Niflheimr

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Concept art of Niflheim

Niflheim was one of the Nine Realms of the Isu Era which later became an aspect of Norse mythology.

History

Niflheim was reputed to be the earliest of the Nine Worlds to be established alongside Múspellsheimr.

Baldr and Loki journeyed through the realm as part of the son of Odin's efforts to win the heart of Eysa.

Mythology

A primordial realm of ice and mist that stretched into an endless expanse, Niflheim followed Múspellsheimr as the second place to arise from the chaotic void of Ginnungagap. Its location in the Norse cosmos varied by author; the Poetic Edda placed it outside Helheim, while Snorri Sturluson's book Gylfaginning put it within. However, both texts agreed that it later was ruled by Hel, Loki's child through Angrboða, and was the final resting place for souls who did not have heroic deaths or were faithless in life. Those who died without their weapon in hand were also believed to be sent there.

Influence

In 872, Eivor Varinsdottir and three Raven Clan Vikings conducted a series of raids in Rygjafylke, Norway as retaliation for Kjotve the Cruel having attacked a nearby settlement under the protection of jarl Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson. After clearing the village of Kjotve's men, the group attacked the central meadhall, where they found Hrolfr Kjotvesson guarding a treasure chest. Hrolfr declared that they would do well to know his name before he killed them, though the Vikings retorted that they would send him and his father to Niflheim by nightfall. Having exchanged barbs, Hrolfr and the Vikings drew their weapons, and the Raven Clan made good on part of their word by killing Hrolfr.

The next year, Eivor tracked Hrolfr's elder brother Gorm, a member of the Order of the Ancients, to his camp in Vinland and killed him. As he died, she experienced a vision in the Memory Corridor in which Gorm was condemned to "fade to mist [and] be forgotten" for eternity in an empty Niflheim instead of joining the glorious dead in Valhalla, much to his spirit's horror.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (first mentioned)
• Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Geirmund's Saga (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Rebellion – The Ravens' Wound (mentioned only)
• Discovery Tour: Viking Age (concept art only)
• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Forgotten Myths