Hoddmimir's Wood- Norse LocationLocation · Landmark
Also known as: Hoddmímis holt and Hoddmimir's Holt
Domains
Description
While Surtr's fire devours the world at Ragnarök, two mortals, Líf and Lífþrasir, shelter in this grove, surviving on morning dew. When the flames die and the earth rises renewed from the sea, they emerge to repopulate the world.
Mythology & Lore
The Grove That Survives
Odin, disguised, enters the hall of the jötunn Vafþrúðnir to trade riddles with their lives as stakes. Among his questions: who among mortals will survive when the great winter comes and Surtr sets the world ablaze? Vafþrúðnir answers that two, Líf and Lífþrasir, will hide in Hoddmímir's Wood. Morning dew will be their only food while fire consumes everything beyond the trees.
The grove's name ties it to Mímir, guardian of the well of wisdom beneath Yggdrasil. In Gylfaginning, Snorri places the shelter alongside Yggdrasil itself, which shakes during Ragnarök but does not fall. The tree survives. The grove survives. When the sea gives back the land, green and unsown, Líf and Lífþrasir step out. From them, humanity begins again.
Relationships
- Associated with