Hel

/hɛl/ noun

Definition

In Norse mythology, the underworld realm where the dead reside, or the goddess who rules over this realm of the dead.

Etymology

From Old Norse 'Hel,' possibly related to Old English 'helan' (to hide or conceal), suggesting the underworld is where things are hidden from the living world.

Kelly Says

The Norse underworld 'Hel' was not necessarily evil or a place of punishment—it was simply where most ordinary people went after death, making it more like the Greek Hades than the Christian Hell, which is why both underworlds share similar names!

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