Álfheimr
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Alfheim (Old Norse: Álfheimr), or Aelfheim, was one of the Nine Realms of the Isu Era inhabited by the Ljósálfar, a semi-mythological group of people who were considered ancient even by Isu standards. Alfheim eventually fell into Norse legend as the aspect of the Nine Worlds which was home to the Light Elves. Their counterparts, the Dwarves, lived in Svartálfaheimr.
History
Alfheim was invaded by the Muspels at some point before Baldr's birth, in the aftermath of the war between the Æsir and Vanir. Múspellsheimr's warlord Surtr carried out his campaign with such ferocity that it reputedly drove Loki to tears when he looked upon it. In the fallout, Surtr was the only one left with the elves' knowledge of hugr.[1] Years later, Baldr and Loki passed through the realm as part of Baldr's efforts to win the heart of the Muspel princess Eysa, Surtr's daughter.[2]
Legacy and influence
During the 9th century CE in Anglo-Saxon England, the Viking shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir of the Raven Clan pursued Modron into the caves beneath Aelfwood, Gloucestershire to prevent the death of Tewdwr. Upon seeing a sacrificial chamber within, Eivor wondered if she had stumbled into Álfheimr itself.[3]
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (first mentioned)
- Dawn of Ragnarök (mentioned only)
- Discovery Tour: Viking Age (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Forgotten Myths (mentioned only)
References
