upphaflegan

Upphaflegan is a concept in Old Norse cosmology, referring to the birth or origin of the world. It describes the emergence of the universe from the primordial void, and the subsequent creation of the world as it is known. According to Norse mythology, Upphaflegan is the act of creation that brought the world into being, following the void known as Ginnungagap.

The concept of Upphaflegan is closely tied to the myth of the creation, which describes the emergence of the first being, Búri, from the primordial ice known as Niflheim. Búri's union with the giantess Bestla resulted in the birth of the god Borr, who married and had three sons: Odin, Vili, and Ve. Together, the brothers are credited with creating the world as it is known, including the land, sea, and sky.

The myth of Upphaflegan is recorded in several Old Norse sources, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. According to these texts, the creation of the world was a complex and multi-stage process, involving the emergence of the first beings, the creation of the land and sea, and the separation of the heavens and earth.

The concept of Upphaflegan is significant not only for its role in Norse mythology, but also for its influence on later European cultures. The idea of a primordial void and the emergence of the world from it can be seen in the creation myths of other cultures, including Christianity and other pagan traditions. As a concept, Upphaflegan remains an important part of the cultural heritage of the Norse people.