The primordial realm of fire and heat in the south, whose sparks kindled the celestial bodies.
Muspelheim is one of two primordial worlds, the other being Niflheim, whose meeting in Ginnungagap created the conditions for life. The fire and heat from Muspelheim melted the rime-ice and from the dripping moisture Ymir took shape.
Surtr, its ruler, dwells at Muspelheim's boundary armed with a flaming sword. At Ragnarök the sons of Muspell ride northward, burning the world as Surtr's fire ultimately destroys all creation.
Attestations
- Snorri Sturluson, Gylfaginning kap. 4 (ca. 1220)
- Snorri's cosmogonic account of Muspelheim's role at creation.