Niflheim
The cold depth before creation, linked to Hvergelmir and one root of Yggdrasil.
Overview
Niflheim first appears in Gylfaginning as the cold world before creation, with Hvergelmir within it. When the structure of Yggdrasil is explained, one root reaches toward Niflheim and Nidhogg gnaws below. It therefore belongs both to beginnings and depths, not simply to an afterlife destination.
Key facts
The place of Hvergelmir
Chapter 4 places Hvergelmir within Niflheim and lets cold rivers flow from it.
One root of Yggdrasil reaches here
Chapter 15 says one root of Yggdrasil reaches toward Niflheim, with Hvergelmir beneath it.
Relationships
- Odincasts Hel into
Chapter 34 says Odin casts Hel into Niflheim.
- Ginnungagapcold side of the gap
Gylfaginning 4 places Niflheim on the cold side of the before-world setting.
- Yggdrasilroot reaches Niflheim
One root of Yggdrasil reaches Niflheim, with Hvergelmir beneath it.
Story appearances
- Yggdrasil and the WorldsCold depth
Niflheim first supplies cold and spring-depth, then becomes the depth reached by one root of Yggdrasil.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.