Hel
Loki’s daughter, ruler of the realm sharing her name, who sets the all-things-weeping condition for Baldr’s return.
Overview
In the Baldr episode Hel is not only a place-name but a ruler with decision power. Chapter 49 has Hel receive the dead Baldr and set Hermod a clear yet fragile condition: if all things weep, Baldr may return; if anything refuses, he remains with Hel.
Relationships
- Lokifather of
Gylfaginning 34 lists Hel among the children of Loki and Angrboda.
- Angrbodamother of
Chapter 34 says Angrboda bears Hel with Loki.
- Odinsets over the dead
Odin casts Hel into Niflheim and sets her over those who die of sickness or old age.
- Realm of Helrules
Odin sets Hel to rule over the dead in her dwelling.
- Baldrsets return condition
Hel says Baldr may return to the gods only if all things weep for him.
- Alvisincludes names from Hel
Across several answers, Alvis places names from Hel beside the speech of other groups.
Story appearances
- Baldr's Death and Loki's PunishmentRuler who sets the return condition
Hel sets the all-things-weeping condition that determines whether Baldr can return.
- Alvissmol: Suit, Questions, and DaybreakFigure or scene marker in Alvissmol
Loki’s daughter, ruler of the realm sharing her name, who sets the all-things-weeping condition for Baldr’s return.
- Baldrs Draumar: Odin Seeks an Answer in the UnderworldFigure, place, event, or creature in Baldrs Draumar
Loki’s daughter, ruler of the realm sharing her name, who sets the all-things-weeping condition for Baldr’s return.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.
- Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Hel sets the all-things-weeping condition, messengers seek the response, and Thokk refuses to weep
- Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Baldrs Draumar, Stanzas 1–5: the gods consider Baldr’s dreams; Odin rides Sleipnir to Niflhel and works magic at a seeress’s grave.
- Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Baldr’s funeral, Nanna’s death, Thor hallowing the pyre, Draupnir laid on it, and Hermod’s ride