Gunnungagap

Gunnungagap was the primal abyss. The first place created out of the Gunnungagap was Niflheim, placed at the northern end of Gunnungagap and Muspellheim at the southern end.

In Niflheim there was located the eldest of the three wells, called Hvergelmir, which was protected by the dragon Nidhogg. Hvergelmir was the origin of all being and the place where every being will go back.

Elivagar were the twelve streams, flowting out the Hvergelmir. The Elivagar filled the emptyness of Gunnungagap and were frozen in the regions of Niflheim.

Like the primal cow Audhumla, the giant Ymir (or Aurgelmir) was created when the hot fire of Muspellheim spray to the Elivagar's glacier. The cow Audhumla licked the salty ice-blocks, till Buri came forth from the blocks.

Old Norse: Ginnungagap
Meaning: "Yawning Gap"

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