Utgard

Utgard is the part of the world which is uninhabitable for humans and most gods. It is also the largest section and the name means “outer world”. Utgard consists of Niflheim, Muspellsheim, Jotunheim, Svartalfheim and Hel and together they surround the cosy realms of Asgard, Midgard, Vanaheim and Alfheim. It’s an inhospitable region although, if one believes the old legends, it is the homeland of giants, daemons and monsters. Utgard is a harsh desolation and well-minded creatures won’t go there willingly, although some gods have an affinity for risky visits. A couple of medieval sources reduce Utgard to a fortress in Jotunheim with a mammoth lord called Utgardloki, not to be confused with Loki. It’s fair to say, Wodan’s blood brother Loki is a piece of work and now and then visits the outer world for gambling and drinking and talks himself into trouble. Afterwards, it’s up to the gods to solve his problems. Furthermore, Utgard and Utgardloki play their part in one of Thor’s most famous adventures…