The first of the Frost Giants, formed from the dripping drops of icy Chaos in Niflheim at the beginning of the world.

While he slept, strange things happened. First of all, a mysterious Muspellheim fire appeared nearby and he started to perspire. The first man and woman were formed from the sweat between his arms — and we understand they were particularly keen to get out of his armpit at that point.

Second, his legs gave birth to a son. We know not how. We only report the facts.

And third, a giant cow called Auðumla appeared out of the ice offering a selection of delicious sorbets.

Shortly after that, Buri — the first God — was born. The rest is history. Ymir was viciously slaughtered by his grandson Odin and his gigantic body was broken up for scrap. His blood became the sea, his bones became the mountains and his eyebrows became Midgard, the world of men. Fear not — nothing went to waste.

Incidentally, the clouds in the sky were made from his brains, a notion we’re rather fond of. When you look upwards, you’re seeing his passing thoughts.

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Article last revised on September 22, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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