Today we will tell you the story of the most beautiful and important realm in Norse mythology, I am of course talking about Asgard (Ásgarðr in Old Norse). It had to happen, as it is a place where the most important gods of Norse mythology live. Moreover, it is here that the famous hall of fallen heroes is located, the Vikings' paradise, Valhalla.
Asgard was the birthplace of the Ases gods. It was connected to Midgard by the famous Bifrost bridge. Asgard contained 12 kingdoms, or more, in which the main gods lived in their extraordinary residences. The most famous among them is undoubtedly Valhalla, one of the halls belonging to Odin.
Another feature of Asgard was its impenetrable wall. This powerful barrier was so strong that no one could cross it. Asgard being entirely surrounded by this wall, the only entrance to the realm of the gods was via the Bifröst bridge, guarded by Heimdall.
Of course, Asgard will not escape Ragnarok. However, it was predicted that some gods will survive the end of the world and eventually rebuild it, creating a new era of prosperity.
Are you ready? Let's go!
THE PLACE OF ASGARD IN NORSE MYTHOLOGY
Asgard held an essential place in Norse mythology. It was part of a very complex system of mythological beliefs and religious beliefs shared by the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This belief system developed during the period from around 1000 BCE until the arrival of Christianity, approximately between 900 and 1200 CE.
Throughout this period, the Nordic universe was believed to have three different clans of gods: the Vanes, the Ases, and the Jotuns. The difference between the Ases and Vanes tribes is relative because the two tribes made peace after a long war and ultimately ruled together until the end of time.
Another symbol of the unity of the Ases and Vanes tribes is Asgard. Even though the Vanes clan resided in the kingdom of Vanaheim, Freyja and Njord had their residences in Asgard (Fólkvang and Nóatún). This implies that the term Asgard is not exclusive to the Ases tribe but is a general name used to describe the home of the gods.
The most significant difference between these two groups may lie in their spheres of influence. The Ases clan represented war and conquest, while the Vanes tribe represented fertility, exploration, and wealth.
On the other hand, the Jotun were a race of generally evil giants who were the sworn enemies of the Aesir and Vanir clans.
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THE ORIGINS OF THE WORD ASGARD
The word Asgard derives from Old Norse āss, which means God, and garðr, which means garden or courtyard. Essentially, Asgard means "Garden of the Gods" or "Courtyard of the Gods".
There are many different spellings of the word Asgard, as you can see below.
- English: Ásgard, Ásgardr, Asgardr, Ásegard, Ásgarth, Ásgarthr, Asgarth, Ásgardhr, Esageard, Asgaard
- Icelandic, Faroese: Ásgarður
- Norwegian: Åsgard, Aasgaard
- Swedish and Danish: Aasgaard, Asgård
THE PLACE OF ASGARD IN YGGDRASIL
It is important to go back to the roots, which is why I suggest you read our article on Yggdrasil before continuing. Understanding its role in Norse mythology will give you a clearer vision of Asgard's place. Asgard is indeed one of the nine worlds of Yggdrasil.
The Norse universe is divided into three realms contained within the Norse tree of life, Yggdrasil. These are the realm of the gods, the realm of mortals, and the realm of the dead. These three realms contain the nine interdependent worlds of the Norse universe.
All beings of the Norse universe reside in these realms. The Aesir, the Vanir, and the light elves live in the worlds located in the upper realm of Yggdrasil. The middle realm houses worlds where giants, dwarves, dark elves, and humans reside. The lower realm is a place where the dead wander.
THE CREATION OF ASGARD
It is believed that the Aesir gods built Asgard at some point in the past. According to Snorri Sturluson, it was Odin who orchestrated the creation of Asgard as we know it today.
The God of gods began by establishing rulers and giving them their first task. They had to build a huge hall with twelve seats for themselves, as well as a high seat for their ruler in a place called Ida-field, located in the middle of the city. The hall that the Gods built was the largest both outside and inside of the entire Norse universe. It is known as Gladsheim.
Many other residences and meeting halls were built before the Gods realized they were very vulnerable to attacks. Fate had it that a giant called Hrimthurs passed by. He proposed to build an impregnable wall that would surround all of Asgard with a gate that would make it invulnerable to enemy attacks.
However, the price the Gods would have to pay was very high. He asked for the sun and the moon, as well as Freya's hand in marriage. The Gods accepted his offer on one condition they thought he would not be able to fulfill. They wanted the work to be completed in six months (this reminds one of Numérobis in Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra), and the giant had to do it all alone. The giant accepted these conditions after Loki convinced the Gods to allow him to use his horse Svadilfari (in Old Norse Svaðilfari) to help during the construction.
Since only a few days remained, the Gods realized that the giant would eventually succeed in finishing his task on time. When his horse proved to be a valuable help, they regretted trusting the God of cunning and mischief. The Asgardian Gods threatened to severely punish Loki if he did not find a way to ruin the giant's construction efforts.
To avoid being punished, Loki transformed into a beautiful mare and went to meet the giant's horse. The spirit of Svaðilfari was disturbed, and he began to completely ignore the construction of the wall to be able to chase her (Svaðilfari even had sexual relations with Loki, who gave birth to the eight-legged horse Sleipnir. The steed would later be given to Odin as a gift).
Let's get back to our story instead of talking about Loki's antics as a Mare!
After unsuccessfully trying to get his horse to help him finish the wall during the last night, the giant became very angry. He realized he would not be able to complete his masterpiece in time to win the prize. The gods neglected their oaths and called Thor. He arrived as fast as lightning.
Not only did the giant not receive his pay, but he was also denied the possibility of returning to Jötunheim. The thunder god raised Mjöllnir and struck down the giant, sending him to the realm of the dead.
To better understand what Asgard looks like, I suggest you listen a bit to Nota Bene.
A CLOSER LOOK AT ASGARD
In most Norse myths, Asgard plays a central role in the adventures of the Norse gods. This is mainly because Asgard is often depicted as the heavenly realm, where the Gods live and hold their meetings.
Besides the many residences of the gods, Asgard houses many other geographical elements of mythical importance. The city was built on the ancient plains of Idavoll, a vast field where the Gods gathered to discuss important matters. Moreover, it is also the place where the third root of Yggdrasil was located, anchoring the world.
In general, Asgard was the smallest of the nine worlds, even though its territory seemed endless. It is a realm filled with valleys, hills, and a number of flat plains that stretch to the horizon.
To the west lies the ocean, which forms a border with the realm of Vanaheim. There is a large bay here where the ships and halls of Njörd are located. The wide and deep river known as Thund Thvitr lies to the east and serves as a border with the realm of Jotunheim. The river flows southward, along the border with Alfheim.
Once inland, you can see in the distance the great white walls of Asgard. The only entrance is the main iron gate, known as Valgrind. As you may have already guessed, Asgard is not a kingdom filled with cities. No, instead, it is filled with many magnificent halls, like large villages. Most historians believe there were at least sixteen halls belonging to the main gods located in this realm. You will be able to read information about these famous halls a little later.
Finally, we must mention a vast plain called Vigrid. It is the largest of all the plains in the realm of the gods. It has been foretold that this vast plain will be the battlefield of the final encounter between the Gods and the forces of evil, Ragnarök.
THE GREAT HALLS OF ASGARD
Are you ready? It is time to go into more detail about the great halls of Asgard:
VALHALLA
Let's start with the most famous place in all of Norse mythology, Valhalla (Valhöll in Old Norse, which means "hall of the dead").
Most of you know some things about Valhalla. But let us tell you a little more.
It is the home of warriors who died in battle and who are chosen by the god of gods himself. These warriors are called Einherjar. The entire hall is built with huge spearheads, while the roof is covered with many battle shields. It is believed that Valhalla had 540 doors, and behind them were accommodations for 800 warriors.
The main entrance to the hall is through massive double doors that are well guarded. There is also a secret entrance to Valhalla. It goes through the kitchen, past the famous cook Andhrimmer. The cook owns a magical kettle called Eldhrimmer. He uses it to prepare stew for all the hungry warriors in the main hall. A myth tells that Saehrimmer, the resurrecting boar, is killed every night and cooked for the feast. The boar is brought back to life the next morning, with no memory of what happened the previous night.
Although it is Odin's Hall, he does not spend all his time in Valhalla. However, when he is inside, his spear Gungnir is placed above the entrance as a sign that the Father of fathers is inside.
BILSKIRNIR
The largest hall of the Nine Worlds is Bilskirnir, the home of the thunder god, Thor, and his family. It is even bigger than Valhalla with all the houses surrounding it. In fact, it is a small town. Bilskirnir has 640 rooms to accommodate the warriors who died in battle and swore allegiance to Thor. Thor's servants also live there. Even Loki spent time here.
The walls of Bilskirnir are built of stone and brick. The windows of all the rooms are always open to let in the air, no matter what the weather is like outside.
There is a small hall behind Bilskirnir that belongs to Thrud, Thor's daughter. An interesting fact is that the land on which Bilskirnir was built is called Thrudheim. Thor chose this name to show the love and pride he feels for his daughter.
GLADSHEIM
Besides Valhalla, Odin is also the owner of another great hall within Asgard, known as Gladsheim (which means Bright Home). Gladsheim is a place where the thirteen main gods of Asgard hold their meetings.
Many animals can be seen at Gladsheim. Odin's wolves, Freki and Geri, can be seen in the meeting hall, as well as Odin's ravens, Munin and Huginn. The roof of Gladsheim is reserved for Gullinkambi, the rooster who always roams the surroundings.
There is another extraordinary building that is part of Gladsheim but is often considered a separate hall because it is so immense. It is the tower of Valaskjalf. The tower is Odin's sanctuary, and no other god is allowed to enter without Odin's permission.
Valaskjalf is built of white stone. At the top of Hlidskjalf stands the magnificent throne of the god of gods. He likes to sit there and look into the other worlds of the Norse universe.
BREIDABLIK
This great hall was given as a wedding gift to the most beloved of all the Norse gods, Baldur, and his wife, Nanna. As you may have read in our article about Baldur, after his tragic disappearance, his wife Nanna also died.
It was then that the Goddess Frigg decided to seal Breidablik. She did so to preserve the hall as it was when Baldur and Nanna still lived there. This great hall is permanently guarded, and no one is allowed to enter it.
LANDVIDI
This is the great hall of Vidar. Vidar shares it with his mother, Grid. Besides being Odin's lover, Grid is famous for giving the Thunder God his magical belt of strength and his legendary iron gloves.
As with many great halls of Asgard, the name Landvidi refers to the land surrounding it. The building is surrounded by a magnificent green wood with eternal leaves and is filled with tall green grasses.
GLITNIR
Glitnir is a great hall belonging to the Norse god of justice, Forseti. Thanks to its silver roof that shines like a beacon, this hall can be seen from very far away. Every matter that must be settled before a judge has been discussed in the court of Glitnir.
YDALIR
Ydalir is another famous hall of Asgard belonging to the Norse god of hunting, winter, and skiing, Ullr. It is quite different from the other great halls as it looks more like a simple hunting pavilion in the middle of a small forest.
The High Council sometimes holds its meetings in the main halls of Ydalir.
NOATUN
Let's at least mention one hall of the Vanir gods on our list. We chose the one that is actually located outside the walls of Asgard.
It is called Noatun, and it belongs to Njörd. This hall covers the area on the west and southwest coast of Asgard. Noatun is built in the middle of a small bay, and a few ships can always be seen anchored in its bay.
Noatun is very different from the other halls. It is built with open windows and arched ceilings that resemble the bottom of a ship. Various fishing tools can be found in this large hall, and even a salty wind blows through Noatun. Almost all the furniture is made from boat parts, and many seabirds find their way inside from time to time.
Besides the living quarters, this hall contains various workshops for shipbuilding, wood carving, barrel making, etc. Noatun is the favorite place for sailors from the nine worlds to rest after their sea adventures. It is a paradise for all who live from the sea.
VINGOLF
One of the least famous halls that few know about, but which deserves to be mentioned, is certainly Vingolf. Since Valhalla lacked space for the Einherjar, Odin built Vingolf to make room for the fallen warriors in excess.
However, over time, this hall became a gathering place for the Aesir goddesses. Men are allowed to visit this great hall. Vingolf is filled with beautiful gardens and hot springs. Moreover, there is a small hall built in the middle of the hot springs, which represents a special healing house.
WHAT HAPPENED TO ASGARD DURING RAGNARÖK?
Like many other things in the Norse universe, it has also been predicted that Asgard will undergo complete destruction during the Ragnarök.
Everything will begin with the destruction of the rainbow bridge, Bifröst, by the fire giants of Muspelheim. The giants will then sack the capital.
After this terrible attack, the final battle will take place on the battlefield, where many Asgardian gods and giants will lose their lives. In the last moments, the lord of Muspelheim, Surtr, will summon such a fire that all creation will be destroyed.
However, this storm of fire is not really the end point of the Norse universe. Indeed, some of the gods will survive Ragnarok. Váli and Vídarr will make it through and begin to rebuild their glorious homeland on the plains of Ida, on the ashes of Asgard.
To go a little further, discover 10 gods of Asgard with this video
TO CONCLUDE
Asgard was a celestial world where the gods Aesir and Vanir lived. It should not be confused with the Christian notion of paradise, as Asgard resembled more Mount Olympus, where Zeus and other gods of Greek mythology lived.
Led by Odin, the God of gods, Asgard was a place where all the important deities of Norse mythology built their homes. It is also the realm where the famous Valhalla is located.
Another important landmark of Asgard, very popular nowadays, is the Bifrost bridge. It is the only path to the realm of humans, Midgard.
In the end, Asgard was certainly something to behold, and every true Viking would have wanted to visit it at least once in their life. And you? Would you like to visit the realm of the Norse gods? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Thank you for reading me, it is a pleasure to write for Odin's Hall, the reference brand in accessories derived from Norse mythology.
You can visit our collections of Viking jewelry to remind yourself every day of the legends of Norse mythology.
You can also continue your reading by discovering The Valknut, its origin and its meaning for example.
SKOOOL !! Glory to Odin!
