The goddess of the dead and the afterlife was Hel (Holle, Hulda), and was portrayed by the Vikings as being half-dead, half alive herself. The Vikings viewed her with considerable trepidation. The Dutch, Gallic, and German barbarians viewed her with some beneficence, more of a gentler form of death and transformation. She is seen by them as Mother Holle; a being of pure Nature, being helpful in times of need, but vengeful upon those who cross her or transgress natural law.
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Dave
Is there a “god of fear” in Norse mythology?
helen
is Hel a goddess and ruler of niffhiem oe helhiem?
Jiyu
Hel is a giantess from Jotunheim, and the daughter of Loki (who was also born to a giantess in Jotunheim. She rules over Helheim (the Land of the Dishonored Dead), which is located within Niflheim (the Realm of ice and cold). Hel was banished to Niflheim and condemned to rule over Helheim by Odin.
knowyourshit
well know your history before making comment the goddess of death hel is Thors sister so how is she loki daughter she his odins daughter and loki was fostered by odin
Norman
Hel is Thor’s sister in THE MOVIE only.
I LOVE Stan Lee’s work!! Stan is(was) a comic book writer who “borrowed” a very interesting character from ancient Scandinavian texts. Stan was selling comic books to kids … in the 60s. Thor has muscles, a big hammer, a cape and long hair, perfect for the era, perfect for a comic book adventure.
In the myths and Edda’s Hel is not mentioned very often however there is a passage that states Hel is Loki’s child.
Nick
daughter of loki cast to be the guard of those who passed in old age or by ill means had a hell hound to help find those who hid frome her sister to the serpent and the wolf
helen
Hel is the god of death and the daughter of Loki. The lower part of her body is exposed with bones and flesh.