So I recently started reading Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, and I am sorta bothered by how those who die of disease or old age are sent to Hel?(or accidents or childbirth, esp since it is often referred to as being for cowards?) Like, I struggle with Type 1 diabetes, I will most likely die of complications to it. I fight every day just to live, but this just means what? That none of that matters?
Your issue here is in thinking of Hel as a bad place, which Christian culture has done a good job of insinuating.
Hella punishes those who were dishonorable in life by feeding them to Nidhogg, yes…but if you are a basically good person who simply didn’t die in battle, Helheim is a rather nice place. It’s said to be a misty forest, one that’s peaceful and restful. You’ll find family there, and be healed of any hurts or illness from life. You’ll engage in the same activities you enjoyed in life; dancing, feasting, games, having a nice nap in a meadow whenever you like, ect.
The warriors, see, who go to Valhalla…they will be needed at Ragnarok, and there they’ll die a final time. Those who go to Folkvanger will help Freyja rebuild Midgard. But those in Helheim have no obligations. There, you do as you please, when you please, without the inconveniences of mortal diseases or infirmity.
That’s all Helheim is, for people who weren’t assholes in life. Not some pit of fire and torment.
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