Asgard

### Asgard- Realm of The Gods/Aesir

Asgard is the home of the Aesir, a ruling class of deities that includes Odin, Frigg and Thor. It is a realm more fertile than any other, blessed also with a great abundance of gold and jewels and at its center is Odin’s castle that is surrounded by a wall forged designed to keep out the army that will invade Asgard on Ragnarök. It is also the location of Valhalla, a segment of galaxies directly under the command of Odin where the souls of those taken by the Valkyries join the masses of those who have died in combat known as Einherjar as they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök. Asgard is not only the name of the realm, it is also the name of Odin’s castle where his throne Hildskjalf is located. From his throne he can observe almost everything that happens in the nine realms thus making it difficult to plot against him. It was also here in Asgard that the apples of youth which maintains the youth and vigor of the Aesir and Vanir. Asgard is also the location of the Urdarbrunnr, the Well of Destiny which lets the three sisters of fate (Norns) weave their threads and, on a few occasions, directly interfere with the fate of mortals, but these instances are rare.

**Construction of the Walls of Asgard**

Upon the creation of Asgard by Odin and his brothers, the Aesir gods made it their home and with the head of Mimir acting as his counselor, Odin divided the universe into 12 separate kingdoms which are ruled by separate gods. The territory of Asgard however remains open to attacks from enemies, forcing the Aesir to protect their lands from the Jötunn and some of the Vanir who are still bitter about losing the war between them and the Aesir.

The walls surrounding the kingdom of Asgard was built by an unnamed giant who claimed to be a skillful smith. He offered to help erect a protective wall around Asgard in three winters and in return for this, his reward was to be the hands of Sol and Freya in marriage as well as the domain of Mani along with a place in the pantheon. Despite Freya's opposition, the gods agreed to fulfill his request if he built the wall in just one winter. As part of the deal, they guaranteed the giant's safety.

The gods grew desperate as it became apparent that the giant would be able to construct the wall on time with the aid of his stallion; Svadilfari. To preserve Freyja (Freya) and keep the Sun and Moon, one of the gods, Loki, came up with a plan. He changed his appearance to that of a mare, and distracted Svadilfari in order to slow down construction. Without the help of his stallion, the giant wasn’t able to complete his task in time, which resulted in Thor breaking his skull with a hammer. The Aesir gods later finished the wall themselves, fully fortifying Asgard for future battles.

**Valhalla**

Ruled by Odin, Valhalla is a segment of galaxies directly under the command of Odin where the souls of those taken by the Valkyries join the masses of those who have died in combat known as Einherjar who prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarök. It also serves as the home of the Valkyries who oversee the souls of the dead and guide them to Valhalla. They train daily against each other, the Valkyries, Thor and other gods in order to hone their combat skills. However, only half of those who have fallen in combat reach Valhalla. The others arrive at another realm, Folkvangr, where the goddess Freyja resides.