Hel is the goddess of the underworld, which is also called Hel. She is routinely depicted with blue skin, and half-skeleton, half-human features.
Hel was the daughter of Loki and Angrböda, a giantess with whom Loki had an affair. Her siblings were Jörmungand the great serpent and Fenrir, the terrifying wolf. Odin and other high-ranking gods had heard terrifying prophecies about the three siblings and resolved to do something about it before they could cause too much trouble. They threw Jörmungand into the sea, they locked Fenrir in unbreakable chains, and Odin threw Hel into the realm of Helheim, or Hel for short. There, she was to make lodging and be responsible for the souls who died of sickness or old age, which he hoped would keep her busy.
When Loki tricked Hodr into launching the spear of mistletoe that killed Baldur, Baldur was ushered into Hel. Odin sent his son Hermod to beg Baldur’s return to the land of the living. Hel, having sensed she had the upper hand for once, agreed on one condition: that all the world weep for Baldur to prove that he was as loved as everyone said he was. Hermod returned the news to Odin, and indeed the world and everything in it did weep: except for one giantess, who was Loki in disguise. As a result, Hel kept Baldur hostage until Ragnarök.
Helheim was said to be beneath the roots of the Yggdrasil tree. The tree was said to hold the nine realms and Asgard, along with the Spring of Knowledge where Mimir resided.
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Parents
Loki and Angrböda
Notable Myths
- The birth of Loki’s children
- Death of Baldur
- Yggdrasil Tree
Symbols / Attributes
- blue skin
- half-skeleton and half-human features
Domain / Power
The Underworld (Hel, or Helheim)
How Tos about Hel: Norse Goddess
Engage students with a visual timeline of Hel’s mythological role
Help students visualize Hel’s journey by creating a timeline on the board or digitally. Include key events, gods, and places from Norse mythology that connect to Hel. This makes abstract concepts concrete and supports active learning.
Facilitate small group research projects about Hel’s family connections
Divide students into groups and assign each group a different figure related to Hel (like Loki, Fenrir, or Jörmungandr). Ask them to research the relationships and present findings with pictures and short facts to the class, building collaborative skills.
Incorporate creative drawing activities to illustrate Hel’s world
Invite students to draw scenes depicting Hel and her realm, Niflheim. Encourage use of colors and symbolism from Norse legends. Display the artwork to foster visual learning and classroom engagement.
Lead a classroom discussion on the symbolism of Hel in Norse mythology
Start a guided discussion exploring what Hel represents in Norse beliefs. Prompt students to share ideas about life, death, and the afterlife, connecting myths to broader themes. This deepens critical thinking and cultural understanding.
Connect Hel’s story to modern culture with a compare-and-contrast activity
Encourage students to find modern references to Hel in books, movies, or games. Have them compare these depictions with the ancient Norse version. This activity builds media literacy and reinforces the relevance of mythology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hel: Norse Goddess
What is Hel in Norse mythology?
Hel is the Norse goddess who rules over the realm of the dead, also called Hel. She governs those who die of illness or old age, rather than in battle.
Where is Hel's realm located in Norse legends?
The realm of Hel is believed to be underground and is one of the nine worlds in Norse mythology. It is a cold, misty place where souls go after death if they did not die heroically.
Who are Hel's parents in Norse stories?
Hel is the daughter of Loki, the trickster god, and the giantess Angrboda. She has two siblings: Fenrir the wolf and Jormungandr the serpent.
What is the difference between Hel and Valhalla?
Hel is the realm for those who die of natural causes, while Valhalla is reserved for warriors who die in battle. Valhalla is seen as honorable, whereas Hel is neutral or sometimes viewed negatively.
Why is Hel important in Norse mythology lessons?
Learning about Hel helps students understand Norse beliefs about death, the afterlife, and how morality and bravery shaped their legends and culture.
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