The Prose Edda on Niflheim

The Younger Edda: > Snorre'S Edda, Or The Prose Edda. > Preface.

• attestation: The interaction of Niflheim's cold rivers with Muspelheim's flames was the catalyst for creation

  "the Elivogs, flowing from Niflheim, came in contact with the dazzling flames from Muspelheim"

The Younger Edda: > Chapter Iv. > The Creation Of The World.

• attestation: Niflheim existed many ages before the earth, with the well Hvergelmer at its center

  "Many ages before the earth was made, Niflheim had existed, in the midst of which is the well called Hvergelmer"

The Younger Edda: > Chapter Iii.

• attestation: Odin's many names indicate a progressive development: Thund, then Ygg, then Odin

  "the words sometimes indicate a progressive development, as Thund, then Ygg, and then Odin"

• attestation: Norse ancestors divided world-evolution into three periods: pre-chaotic (Niflheim, Muspelheim, Ginungagap), chaotic (Ymer and Audhumbla), and cosmic creation by Odin, Vile, and Ve

  "our ancestors divided the evolution of the world into three distinct periods: (1) a pre-chaotic condition (Niflheim, Muspelheim and Ginungagap); (2) a chaotic condition (Ymer and the cow Audhumbla); (3) and finally the three gods, Odin (spirit), Vile (will) and Ve (sanctity), transformed chaos into cosmos."