The Creation of the Universe

Question 1

Muspelheim

Answer 1

• A fire world

- Present before the beginning of time

Question 2

Niflheim

Answer 2

• An ice world

- Made after Muspelheim, before the beginning of time

Question 3

Ginnungagap

Answer 3

• Primordial void

- Northern half is choked with ice and rime (frozen fog)

Question 4

Hvergelmir

Answer 4

• Spring in Niflheim
• 11 rivers flow from here into Ginnungagap, some poisonous
• When they get there, they freeze, causing poisonous vapours and rime (frozen fog)

Question 5

Ymir

Answer 5

• The first giant
• Formed from meltwater in the middle of Ginnugagap
• Nourished by drinking the milk of Audhumla
• Eventually killed by the Sons of Bor
• Formed a male and female giant from the sweat under his armpit, and a son from his leg
• His body is used to make the heavens and the earth

Question 6

Audhumla

Answer 6

• Emerged from the melting ice in Ginnugagap
• Nourished by licking the salty ice
• Her milk fed Ymir
• Her licking revealed Búri

Question 7

Búri

Answer 7

• Revealed from the ice licked by Audhumla

- Father of Bor

Question 8

Bor

Answer 8

• Husband of Bestla
• Had three sons: the first of the Gods: Odin, Vili, Vé
• His sons killed Ymir

Question 9

Bergelmir

Answer 9

• The only surviving giant of the ‘blood flood’ from Ymir’s death.
• Escaped with his family in a boat & refounded the giant race