The world of mist, the primordial cold realm in Norse cosmology.
Niflheimr is one of the two primordial worlds that existed before creation. It is an ice-cold realm of mist in the north, whose springs fed the rivers that met the fire from Muspelheimr in Ginnungagap.
From this meeting arose the first giant Ymir. Niflheimr also houses Hel, the realm of the dead for those who do not die in battle, and the spring Hvergelmir from which many rivers flow.
Attestations
- Snorri Sturluson, Gylfaginning, kap. 4
- Describes Niflheimr's origin and role in creation.