Where Do Normal Vikings Go After Death If Not Valhalla?
Discover the afterlife beliefs of normal Vikings and the realm of Hel, a neutral place for those who died of natural causes.
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Normal Vikings who did not die in battle were believed to go to Hel, a realm overseen by the goddess Hel. Unlike Valhalla, Hel was a place for those who died of natural causes or illness. This realm was seen as a neutral place, neither a reward nor punishment.
FAQs & Answers
- What is Hel in Norse mythology? Hel is the realm in Norse mythology where those who died of natural causes or illness go, ruled by the goddess Hel.
- How did Vikings view death in battle? Vikings who died in battle were believed to go to Valhalla, a reward for their martial prowess and courage.
- What distinguishes Hel from Valhalla? Hel is a neutral afterlife for those who died from illness or accidents, while Valhalla is a glorious hall for fallen warriors.
- Do Vikings have varying beliefs about the afterlife? Yes, Viking beliefs varied depending on circumstances of death, with different realms in the afterlife for different fates.