Norse Mythology - Cosmology

Cosmology

In Norse mythology, there are "nine worlds" (Níu Heimar in Old Norse), each joined to the other via the "World Tree" Yggdrasil. A list of these worlds can only be deduced from the limited sources given to us in the two eddas. A complete list of the nine worlds is never mentioned entirely in either of the eddas.

A summary list of the worlds, with an example reference to where they are mentioned, either in the older Poetic or younger Prose Edda. (in no particular order) -

• Ásgarðr, world of the Æsir. (Poetic and Prose)
• Vanaheimr, world of the Vanir. (Poetic and Prose)
• Álfheimr, world of the Álfar (Elves). (Poetic and Prose)
• Miðgarðr, world of humans. (Poetic and Prose)
• Jötunheimr, world of the Jötnar (Giants). (Poetic and Prose)
• Niðavellir, world of the Dvergar (Dwarfs). (Poetic) / Svartálfaheimr (Prose)
• Múspell, world of fire and the Fire Jötnar. (Poetic and Prose) / Múspellsheimr (Prose)
• Niflhel, world of ice and mist, into which the wicked dead are cast. (Poetic and Prose) / Niflheimr (Prose)
• Hel, world of the inglorious dead, located within Niflhel/Niflheimr and ruled over by the goddess of the underworld Hel. (Poetic and Prose)

Each world also had significant places within. Valhalla is Odin's hall located in Asgard. It was also home of the Einherjar, who were the souls of the greatest warriors - these warriors were selected by the Valkyries and would help defend the gods during Ragnarok.

These worlds are connected by Yggdrasil, the world tree, with Asgard at its top. Chewing at its roots in Niflheim is Nidhogg, a ferocious serpent or dragon. Asgard can be reached by Bifrost, a rainbow bridge guarded by Heimdall, a god who can see and hear for a hundred leagues.