helheim

Helheim is a realm in Norse mythology, typically described as the land of the dead. It is ruled by the goddess Hel, daughter of Loki. Unlike the warrior's Valhalla, Helheim is the destination for those who die of sickness, old age, or other non-battle-related causes. The description of Helheim varies across different sources, but it is often depicted as a cold, dark, and dreary place. Some texts suggest it is located beneath the earth, in the depths of the cosmos.

The entrance to Helheim is guarded by the fearsome dog Garmr, whose howls mark the arrival of new souls. The river Gjöll is said to flow through or around Helheim, with a bridge of the same name spanning it. The fate of souls in Helheim is generally one of stagnation and suffering, though the severity can differ depending on the source. It is not a place of punishment in the Abrahamic sense, but rather a gloomy existence for the majority of the deceased who do not meet a heroic end. Some sagas also mention distinct areas within Helheim, though these are not consistently detailed.