In Norse mythology, Hel is the goddess of death and is a being who presides over the realm of Niflheim, where she receives a portion of the dead (the dishonored). Hel is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. In addition, she is mentioned in poems recorded in Heimskringla and Egils saga that date from the 9th and 10th centuries, respectively. An episode in the Latin work Gesta Danorum, written in the 12th century by Saxo Grammaticus, is generally considered to refer to Hel, and Hel may appear on various Migration Period bracteates.

Hel is described as having been appointed by the god Odin as ruler of a realm of the same name, located in Niflheim. In the same source, her appearance is described as half blue and half flesh-colored and further as having a gloomy, downcast appearance.

In Norse mythology, Garmr or Garm is a wolf or dog associated with both Hel and Ragnarök and described as a blood-stained guardian of Hel's gate.

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