Tag: muspelheim

Surt
AKA: None found
Origin: Norse Mythology

History:

Surt is a fire jotun (giant) and the ruler of Muspelheimr, southern realm of fire. From there it is thought to have the fire sprout up into the sky and created the stars. However, Muspelheimr is really close to Niflheimr (realm of ice). As most people know, fire and ice do not go together and the meeting of the borders caused melting waters allowing for the Creation and the birth of Ymir to happen. Surt guards his home with his flaming sword, Laveatienn (the best kind of sword imo).

Historians believe that Surt’s name implies that he had a ‘burnt’ appearance. Which is to be expected considering his home and the fact that it’s Old Norse for ‘black’. And that he is speculated to be the personification of volcanic eruption, which means that the idea of him as a being of fire is old. (Especially if he helped create the stars)

Despite him quite possibly being a primordial being, information on him is a bit scarce. Surt is mentioned mainly in texts about Ragnarok, the Nordic Apocalypse. It was prophesied through a vision that when Ragnarok happens, Surt would lead the fire jotnar (giants) into battle. From that they will destroy the Bifrost Bridge.

Not only that, but Surt is destined to fight against the god Frey and slay him. (And without his sword, Frey didn’t really stand a chance in the 1st place)

But Surt will also die in the battle, but not before taking his mighty sword and setting the entire world in a fiery blaze. Allowing for it to emerge anew when the Final Battle ends.