Nifelheim (world of fog) In Norse mythology, the ancient underworld, the land of dark, cold, and mist; distinguished from Hel, the land of the dead. Odin cast Hel into Nifelheim, where she had her domain. In the midst of Nifelheim was Hvergelmir (bubbling caldron), the fountain from which and to which all waters found their way. From Hvergelmir flowed the river Elivagar (rivers whipped by passing showers). Nifelheim was located at the foot of the world tree, Yggdrasill, and was the home of Nidhogg the dragon and of the Fenrir wolf. Nifelheim appears in the Prose Edda
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow
Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante