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Yggdrasil
The World Tree/Earth’s Axis. A giant Ash tree whose three main roots shelter the Underworld, humans and the Frost Giants [Hrimthursen]. The Frost Giants were formed when fiery clouds from Muspelheim condensed over the ice of Niflheim. The upper branches of Yggdrasil, near Odin’s hall, were called Laerath.
The tree was also called Mimamethr. Mimir was a god of the primeval ocean [son of Aegir, god of the deep seas, and grandson of Ymir, whose body was used to create Earth]. His Greek counterpart was Mimas, son of Ouranos [sky] and Gaea [Earth].
Mimir guarded the Well of Knowledge [Mimmisbrunnr], located in Asgard. Odin gave an eye in return for wisdom from it. The Irish called it the Well of Segais [or Connla’s Well], owned by the water god Nechtan. It was said to be under the sea in Tir-inna-nOg, home of the blessed in the far west.
The Realms [an A-Z]
Norse myth envisaged the Earth as a flat disc encircled by a mighty ocean. Like Okeanos in Greek legend.
Alfheimr/Elfhame
Poised between heaven and Earth. Here lived the good elves, hence its alternative name Liosalfheim [Light Elf Home]. Home of Freyr [Lord; aka Ing], god of Earth, Sun, rain, peace and fertility. Brother of Freya [Lady], goddess of beauty, love and magic.
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Asgard
Like the Greek Olympus, it was the realm of the gods. Hence its alternative name Godheim. It was located on a crag running up from the centre of Midgard. Fortified by a wall. And divided into 12 regions, each ruled by one of the Aesir [sky gods]. They were led by Odin [the All-Father], and included Freyr, Thor, Mimir, and Heimdall.
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Gladsheim [including Valhalla]
The region of happiness in Asgard, and site of Valhalla. Usually this was regarded as the hall of the valiant slain in the grove of Glaesvallir. This paradise was either made of amber, or had trees of red gold. It was surrounded by the River Thund.
The warriors were carried from the battlefield by the Valkyries [the handmaidens of Freyr]. It had a roof of golden shields, and walls of golden spears. And was where the gods met in council.
Alternatively Valhalla was a golden temple in Idavolr, a plain in Asgard. This Elysium was the playground of the gods. And destined to replace Asgard after its destruction in Ragnarok.
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Helheim/Niflheim
A bitterly cold realm of ice and mists in the north. In this realm, in one version, the deceased underwent a second death. It was ruled by Hel. And entered via the cave of Gnipahellir. This, like the Greek Hades, was guarded by a dog. The Norse hound was Garm. The alternative entrance was Hel-Gate [aka Valgrind or Helgrind]. The road to Niflheim was Hel-Veg.
Niflheimn had 12 rivers [the Elivagar]: Fimbul, Giall, Gunnthra, Hrith, Leiptur, Slid, Svail, Sylgil, Thult, Vith, and Yigr. These were fed from the spring of Hvergelmir. This was home to the serpent [or dragon] Nidahoggr. And guarded by the dwarf blacksmith Ivald [aka Vidfinner].
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Jotunheim
Home of the giants around the edge of the world.
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Midgard
Realm of humans in the middle of the world. It was linked to Asgard by the rainbow bridge Bifrost [tremble path]. The bridge was guarded by Heimdall who lived in a palace on it.
Coiled around Midgard was Iormungandr [the world serpent]. This was the monstrous offspring of a secret marriage between Loki and Angerbode, Odin threw it into the sea, where it grew to encircle the Earth.
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Muspelheim
Land of the Fire Giants in the far south. It was ruled by Surtr who wielded a flaming sword.
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Nidavellir
Realm of the dwarves.
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Svartalfheim
Underground home of the dark elves and dwarves.
Vanaheim
The Vanir [Earth gods] either lived here or in Asgard. They were led by Freyr and Freya.
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