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Viking Mythology In the beginning of all things there was a great chasm, Ginnungagap, to the north of it was Niflheim, home of mist and darkness, and south, Muspellheim, the home of burning fire. Cold air from the chasm and the mist from the north formed blocks of ice, which fell into the chasm. When the fire touched the blocks of ice it produced hoar-frost and sent it up stream. Out of this frost was created two figures, Ymir and his cow, Audumla. Audumla licked the blocks of ice for the salt in them, and as the ice melted away another creature appeared. It took three days to get the figure out of the ice and when he did his name was Buri. Borr was born to Buri by the means of magic spells. As Ymir was sleeping a giant man and a giant-maiden formed from the sweat of his brow. Thrudgelmir was also born this night form the bottom of Ymir’s soles. There was great dislike between evil and good. The giants were growing in numbers but in no way could they prevail against Buri and Borr. Borr married a friendly giant-maiden named Bestla, to them was born a son Odin. Odin was stronger and mightier than his father and brothers, and in time led them against the giants. After killing Ymir the other giants fled only to drown by blood