Hel

Hel

goddess of the dead and ruler of Helheim

Hel is a goddess in Norse mythology associated with the realm of the dead. She is the ruler of Helheim, the underworld where the souls of the dead go after they pass away.

In Norse mythology, Hel is described as a fearsome figure, with half of her body appearing alive and beautiful, while the other half is decaying and dead. She is said to be the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda.

Hel is known for her role in judging the souls of the dead and determining their fates in the afterlife. Those who die in battle and are deemed worthy by the god Odin are taken to Valhalla, while those who die of old age or illness are sent to Helheim to dwell in a joyless existence.

Despite her fearsome reputation, Hel was not regarded as an evil goddess, but rather as a necessary aspect of the natural order. Her mythology and cultural legacy have had a lasting impact on Norse society and beyond, with her name being used for various places and things throughout history, and she continues to be a popular figure in modern portrayals of Norse mythology.