Hel, the Norse goddess and the realm she rules over, plays a vital role in the mythology and beliefs central to Asatru. She is the daughter of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. The name “Hel” refers both to the goddess herself and the realm of the dead. Helheim is another name for this place, which resides in the deepest part of Niflheim, far from the realms of the living.
Hel rules over those who die of old age, illness, or any cause other than in battle. While warriors who die in combat go to Valhalla or Folkvangr, those who pass from natural causes dwell in Hel’s domain. Her realm is neither a place of punishment nor reward, but a neutral afterlife. Though not associated with torture or suffering like the Christian concept of Hell, her realm can seem cold and desolate.
Hel is often depicted as half-living and half-dead, with one side of her body being beautiful and the other, decaying. This imagery represents the duality of life and death. Her role in the afterlife, as well as her family lineage, makes her an important figure in understanding the Norse worldview of death.
Hel’s Importance in Asatru
In Asatru, Hel is respected as a goddess who oversees a part of the cycle of life. Death is not feared in Asatru, but rather viewed as a natural part of existence. As those who die of old age or illness enter Hel’s realm, her presence offers a balanced understanding of the afterlife. She represents the inevitable end that comes to everyone, warrior or not.
Her acceptance of all who come to her realm reflects the importance of maintaining balance and respect for natural cycles in Asatru. Followers of Asatru may include her in blóts or rituals to honor the dead, especially during occasions such as Dísablót or Vetrnætr, which emphasize the veneration of ancestors and the dead. Hel, in this sense, serves as the guardian of the afterlife, bridging the gap between the living and their ancestors.
Associated Elder Futhark Rune
The Elder Futhark rune most associated with Hel is Hagalaz (ᚺ). It symbolizes both destruction and change. Just as Hel represents the finality of death, Hagalaz embodies forces that bring transformation. The rune connects to the uncontrollable aspects of life, much like how death comes without warning and can’t be avoided. In the runic alphabet, Hagalaz also reminds practitioners that chaos and order are two sides of the same coin.
In Asatru, understanding Hel and the rune Hagalaz can deepen one’s connection to the natural cycles of life and death. Through Hel’s story, followers of Asatru gain insight into the complexities of the afterlife and the divine forces that govern it.
