Hel (Character)

Hel

CHARACTER

In Norse mythology, Hel is the ruler of Helheim, world of the unheroic dead. Her visage is half-living, half-rotting.

Overview

In Norse myth, Hel is the daughter of Loki, the Norse god of mischief, and the ruler of the realm of Hel (or Helheim, to avoid confusion). In some sources, notably Snorri Sturluson, Hel is located within Niflheim, the world of ice. Contrary to most Christian descriptions of Hell being a place of punishment, the Norse Hel is mostly a place where unworthy warriors are sent upon death, the worthy being ushered into Valhallain Asgard (Location).

In video games

In the Shin Megami Tensei (Franchise) series, Hel first appears as an exclusive demon in the Sega CD version of Shin Megami Tensei (Game). She then later appears in Shin Megami Tensei: NINE and Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey. Her design of being half frozen in ice reflects Helheim's relative proximity to Niflheim.

Queen Odette.

In Odin Sphere (Game), a half-rotting queen by the name of Odetterules over the land of the dead. Although not called Hel by name, her design and role offer near parity to that of Hel herself.

In Too Human (Game), Hel is the daughter of Loki and Administrator for Helheim, a government newly formed through secession from the Aesir and Midgard. In Viking: Battle for Asgard, Hel, the daughter of Loki has been banished to the underworld by Odin. Angry at this banishment, she intends to bring about Ragnarok, the Norse concept of the end of the world.

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