Ten Realms
The Ten Realms of Asgardian cosmology are the separate worlds of that dimension supported by Yggdrasill, the World Tree. Although the realms are commonly divided into ten, further subdivisions can be made (i.e. Valhalla is a distinct portion of Asgard). Thanks to the Allspeak, all Asgardians and related races can communicate in all of the languages of the Ten Realms, Earth's dialects, and various alien languages.[1]
Of the Ten Realms, four -- Asgard, Alfheim, Nidavellir, and Vanaheim -- are part of the same dimension, located on different regions of the same continent.[2] According to Dr. Eric Solvang, each of the purported Nine Worlds is its own universe and there may actually be an infinite number of them;[3] a theory that All-Father Odin himself later partially confirmed.[4]
Travel between realms is done via various portals and dimensional rifts. The Asgardians travel via Bifrost, the rainbow bridge that is guarded by Heimdall.[5]
Ten Realms
Malekith explains the Ten Realms
- Asgard: Home of the Aesir, later forming the Asgardians with the Vanir.
- Valhalla: Realm of the honored dead which is distinct from but closely connected to Asgard.
- Nornheim: Home to the Norns.
- Realm Below: Home of the insanely-savage Rock Trolls, located beneath Asgard.
- Vanaheim: Home of the Vanir, the sister race of the Asgardians.
- Heven: Home of the Angels. A paradisal realm, Heven was cut off from the other nine by Odin during a brutal war against Asgard. It was reopened by Thor and Loki.[6]
- Jotunheim: Home of the Jötunn (Frost Giants).
- Alfheim (Ljosalfheim): Home of the Light Elves.
- Nidavellir ("The Dark Fields"): Home of the Dwarves.
- Midgard (Earth): Home of the Humans.
- Svartalfheim ("The Dark World"): Home of the Dark Elves.
- Muspelheim (Muspel): Home of the Fire Demons, a realm of eternal fire.
- Niffleheim ("Mist-Home"): Realm of the dishonored dead, a land of ice, mist, and cold.
- Hel is a region of Niffleheim where the dead who are neither honored nor dishonored reside.
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