Hela and Hel in Norse Mythology: Beyond Marvel’s Misinterpretation

Rarely do characters from mythological tales find a home in mainstream pop culture as vividly as the Norse goddess Hela. While she is celebrated and sometimes misinterpreted in Marvel's MCU, it is essential to separate the mythological Hel from the character known as Hela in the comics. This article delves into the authentic Norse mythology of Hel and how it differs from the Marvel portrayal, enhancing your understanding of these complex figures.

Who is Hel in Norse Mythology?

In Norse mythology, Hel is the ruler of the realm of the same name, located in the underworld. She is the daughter of Loki, the god of mischief, and Angrboda, a giantess. Hel is not to be confused with Hela, a character in modern Marvel comics. In Old Norse, Hel is written as Hel, and its pronunciation is challenging due to its complex structure and the harsh nature of its fantastical geography.

Hel is often depicted as a giantess with striking features. From one side, she resembles a beautiful maiden, while from the other, her body is decayed and corruption. Her realm, Hel, is described in stark and haunting terms. It is a misty land with sharp rocks and cold rivers, a place where souls who have died of infamy, illness, or old age are sent. Hel's hall, called éljúfa, is cold, damp, and filled with serpents that drip poison from their rafters. Her bed is known as Kr, a sick-bed, and her curtains are named Blikjandabl, which means 'Gleaming Disaster.' This vivid portrayal showcases the brutal and unforgiving nature of Hel's dominion.

The Story of Hela in Marvel Comics

Marvel has its take on Norse mythology, particularly when it comes to the character Hela. In the MCU, Hela is portrayed as Thor's older sister, a powerful and formidable entity. However, this interpretation deviates significantly from the original Norse stories. In hero-centric narratives, complexities can often be simplified for easier comprehension, making Hela a central figure in the family dramas that often exemplify the MCU.

According to Marvel lore, Hela is the daughter of Loki and Frigga. This extended family dynamic is designed to fit more conveniently into the frame of contemporary storytelling. However, in the authentic Norse tales, Hela is the daughter of Loki and Angrboda. This deviation is deliberate and aimed at simplifying the mythological complexities into a more marketable and understandable format. While this makes the stories more accessible, it also introduces inaccuracies in the original context and detail.

The Etymology of Hela and Hel

The names Hela and Hel are often conflated, leading to confusion about which character is being referred to. The character Hela as portrayed in MCU is a bastardization of the original Norse goddess, Hel. The word Hela was a result of the Victorian era's tendency to Latinize feminine nouns, adding an -a ending. This linguistic trend also transformed Valhalla into Valhalla and Frigg into Frigga.

The name discrepancy highlights the challenges of translating and adapting ancient mythology into contemporary narratives. While these adaptations enhance accessibility, they also risk diluting the original meaning and cultural significance of the mythological figures. In the original Norse legends, Hel is the ruler of the realm of the dead, contrasting with Hela, who is more of a antagonistic character in the contemporary stories.

Conclusion

The Norse mythology of Hel and the Marvel portrayal of Hela exemplify how ancient tales can evolve over time, reflecting both their historical context and modern adaptation. Understanding the distinctions between these characters requires a nuanced approach to the myths and their interpretations. Hel, as a ruler of the underworld and the daughter of Loki in Norse mythology, is a figure rooted deeply in the cultural psyche, whereas Hela in Marvel Comics is a dynamic and complex character that serves a different purpose in contemporary storytelling.

For readers interested in delving deeper into the richness of Norse mythology, it is recommended to explore a variety of sources, including scholarly texts, primary source materials in translation, and even modern adaptations that strive to preserve the essence of the original myths.