In Norse mythology, Muspelheim (Muspell) is a realm of fire.
Muspelheim was created far to the south of the world. This realm is one of the Nine Worlds and it is
home to the fire giants and Surt, their ruler. Muspelheim was a burning hot place, filled
with lava, flames, sparks and soot. Fire
in many ancient cultures and myths has been known to purify the land with the
flames of destruction, however, it is also capable of the renewal of life
through the warmth and comfort of those very same flames.
Fire has been an important part of all cultures and religions from
pre-history to modern day and was vital to the development of civilization. In rituals, fire is represented in the forms
of burning objects, love spells, baking and lighting candles or fires. The manifestations of the element are found
in the sun, volcanoes, lava and all forms of light. Cats of all types are also thought to
personify the element of fire, as are all predatory creatures, such as the fox. Other mythic and legendary creatures of fire
include the phoenix and dragon.
Muspelheim features in both the creation of the world and its downfall. In the creation narrative, fire from
Muspelheim and ice from Niflheim meet in the middle of Ginnungagap and forge
the giant Ymir, the first being from whose corpse the world was eventually
shaped. The celestial bodies were made
from its sparks which flew out into space.
During Ragnarok, the fire giant Surt arrives from the south with a flaming
sword to slay the Gods and burn the world.
He will go to battle against the Aesir Gods,
he will do battle with and kill the God Freyr and afterward the flames that he
brings forth will engulf the Earth.
Surtshellir is a lava cave located
in western Iceland. Surt himself was
said to have once lived within the cave and, being a fire giant, to have been
the cause of the cave's creation.
I honor
the fiery world of Muspellheim,
and the
fire-giants who grant strength and loyalty.
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