Charts according to Rydberg's Epic Method:

Fig. 1. The Germanic Worldview & Cosmology

Fig. 2. Another look at the Germanic Worldview & Cosmology

Fig. 3. The Germanic Underworld

Fig. 4. Midgard Surrounded by the Sea. (Asgard is in the sky above Midgard). Image from Brian Branstock's Gods of the North.

Fig. 5. The World-Mill

Fig. 6. Snorri's Worldview, modified by scholars. He places the 3 wells on 3 levels, one in Hel, one in Jotunheim and one in Asgard. This is not an accurate picture of what Snorri actually says, and it is not consistent with his source, Grimnismal 31, which he paraphrases in Gylfaginning ch. 15. Image from Kevin Crossley-Holland's The Norse Myths, 1980.

Fig. 7. Legend for the Map of the Frau Holle and Related Figure by Erika Timm 2002

Fig. 8. Map of Frau Holle and Related Figures by Erika Timm 2002

Pluto’s Gate or Ploutonion at Hierapolis is a religious location in Modern Turkey dedicated to the God Pluto founded 2nd Century BC. The site was built on top of a cave which emits toxic gasses in relation to its use as ritual passage to the underworld. Animals were sacrificed by throwing them by rope into the cave and pulled back in as they passed from the fumes. To this day animals have been found dead wandering around this area. Ancient writers Strabo, Cassius Dio & Damascius described the area. The cave is small enough for one person to squeeze through by then they’d be suffocated by the gasses. For that reason, it was thought by the ancients that Pluto had connection to this area.

"Skogtroll"

"Forest Troll"



Theodor Kittelsen

1906