The largest Underworld of the Norse Gods is known after the goddess who rules it, though it’s just as often called Helheim. It lies across a dangerous road and a turbulent sea, over which one must travel through darkness for nine days and nine nights until reaching a river called Gjöll, spanned by a bridge named Gjallarbrú. The bridge is guarded by Móðguðr, a female Jötunn, who allows the dead to pass when they state their name and business. From there, to the north rests Elvinder, surrounded by a large gate guarded by Garmr —a bloodstained hound. The dead who reside here, however, always find their way after great and grand trials. They do so in the shadow of Helgafjell, where others find rest.
In the halls of Elvinder, Hel sits on her throne. She is the only Goddess of this place. She has two servants, named Idleness and Sloth, on hand. Within her own chambers, she sleeps in a bed called Sorrow. The souls of those who died old and alone and without family, and those who died of sickness dwell within this place, and there they will stay until the end of days. Life wore them down to nothing, and death has reduced them to less. Needless to say, Hel is an unpleasant place, even though Hel sets a feast for Baldr’s return to her hall, and the dead are free to eat. Despite the chill and gloom, the dead here are free of the things that destroyed them while they yet lived, and they spend their endless night eating, drinking, carousing, fighting, sleeping, and practicing magic. Those in the World faithful to the Norse Gods will choose a valiant death or dignified suicide in the face of terminal illness, fearful of the abode of the dead, but in truth it is not the worst of fates.