Hel - The Queen of the Underworld and Master of the Afterlife

If you’re a fan of mythology with a dash of darkness, then buckle up because today’s Deity Studies spotlight is on Hel, the Norse goddess of the underworld. She’s not exactly the kind of deity you’d invite to a sunny afternoon picnic, but she’s definitely someone you’d want on your side when it comes to navigating the mysterious realms of life and death. So, grab your favorite horned helmet, and let’s dive into the myths, origins, and modern-day worship of Hel, the queen of the afterlife.

Who Is Hel, and Why Should You Care?

Let’s start with the basics. Hel is the daughter of the trickster god Loki (yes, that Loki) and the giantess Angrboda. This lineage alone should tell you that Hel isn’t your average goddess. According to Norse mythology, she was appointed by Odin himself to rule over Helheim (also known simply as Hel), the realm of the dead. But don’t let the similar names confuse you—Hel is both a place and a person, a double whammy in the world of the divine.

Helheim is where those who didn’t die gloriously in battle—think of the old, the sick, and the unlucky—would go. It’s a cold, misty, and dreary place, but don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Hel presides over this realm with a mix of sternness and fairness, making sure the dead are well taken care of, in her own dark and enigmatic way.

The Duality of Hel: Half-Dead, Half-Alive

Hel’s appearance is as unique as her role in mythology. She’s often depicted as having a body that is half alive and half dead. One side of her is a living, beautiful woman, while the other is a corpse, complete with bones and decaying flesh. Talk about duality! This physical representation embodies the fine line between life and death, a concept Hel embodies to the fullest.

Her duality also reflects the Norse understanding of the afterlife—not entirely dreadful, but certainly not a walk in the park. The idea is that life and death are two sides of the same coin, and Hel, standing at the threshold, is the ultimate gatekeeper.

Helheim: The Underworld Destination Nobody Asks For

Let’s talk about Helheim, the kingdom over which Hel reigns supreme. Unlike Valhalla, the hall of the slain warriors who died gloriously in battle, Helheim isn’t exactly a party destination. It’s more like the eternal waiting room of the universe—gray, cold, and shrouded in mist. But hey, it’s home for the souls who ended up there, and under Hel’s watchful eye, it’s a pretty well-run operation.

In Helheim, souls don’t suffer eternal torment as they might in other mythologies. Instead, they simply exist, living out their afterlife in a state that reflects how they lived. It’s a place of quiet reflection rather than fiery damnation—a sort of melancholic limbo. Helheim is where the deceased rest, waiting for the world’s end, Ragnarok, when Hel’s role will become even more crucial.

Hel in Myth: The Queen’s Greatest Hits

Hel doesn’t pop up in every Norse myth, but when she does, it’s memorable. One of the most famous stories involving Hel is the death of Balder, the god of light and purity. After being killed (thanks again, Loki), Balder’s soul ended up in Helheim. The gods, naturally upset, begged Hel to release him, but she wasn’t having it. Hel agreed to let Balder go on one condition: every single being in the universe had to weep for him. And they almost did—except for one giantess (who was probably Loki in disguise). As a result, Balder had to stay in Helheim until Ragnarok.

This story shows Hel’s firm grip over her domain. She’s not easily swayed, and she takes her role as guardian of the dead seriously. It also highlights the Norse belief in the inevitability of death—once you’re in Helheim, there’s no turning back, unless all of creation sheds a tear for you, which is a pretty tall order.

Hel’s Influence in Modern Paganism and Pop Culture

Despite her ominous nature, Hel has found a place in modern pagan practices and pop culture. Pagans who follow Norse traditions may invoke Hel in rituals related to death, the afterlife, or ancestor worship. She’s seen as a guide for those dealing with grief or seeking to connect with their ancestors, offering comfort and understanding of life’s inevitable end.

In pop culture, Hel has appeared in various forms, from comic books to video games. Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok gave us a version of Hela (a variation of Hel) as the goddess of death, played by Cate Blanchett. While the character diverges significantly from the original myth, it’s a testament to Hel’s enduring appeal as a symbol of death and the afterlife.

How to Work with Hel: A Practical Guide

If you’re interested in incorporating Hel into your spiritual practice, approach her with respect and understanding of her dual nature. Here are a few ways you might work with Hel:

Ancestor Work: Hel can be a powerful ally in ancestor veneration. Create an altar with offerings such as candles, bones, or items that represent your lineage. Speak to her and your ancestors, seeking guidance or offering gratitude.
Meditation on Mortality: Hel is an excellent figure to meditate upon when considering the transient nature of life. Reflect on the cycle of life and death, and how both are natural and necessary.
Grief and Healing: If you’re dealing with loss, Hel can help guide you through your grief. Light a black or white candle, sit in quiet reflection, and ask Hel for strength to navigate your emotions.
Symbolic Offerings: Hel appreciates symbols of death and the underworld. Skulls, bones, or images of wolves (her sacred animal) are appropriate offerings.

Hel in Comparative Mythology: Similar Figures Across Cultures

Hel’s role as a goddess of the underworld is mirrored in many cultures. Here are a few parallels:

Hades (Greek Mythology): Like Hel, Hades rules over the underworld. Both deities are responsible for maintaining order in their realms, ensuring that the dead remain in their designated places.
Persephone (Greek Mythology): Persephone’s dual role as queen of the underworld and goddess of spring has similarities to Hel’s dual nature. Both represent the balance between life and death.
Erishkigal (Mesopotamian Mythology): Erishkigal is the queen of the underworld in Mesopotamian mythology, ruling over the dead with a stern hand. Like Hel, she is a powerful and sometimes feared figure.
Mictlantecuhtli (Aztec Mythology): The Aztec god of the dead, Mictlantecuhtli, oversees the underworld, Mictlan. His role is similar to Hel’s in that he governs a realm where the dead dwell.

These figures remind us that the concept of an underworld ruler is universal, reflecting humanity’s need to understand and personify the mysteries of death.

Hel and Ragnarok: The End of All Things

Let’s not forget Hel’s role in Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse. When the end of the world arrives, Hel is prophesied to unleash her legions of the dead to join the giants and Loki in the final battle against the gods. This event is the culmination of her power and influence, highlighting her crucial role in the cosmic balance between life and death.

As Ragnarok unfolds, the dead will rise from Helheim, led by Hel herself, to face the living in a battle that will determine the fate of the universe. It’s a dramatic, cataclysmic end that cements Hel’s position as one of the most powerful and feared deities in Norse mythology.

Conclusion: Hel, the Unlikely Guide Through Life and Death

So, there you have it—Hel, the Norse goddess of the underworld, is far more than just a grim figure presiding over the dead. She embodies the delicate balance between life and death, beauty and decay, and offers lessons on the inevitability of mortality. Whether you see her as a guide, a guardian, or simply a fascinating figure in mythology, Hel is a deity who commands respect and reflection.

As we navigate our own lives, perhaps we can take a page from Hel’s book—understanding that life and death are intertwined, and that both should be honored in their own way. And who knows, maybe the next time you find yourself contemplating the mysteries of the afterlife, you’ll think of Hel, standing at the crossroads, half-living, half-dead, and entirely unforgettable.

Tags: #Hel #NorseMythology #UnderworldGoddess #DeityStudies #Paganism #AncestorWorship #Mythology #Ragnarok #DeathAndRebirth #Helheim

Sources:

Davidson, H.R. Ellis. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. Penguin Books, 1990.
Larrington, Carolyne. The Poetic Edda. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Orchard, Andy. Norse Myth and Legend. Cassell, 1997.
Simek, Rudolf. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer, 2007.
Turville-Petre, E.O.G. Myth and Religion of the North: The Religion of Ancient Scandinavia. Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1964.