ríkjajörð

Ríkjajörð is a term found in Old Norse mythology, often translated as "realm-earth" or "kingdom-earth." It refers to the earthly realm, the world of mortals, as distinct from other mythological realms such as Asgard (realm of the gods) or Jotunheim (realm of the giants). This concept is fundamental to understanding the Norse cosmology, which envisions a multi-layered universe inhabited by various beings.

In the sagas and Eddas, ríkjajörð is the place where human life unfolds, with its joys, sorrows, and struggles. It is depicted as a grounded and tangible reality, subject to the forces of nature and the decrees of fate. While distinct from the divine realms, ríkjajörð is not entirely separate; the actions and events within it can have consequences that ripple outwards and affect the other worlds. Mortals on ríkjajörð are aware of the gods and their influence, and religious practices often involve seeking favor or protection from these divine beings. The connection between ríkjajörð and the other realms is often mediated by figures like Odin, who traverses the different worlds. The concept of ríkjajörð highlights the Norse worldview's emphasis on the interconnectedness of all existence, even with a clear hierarchy of realms.