Hel
Torsteim
"Hel" is a song about the the nine kingdoms of the dead in Viking mythology. "Hel" is very different from the Christian "Hell"
Hel rules the nine worlds of death, which correspond to the nine worlds of life, and she assigns to anyone who arrives a suitable abode in proportion to the good or bad qualities of the souls or deeds. Some deceased can tumble on sun-drenched meadows, while others suffer. Those who suffer are led through the gates leading to the depths of Helheim and Niflheim, where matter must be decomposed.Hel is a realm where death represents a relaxing interlude and where souls spend an appropriate amount of time in their legitimate environment. The Eddas state that elves (human souls) sleep among the gods while celebrating with lots of mead, which is a symbol of the experiences of a previous period of life, and in this way the souls that rest after life are present in the divine spheres, even though they are unaware of their surroundings. In the Edda's "Vagtamskvadet" for example, the legend about the sun god's death and arrival at Hel's home, tells us that a sumptuous apartment has been arranged, and mead is ready and freshly brewed upon his arrival.
















