The Viking Goddess Of Death: Hel.

So you can become a member on my KZbin channel now (there’s a pun here somewhere…)
Being a member means you get 30 exclusive videos, all the artwork, all my scripts, a live stream every weekend, exclusive emojis and some other stuff I probably forgot, but… it’s totally worth it. Trust me bro. Link is here:
/ @briefed_mythology
This is a big one: Hel & Baldur. Hell and light. The Norse underworld and Norse Mythology's god of everything that is good. I was planning to do a video on them separately, but you simply can not separate the tales of Hel and Baldur. They go hand in hand and culminate in Ragnarök. In essence, the tale of Baldur and Hel is THE key tale in Norse Mythology. All other gods are connected in one way or another, and Baldur's fate in Helheim is the catalyst for the end of Norse Mythology.
No pressure for this video then... just absolute pressure to get it right. It's unfortunate that outside of mythology, Hel and Baldur are not really all that known, and that is because we actually have very few stories that include them, outside of this centerpiece tale that you are about to learn about in this video. So... let's explore these two sides of a coin, the children of the blood brothers Odin and Loki: Baldur and Hel - Light and Darkness.
Episode VII Of Keeping Up With The Norse Gods - Darkness & Light: Hel & Baldur
Subscribe For New Episodes Every Saturday & Wednesday
Notes:
I touched on this above, but... let's go a bit more in detail - so much of Norse mythology is lost to the times, or the wrath of Christians, and as such there is a lot of confusion when it comes to the Norse tales. Was Helheim even one of the realms? Was Hel just a late Christian addition? These are all questions I had to weigh while making this video, but, as always, ultimately I chose to go with the version that allows me to tell the best story, while staying as accurate as possible.
Get All My Artwork & Support The Channel:
I get a lot of questions about my artwork and where it’s from or rather who draws it. Well the answer is that I create it - I don’t draw it. I use AI to create the artwork, using specific prompts, specific style influences from 18th and 19th century artists, and I spend about 6 hours per video just on the artwork. Each video has roughly double the artwork of what you actually see in the video, so a lot of it is unused. The good news here though is that you can get all that artwork on my Patreon - the artwork I do use, and the artwork I don’t use. Plus, by subscribing to my Patreon you are making a major contribution to Briefed and helping me to keep this channel going, because this is my full time job and the survival of the channel and quality of the videos greatly depends on said support. In return for supporting, you get more than the artwork though - you also get exclusive videos and producer credit, as well as access to a producer group that gets to vote on thumbnails, gets behind the scenes etc.
If you choose to become a Patron - thank you. I do not take it for granted.
/ briefed
Sources:
A lot of people ask me about my sources, and… to be honest, they are a mixed bag. One major source is my lifelong interest in storytelling and mythology. Another is the beautiful endless library that is the internet, and, third, I read the occasional book from time to time, which I’m happy to recommend to you, but also… I’m planning to write my own book on mythology, so, in due time it will be…:
Source? Me. Yay.
Music:
- Asher Fulero - Ceremonial Library
- Asher Fulero - Nocturne
- Asher Fulero - Surrender
- Bach - C Major Prelude
- Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata (by Beethoven)
- Cooper Cannell - Bach Cello Suite No. 1, G Major, Prelude
- Esther Abrami - No.1 A Minor Waltz
- Esther Abrami - No.10 _A New Beginning
- Zachariah Hickman - Argonne
- Angevin - Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...
- Despair and Triumph by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommon...

[@shadowknight4221]

For how young this channel is. I love how professional the videos look.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

that actually means a lot to hear, because I put so much effort into making it as good as I can, with what little equipment and experience I have 😅

[@jenny-sj2vt]

The artwork is sooooooo good which makes the story telling even more interesting 🔥

[@shadowknight4221]

​@Briefed_Mythology Not to be rude to other content creators, but I have watched a few KZbinrs for years, and compared to you, they look like a middle school presentation. So all I'm saying is, I'm glad to see someone with passion for what they do.

[@jacobgates7806]

I was thinking the exact same thing a few days ago. Love the channel!

[@jackapples1]

He’s been making content like this on Tik Tok too and that’s where he really fine tuned his stuff so when he came to KZbin he was already eons ahead of other content creators.

[@layrafaytel7219]

So glad you explain that Hel is not actually evil

[@ZANXU-hm1xd]

Wow, imagine a series about the story of Hel, Fenrir and Jormungandr growing up and preparing for ragnorak.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

well wouldn't that be something 🤔 interesting 🤔

[@AdonisDancer84]

Id watch that! 😮 its gotta have Loki as a key antagonist tho.

[@adamgouveia7590]

Very interesting playdates

[@immanuelmahuni8676]

I would pay to see that

[@nicolasolton]

Entropy catches everyone in the end, even the Gods.

[@nkuluquentin5887]

This video got me thinking. I really have to improve my warrior game up so I can get into Valhalla because I can't be stuck in Helheim with all of the people who died from TikTok challenges

[@Briefed_Mythology]

you don't end up with the tiktok challenge people trust me. let's sail to battle together and find glory

[@nkuluquentin5887]

Much obliged BUUUT the Ragnarok video better come quickly because staying in Valhalla for too long isn't exactly thee ideal living arrangement

[@LiviMarie928]

This has quickly become my comfort series on KZbin ❤️

[@Briefed_Mythology]

awww bless. thank you 😊

[@LiviMarie928]

@@Briefed_Mythology Of course! Thank you for making them! ☺️

[@kutlwanosekhutsoanyane925]

Odin should have never given up that single eye that made him blind to Loki's hatred for his family.

[@PeakeABoo]

Loki didn't hate them until Odin had the vision and then set things in place to make Loki and the others hate him.

[@nicolasolton]

Old Wodin one eye.

[@thundergodd6086]

"Hel was a pimp on steroids." Had me in tears. 🤣🤣🤣

[@user-ec3rm9wr1n]

😂😂😂😂

[@AdamTheGreek]

I speak for everybody when I say, we need more. Binged all your videos in days and been rewatching. Great storytelling, editing and quality. Funny, charming and endearing. Keep up the good work 👏🏼

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank you Adam, really - really - appreciate that. motivating

[@luesangfamily]

Completely agree. Discovered Briefed through TikTok. Need to pledge to the Patreon. By far one of the best channels for history with humor and great storytelling!

[@DaiZe_PoPcUltUre]

I love this channel so much I’m a big fan of mythology and would love to see African and Egypt mythology

[@stenol85]

This is why I prefer Pagan mythology to Abrahamic mythology, the after life isn't really used as a threat to control people so much. Also love the fact Hel isn't evil even though she has every right to be.

[@johnburnside7828]

Your videos keep getting better and better! And love your double act with zizou. He always seems to know the right way to react!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

haha zizou and me are a tandem 8 years in the making

[@josesampaio5345]

Another awesome video. So glad I found this channel. And never stop explaining your jokes. It’s part of the fun. 😁

[@LightYagami-ik1cg]

Brother. If there is anything you can do to increase the vids you drop every week go for it. The narration, the depth, the quality. Fully invested in watching every vid you drop

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank you brother. I'm actually at my limit with just two haha, but maybe in the future. btw death note is my favorite anime - love the username

[@Austioperosis314]

Yoooo new briefed video as I start my weekend, let's do this!!

[@marvinmoise6558]

Yyyoooooooo. Finally. Dude. You got me waitin impatiently for these videos!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@Briefed_Mythology]

hahaha for a Wednesday upload I feel like I dropped early today

[@Justwastingtimel]

Same

[@JaiCartel]

Your videos are awesome. Itsbecome part of my routine. Please NEVER STOP

[@Briefed_Mythology]

not planning to stop 🫡

[@corvus9829]

Now i want to hear a story about Hel conquering the Underworld.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

me too. might just have to write it myself haha

[@erinlewis5653]

OMG, I love this channel! The way you convey these myths is classic!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank you, thank you. hope you enjoy the new video too, even though it's history and not mythology 🫡

[@jeannettebrady7092]

I absolutely love every video of yours that I have watched so far. The humor is a big part of it but I love how you deliver so many great facts and keep it honest and real. No sugar coated mythology...just the good, the bad and the WTF, lol.

[@susieschlotzhauer9924]

hella is probably one of the most underrated and misunderstood characters in Nors Mythos… and Christianity really changed her… she was more like Persephone or if you follow demonology she’s like Mazakeen half human half beauty but she preferred the dead… they said she’d poke you in the battle wounds to make sure you died bravely and deserve to be in Valhalla 😅

[@5dfutanarii]

i’ve been enjoying your videos so much, please continue these if you can !

[@Briefed_Mythology]

not planning to stop 🫡

[@realeveryday22]

He my favorite story teller by far

[@Briefed_Mythology]

yay 😊

[@Justwastingtimel]

Another awesome story thank you ❤

[@BrandonFritzges-eq1bz]

I follow you on all platforms and I’m a subscriber and I truly am 100% invested in your videos! Keep up the amazing work and the videos!!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

brooo I know. you're one of my guys on patreon - really, really appreciate the support brother. thank you so much.

[@UmamiNoodle]

I’m just in love with your format across your videos, the typography, the voice, storytelling. Please keep this up! Will you ever cover the Ennead? 👏

[@Briefed_Mythology]

yup, planning to tackle that topic very soon 😊 and thanks for the kind words 🥹

[@Hadouken403]

Oh Hell nah , another banger video 👌

[@user-rl6ty3uo4s]

Man I love your videos

[@teresadivilbiss8936]

Love your videos, but your sweet Zizou is my favorite part of your channel ❤. Greek mythology has always been a love of mine.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

he's my favorite part too 🥹

[@spaceghost9969]

Yeah this might be my new favourite mythology channel, definitely a top 5 or 3

[@Briefed_Mythology]

really appreciate it and the support space ghost 🫡🫡

[@stuartsales270]

Love the channel, keep up the good work! Cannot wait for the next episode.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

new episode just dropped. ragnarök is here 🫡

[@user-dv8ot4kt7k]

I love your videos. And your voice is soo soothing it helps me fall asleep and learn something new about greek and norse mythology

[@user-hn1vq8wc6h]

Above everything, the transition between the chapters✅✅ Again, hooked.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

awww bless, that makes me happy to hear haha I actually put a lot of time into the transitions and am always thinking that im overdoing it

[@user-hn1vq8wc6h]

Naah, it's just the right amount, it gives the stories a nice an interesting allure😊

[@lukeabdoveis8992]

This is my favorite channel of ever

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank you 🥹

[@aliyuabdullah8199]

Odins curiosity is what drove him to seek knowledge and that knowledge was what had caused him to create the downfall of the cosmos because he tried to change fate itself. So loki loved all of his kids and baldur was a gift to hel, nice to know

[@ZombieNinjaLookOut]

Even the dog gave you the look dude... hahahaha Great video, I am enjoying happening upon your channel and videos.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

my dog is tired of this stuff haha

[@nathanpayne5737]

I started with the napoleon video and ive been watching all the videos i can i absolutely love the content. And ive even been shareing it with my friend's

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank you Nathan. warms the heart. I appreciate you 🫡🫡

[@hendersongalbreath1072]

You have, without a doubt, the chillest dog on KZbin.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

haha yea he is the definition of chill

[@bsicc]

Love your story telling vibe my guy

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thanks bro 🫡

[@ashleighchilton3410]

Amazing as always

[@nathanenglish7163]

Thank you, hail, Odin

[@Plugboiipizzy]

I love all your jokes bro.. you don’t have to explain em I get every one lol 😅😂

[@Driftbeasti]

I'm screenshoting every artwork from this channel

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank you 🥹 you can also find all the artwork on my patreon - patreon.com/briefed

[@Carlos-rn3qz]

Love your content bro!!!

[@karlee7120]

Oh this was so fun!!!

[@wanderingbufoon]

Sleipnir: "Ahhh damn, Loki's and his kids' lives must suck. Thankfully I'm not one of his. *cough* I mean, I'm a horse." Can we just say that Hel is delighted to finally get someone that she can shack up with? She'd be like: "hmm, my Persephone is coming here?"

[@Briefed_Mythology]

haha I like the idea of baldur as hel's persephone. but who's to say that there are not some cuties in the underworld already 🤔

[@christianthornton5160]

Man, I love this channel so much. I'm so ready for Ragnarok!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

Ragnarök is out now

[@something42023]

Great video! Love how you tell stories and love the moments with the beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback ❤.

[@izegaegbe]

My favourite mythological teacher, by far

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank you 🥹

[@AdonisDancer84]

Oooo i cant wait for Ragnarok!! I feel like its been building up since your first video. Also, off topic completely, what is your accent? You sound so worldly and linguistically learned. ❤ Also #2: that pupper needs more toys! 😊

[@Briefed_Mythology]

ragnarök video is out now, fresh of the shelf 🫡 and I was born in Germany, with a German mom and dad from Cameroon, but I lived in many countries - South Africa, us, Canada, uk, so the accent is a mixed bag haha

[@KGTiberius]

I subscribed on the second video I watched of yours. And bell! You are a great storyteller. Keep being legendary!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

that you, thank you. hope you enjoyed my tiberius video too, since that is your username 😊

[@KGTiberius]

@@Briefed_Mythology indeed I did enjoy your Tiberius episode! Reluctantly bearing the mantle of leadership (heavy is the crown) can make for a good leader. Being picked apart (attacked at all sides) by those who seek power can destroy the individual. Power does not corrupt. Power corrupts the corruptible; absolute power corrupts those who are absolutely corruptible. 🔹 Looking forward to a chart/matrix that marks commonalities in the morals/ethics and why certain stories/people/gods have stood the test of time. 🔹 RICH FUTURE of stories ahead! Aesop’s fables, Icarus, Osiris, aboriginal Australian, Hinduism, Native American, East Asian mythology…

[@vmbay2212]

Cool concepts & Love your poochie 🥰

[@MsMicheleRN]

I adore your videos, your style is amazing. Interesting, funny, just all around great. I love all mythology, but I must be honest, my favorites are Norse mythologies. My father was from Sweden, so all things Scandinavian are my jam. Thank you ♥️

[@darkknull7079]

Beautiful 🤩 video

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thank youuu 😊

[@captainwarhog5465]

Baldur once borrowed my DVD 😂😂😂 cracked me up . Love these stories you bro . And as a note I like your dog to . Keep it up man😊

[@Cooler-Than-Ivan]

Can't wait to see you explore more mythos love the content

[@danielhammond3012]

I throughly enjoy your warts and all style of presentation! Talk about grey instead of black and white. Odin's self-fulfilling prophecy leads to all the ramifications of Ragnarok, ooops.

[@laurannelott9122]

I love your content!!! You bring all the stories to life and I’m here for it all 😊

[@llamasunshine]

Thanks for another video 💕 and thanks for showing me your puppy baby!! I can’t wait for the ragnarock videooo!!

[@JaiEazy]

Love it.

[@salomonmontalvojr.7958]

Love these norse legends. great job. very entertaining. bet my son would love to learn about mythology via ur vids. 💯👊🏽 i have always had a fascination with religious/mythological history. especially nordic mythology since my brief introduction to it in my world lit class ❤

[@johnhasalongmustache5025]

These are great. Been heathen all my life. Your depth of lore is impressive. Also a nice change from some dirt & hair covered wanna be “Viking” cartoon type squawking MCU like stories, while chugging cheap beer.

[@sonicsyndicate1000]

Im so stooked for the raknarök Video cant wait. Greetings Florian Ross 😊

[@Briefed_Mythology]

hi florian - I remember you from the streams haha ragnarök just dropped 🫡

[@joesanchez5595]

I am so pumped for that Ragnarok video!!! 🎉

[@idroid2542]

Back with another banger

[@adamgouveia7590]

Loki finding every loophole in Asgard

[@tonygriego6382]

It'd be kind of interesting if Hel and Baldur became a couple at the end.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

right? if Hollywood ever gets its hands on this story, you know they're gonna ship them 100%

[@candaceperkins7425]

Amazing video!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thanks Candace 😊

[@jkrenee]

Sizu's reaction to you is perfect

[@sarahweaver8879]

I randomly found your channel : delphi murders- odinism- Norse mythology- Odin- here. Haha... Totally loving your story telling and illustration examples 👍❤️👍. Keep it up!

[@RSJ999]

must say i enjoy ur content, my stories are from.. know what, nah, im not gonna sit here and write, the books are waiting. when from soft flowers turn, to hard sappy nails, to prevent winter fails, down with the sails, into warm and tell the tails. couldn't help myself, bye.

[@mfarl2001]

OH Sir our couch is just relegated to existing under a cover sheet due to our two dog's.

[@ahsokaventriss3268]

Been binging your videos, man; 🎉new favorite KZbinr!❤🎉😊

[@Briefed_Mythology]

that is super high praise, damn. thank you so much

[@JackRabbit002]

Mate your Content is on point man I love the humour too!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thanks brother

[@nanajay3303]

This was the wonderful ❤

[@EXSAEVIO]

THANK YOU!

[@andersonokoli7364]

Bro made my day 1000 times better

[@keitumetsemarumola8828]

No no no sir, you owe us another video. This whole video was extra notes I love you and this channel❤️ Ps. Start with the Egyptian mythology already!!

[@Briefed_Mythology]

haha ragnarök just dropped 🫡 egyptian mythology is the next mythology I'll add after a brief history detour

[@JacobC-gc6ij]

I’d like to see the story of the legendary man, the man behind this channel.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

haha maybe a 50k subs special or something

[@adairtl]

Great job on this video. Very powerful artwork to back it all up. Plus, I have three dog babies that I would do anything for as well....good man!

[@Rageowl]

Awesome content

[@Briefed_Mythology]

thanks, thanks - glad you're enjoying it

[@jcaaata7338]

Great work man, it shows 👏

[@BasementHopper]

In all the art you use for Hel she always looks beautiful, but I always imagine her looking like Two Face. Since she's always beautiful in your art, does this mean she's more like a mermaid? Like, with her bottom half being the dead part? 😂

[@Briefed_Mythology]

yup, there's two iteration - one where her bottom part is 'rotten' and one two-face style. honestly it was simply easier to create art where she is beautiful haha

[@BasementHopper]

@@Briefed_Mythology that's freaking cool man!

[@meggymooo]

@@Briefed_Mythology I prefer the idea of a dead bottom half. As her reproductive organs would be dead and she then becomes Mother to the dead.

[@DellBlackberry22]

The Loki is God theory is something else

[@Briefed_Mythology]

yup you should google it, there's something on reddit on it. it's pretty interesting

[@karolthegoat3639]

BRO THE QUALITY😍😍

[@timothywazza]

So nobodys gonna bring attention that this man basically used a triple entendre. “new game plus and got a pass.” Game plus for ps, Game Pass for xbox. THIS MAN IS A LYRICAL GENIUS!!! Also after hearing this. God of War 4 makes so much sense now.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

🫡🫡🫡

[@demetricsmith471]

U have my unyielding subscription 🤣

[@Briefed_Mythology]

you have my unyielding gratitude

[@jayveeoh]

Wasn’t Loki able to convince the blind god to fire the arrow because everyone was throwing stuff at Baldar to test his invincibility?

[@Briefed_Mythology]

yup, I go more in detail on that in my loki video. he tricked hodr into shooting at the shooting parade haha

[@user-dy5pv7vf9p]

🙏 thank you uncle handsome I like your accent especially the way u call sayzar😊

[@hailreezy]

Your dog tired of you brother, he just trying to chill leave him alone😂. Edit: can't wait for Saturdays episode

[@Briefed_Mythology]

yup he's just about had it with me. new video just dropped. my dog's even more tired in this one haha

[@dijonjackson9094]

Brooo Ive been following your from Tiktok these videos u make are awesome man, if u could, could you do one about Christianity or the angel of death?

[@Briefed_Mythology]

I'm planning christianity 100%, might just be a while until I get to it

[@nicolasolton]

Love how you spin these tales Briefed. Picture this- the Caliphs sent explorers and ambassadors into Scandinavia, and turns the Vikings into a northern islamic salient. Europe would look a lot different today...

[@jackchase5727]

Banger video!

[@Toxicflash26]

Briefed Thanks for this awesome story but i was wondering a while back on tikok i saw you mention Records of Ragnarok and was wondering what was your opinion about it i just recently finished season 2 and was blown away by the idea of all the gods in one universe vs humanity and since you have sort of become our Professor in Myth i just wanted to know your thoughts

[@Briefed_Mythology]

I adore the idea of record of ragnarok, but the execution is so basic that it disappointed me. great idea and potential wasted in my opinion. but it's fun.

[@visionofsolace8961]

Just a hands up, Baldr is speculated to be worshipped as the god of funerals and guiding light of the dead, kind of like a candle.🕯️ Hel is eternal in her watch of some of the dead, and Baldr is out there guiding people after the world resets.Weird right? In fact Baldr was a loved noble, light, and powerful when he was alive and then he is killed.Hel keeps Baldr around knowing he is needed once Ragnarok comes, a prized hostage of sorts, a guiding candle flame to her realm.

[@strifeGGs]

my new favorite channel in 2023

[@Briefed_Mythology]

yayyyy thank you 🥹 that means a lot

[@jakubsniadkowski342]

I cant confirm it, but i just feel like baldr and hel hooked up and are a pair, as a queen AND king of underworld. Hel is still like a main power of helheim, but his still there

[@Briefed_Mythology]

I also like this idea and it lives in my head rent free

[@Shaz78x]

thank you

[@adrenalyns]

Lol you have a knack of cycling between Erik Satie, Chopin. Liszt and one more. I've played all these pieces so its hard not to notice.

[@Briefed_Mythology]

I wish I could use a lot more songs, but for some reason KZbin actually has copyright on classical music, so I'm limited to the pieces KZbin has available. I'm gonna have to take a day to see what exactly KZbin has to offer, because it can't be limited to so little classical music

[@jaidasolo5636]

Can you cover Odysseus ? I’ve just found your page and this is AMAZING so intriguing

[@Briefed_Mythology]

eventually, yes I will 100% cover odysseus

[@singingrose4377]

“BDSM is literally Life “ took me 😂😂😂