Asgard

This article is about the realm of Norse Mythology. For other uses, see Asgard (disambiguation).

Asgard (Old Norse: Ásgarðr) is the realm of the gods, the Aesir, in Norse mythology, thought to be separate from the realm of the mortals, Midgard. Originally the world we call Asgard was named Godheim (the home of gods) but as was the case with Midgard, early researchers confused the world of gods for its most prominent castle, and Godheim became Asgard in most sources.

The walls surrounding Asgard were built by a giant (often mistakenly identified as Hrimthurs), in return for which he was to receive in payment the hand of Freya in marriage, and the sun and the moon. This was agreed provided that the work was completed within six months. In order to avoid honouring the agreement, Loki lured away the giant's magic horse, Svadilfari, by transforming himself into a mare. The job was therefore not completed on time, and the gods evaded the payment.

The guardian of Asgard is Heimdall. The plain of Idavoll is the centre of Asgard. The Aesir met there for discussions on important issues — the male gods met in a hall called Gladsheim, and the female gods in a hall called Vingolf. They also met daily at Urd, a well beneath Yggdrasil.

Alternative: Ásgard, Ásgardr, Asgardr

Other spellings

• Common Swedish and Danish form: Asgård
• Norwegian: Åsgard (also Åsgård)
• Icelandic: Ásgarður