” are not indicative of frailty but are rather intrinsic aspects of her role within the complex web of Norse mythology.

What Is Hel’s Symbol?

In Norse mythology, Hel, the goddess of death and the underworld, is associated with several symbols, each highlighting a different aspect of her character and domain.

Perhaps the most iconic symbol associated with Hel is her half-alive, half-dead appearance. This stark duality serves as a potent symbol of her dominion over the threshold between life and death. Her face and body are described as split, one side a living woman, the other a decaying corpse. This visual representation emphasizes her role as the bridge between the world of the living and the realm of the dead.

Another symbol tied to Hel is her realm itself, also named Hel. It is often depicted as a cold, dark, and dreary place, underscoring her association with death, decay, and the end of life’s journey. The depiction of Hel’s hall, Eljudnir, and her dish, Hunger, further add to the grim symbolism surrounding her.

Finally, Hel’s ship, Naglfar, the “nail ship” made from the fingernails and toenails of the dead, is a potent symbol associated with her role in Ragnarok. It signifies her power to summon and lead an army of the dead during the apocalypse, highlighting her influence and authority within the Norse pantheon.

These symbols together weave a rich tapestry around Hel, emphasizing her dominion over death and her role as a pivotal figure in Norse cosmology.

What Animal Is Associated with Hel?

In Norse mythology, certain deities are often associated with particular animals, representing their attributes or powers. Yet, there’s no specific animal directly linked to Hel, the goddess of death and the underworld, in the surviving Norse texts or archaeological evidence. Unlike Odin with his ravens or Thor with his goats, Hel does not have a traditional animal emblem.

Some scholars have suggested symbolic associations between Hel and certain animals based on broader cultural contexts. For example, in many cultures worldwide, carrion-eating animals such as ravens and wolves are often linked with death and the underworld due to their scavenging habits. Given Hel’s dominion over death, it’s plausible to draw symbolic connections between her and these creatures.

Another creature indirectly related to Hel is the dog or wolf Garmr, a monstrous hound that guards the entrance to her realm. While not a personal animal of Hel’s, the presence of Garmr contributes to the overall atmosphere of her underworld realm, adding another layer of symbolism to her mythos.

Nevertheless, it’s important to mention that these associations are speculative and are not explicitly stated in the primary sources of Norse mythology. In these sources, Hel’s primary symbol remains her half-living, half-dead appearance, reflecting her role as the goddess of the boundary between life and death.

What Is the Relationship between Hel and Odin?

The relationship between Hel and Odin, two significant figures in Norse mythology, is marked by mutual wariness and a power dynamic. Their initial interaction occurs when Odin, the chief of the Aesir gods, becomes aware of the prophecy regarding Loki’s monstrous children, including Hel, who is foretold to be instrumental in the gods’ downfall during Ragnarok.

To prevent this prophecy from coming true, Odin decides to deal with each of Loki’s offspring in a manner he deems suitable. He throws Jormungand into the sea, binds Fenrir with magical chains, and banishes Hel to the underworld. Here, Odin bestows upon Hel authority over the realm of the dead, thus transforming her into the goddess of death.

The appointment, however, is less of a gift and more of a containment strategy, a way to limit the potential threat Hel poses. It demonstrates Odin’s tactical shrewdness and foresight in potentially explosive situations.

The relationship doesn’t change much afterward. They are far from allies and are destined to confront each other during Ragnarok, where Hel is prophesied to lead an army of the dead against the gods.

In summary, the relationship between Hel and Odin is complex, woven with threads of power, prophecy, strategy, and an inevitable clash of cosmic proportions.

The Role of Hel in Ragnarok

In the grand narrative of Norse mythology, Hel plays a significant part in the prophesied end of the world, Ragnarok. As Loki’s daughter, she is on the side of the giants and monsters against the Aesir gods.

During Ragnarok, Hel is said to lead an army of her dead against the gods, contributing to the ultimate destruction of the cosmos. After the old world is destroyed, a new one is believed to rise from its ashes, devoid of any influence from Hel or the other ancient gods.

Why Is Hel Important to Norse Mythology?

Hel, the goddess of death and the underworld, holds an indispensable place in Norse mythology due to her distinct role, unique power, and the lessons her character conveys.

Firstly, Hel is the only deity in Norse mythology to preside over the realm of the dead, making her role unique and pivotal. Her realm provides an afterlife for those who did not die in battle, a significant portion of the population. She is responsible for maintaining the balance in her realm, ensuring the fair distribution of punishments and rewards based on deeds in life.

Secondly, Hel’s power extends beyond the realm of death. She has the authority to keep souls from leaving her realm, as seen in the tale of Baldr, reinforcing her significant influence within the pantheon. Furthermore, in the prophecy of Ragnarok, Hel is predicted to lead an army of the dead against the gods, showing her critical involvement in the cosmic cycle of destruction and renewal.

Lastly, Hel’s character represents the Norse understanding and acceptance of death as an integral part of life’s cycle. Rather than viewing death solely with fear, the Norse saw it as a transition to another form of existence. In this sense, Hel personifies a crucial aspect of the Norse worldview.

Thus, through her unique role, power, and symbolism, Hel adds complexity and depth to Norse mythology, making her an essential character in the pantheon.

The Contemporary Interpretation of Hel: From Hela to the Female Goddess of Death

In contemporary pop culture, Hel’s image has been significantly influenced by Marvel Comics, where she is known as Hela, the Goddess of Death. While these depictions often take artistic liberties, they underscore her undeniable power and status within Norse mythology.

On the other hand, it’s essential to separate the artistic interpretation from the actual mythology. The Hel of Norse mythology is far more nuanced than her comic book counterpart, showcasing the complexity of the Norse perspective on death and the afterlife. She is not merely a villain but a goddess performing her duties, overseeing the cycle of life and death.

Conclusion

Understanding Hel, the female goddess of death in Norse mythology, requires carefully studying her legends’ complex, often contradictory, strands. As the ruler of the underworld, she was seen with fear and respect, a reminder of the inevitable reality of death. Yet, she also embodies fairness, ensuring balance in her realm.

The tales of Hel offer a window into the Norse understanding of death and the afterlife, a facet of their worldview that carries as much fascination as it does mystery. They see death not as an end but as a transitional phase, a journey from one form of existence to another, a philosophy beautifully embodied in the figure of Hel, the goddess of the underworld.