Midgard

Midgard, also known as Miðgarðr or Middle-earth, is one of the Nine Worlds in Norse mythology and serves as the realm of humans.

It occupies a central position in the Norse cosmos and is surrounded by Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Here is a very detailed summary of Midgard:

Description of Midgard: Midgard is depicted as a vast and habitable world, situated between the realms of Niflheim (the primordial realm of ice) and Muspelheim (the realm of fire). It is often described as a flat or disc-shaped landmass, although specific details about its geography and topography are not extensively mentioned in the surviving Norse texts.

Creation of Midgard: According to the “Prose Edda,” the creation of Midgard is linked to the cosmic events that occurred after the primordial realms of Niflheim and Muspelheim collided. The resulting chaos gave rise to the giant Ymir, who was the progenitor of the Jotnar (giants). Odin, Vili, and Ve, the three creator gods, later fashioned Midgard from Ymir’s remains.

Location of Midgard: Midgard is situated on one of the branches of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. The exact location of Midgard within the Norse cosmos is not precisely defined, but it is often considered to be in the middle of the cosmic structure, thus earning its name “Miðgarðr” or “Middle-earth.”

The Protection of Midgard: Midgard is surrounded by a great sea or ocean, which serves as a protective barrier separating it from the realms of the giants (Jotunheim) and the serpent-like creature Jormungandr, one of the monstrous children of Loki. Jormungandr encircles Midgard, biting its own tail, in a vast ocean known as the “Midgard Serpent’s Encircling Sea.”

The Role of Humans in Midgard: Midgard is primarily inhabited by humans, who are considered the children of Ask and Embla, the first human man and woman. According to the Norse creation myth, Odin, Vili, and Ve found two pieces of driftwood on the shores of the sea and shaped them into the first human beings. Odin bestowed upon them breath, Vili gave them senses and the ability to move, and Ve granted them the capacity for speech and understanding.

Interactions with the Divine: In Norse mythology, the gods and other mythological beings frequently interact with humans in Midgard. Humans often sought the favor and protection of the gods, and the gods, in turn, could take on human forms and descend to the mortal realm to interact with them. Many adventures, battles, and stories involve gods and mythical creatures interacting with humans in Midgard.

Ragnarok and the Fate of Midgard: In Norse mythology, Midgard’s fate is intertwined with the events of Ragnarok, the catastrophic and apocalyptic battle between the gods and the forces of chaos. During Ragnarok, Midgard becomes a battleground, and many of its inhabitants, both human and divine, face destruction. The Midgard Serpent, Jormungandr, plays a crucial role in the chaos of Ragnarok, engaging in a fierce battle with Thor, the thunder god.

Legacy in Modern Culture: The concept of Midgard, along with other elements of Norse mythology, has had a significant impact on modern culture, particularly in fantasy literature, movies, and video games. Many works of fiction draw inspiration from Norse myths and incorporate realms of humans and the interaction between mortals and divine beings.
Overall, Midgard is the realm of humans in Norse mythology and holds a central place in the cosmic structure as the world inhabited by humans, surrounded by protective barriers, and connected to the other realms through the World Tree, Yggdrasil.