Between Ice and Fire

What was there before the earth and sky?

In the distant past described in “The Seeress’s Prophecy,” there was no sand, no sea, and no cold waves. The earth did not yet exist, nor did the heavens overhead. There was nowhere for grass to grow. Only the chasm of Ginnungagap lay wide open.

In “The Deluding of Gylfi,” Niflheim existed long before the earth was made. At its center was a spring called Hvergelmir. Rivers flowing from it gradually filled the chasm with ice and frost.

To the south lay Muspell, a bright, hot land of fire. No outsider could enter it. At its border, Surt stood guard with a flaming sword.

Heavy ice and frost piled up on the northern side of the chasm. Sparks flew into its southern side from Muspell. Bitter cold blew from Niflheim, but the middle of the chasm was as mild as still air.

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