What is Hel (realm)?
'''Hel''' is one of the nine worlds of [[Norse mythology]]. It is where the mortal dead gather after life if their death was dishonourable. Its ruler is the [[goddess]] [[Hel (goddess)|Hel]]. Hel is located under the [[root]]s of the [[tree]] [[Yggdrasil]]. It can be reached via the [[river]] [[Gjöll]]. A bridge spans this river which is guarded by the giantess [[Modgrudr]]. Garm, a dog, guards the entrance to the castle of Hel. He only lets the dead souls enter however they cannot leave. A [[rooster]] is the companion of Garm. Its purpose in the realm of the gods is to wake them for [[Ragnarök]], this rooster will also wake the souls of the dead. The dragon [[Nidhögg]] eats from the corpses of deceased [[criminal]]s. The wolf [[Fenrir]] also joins in on this feast. {{religion-stub}} {{Norse mythology}} [[Category:Places in Norse mythology]] [[Category:Afterlife]]