As a mythology expert, I'd like to dive into the rich tapestry of Norse mythology to explore the question of who Loki's daughter is. Norse mythology, with its complex and fascinating stories, is a treasure trove of characters and narratives that have captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike for centuries.

Loki, the Norse god of mischief, is a central figure in many of these tales. He is known for his cunning, shape-shifting abilities, and his complex relationship with the Aesir, the main group of gods in Norse mythology. Loki is often portrayed as a trickster, sometimes helping the gods but also causing chaos and destruction.

Now, when we talk about Loki's daughter, we must turn to the sources that have shaped our understanding of Norse mythology. The Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, along with Heimskringla, are key texts that provide insights into the Norse pantheon and its stories. In these texts, Hel is referred to as a daughter of Loki. Hel is a significant figure in Norse cosmology, associated with the realm of the dead.

In the Prose Edda, specifically in the book Gylfaginning, Hel is described with a somewhat grim portrayal. She is depicted as half-black and half-blue, with a gloomy disposition befitting her role. Hel is said to have been appointed by the All-Father, Odin, as the ruler of a realm that shares her name. This realm is situated in Niflheim, one of the nine worlds in Norse cosmology, and is associated with cold and darkness.

The concept of "going to Hel" in Norse culture is essentially synonymous with dying. It is a place where those who do not die in battle (and thus do not go to Valhalla) or those who are not particularly virtuous end up. It is important to note that Hel is not necessarily an evil entity; she is more of a neutral figure, fulfilling her role as the ruler of the dead.

Hel's relationship with her father, Loki, is complex. Loki, being the father of Hel, is also associated with other offspring, including the monstrous wolf Fenrir and the serpent Jormungandr. These children are part of a prophecy that leads to Ragnarok, the end of the world in Norse mythology.

It is also worth mentioning that Norse mythology is filled with layers of symbolism and allegory. The figures and their stories often carry deeper meanings and can be interpreted in various ways. Hel, as a daughter of Loki, embodies the inevitable aspect of death and the afterlife, a theme that is universal across many cultures and mythologies.

In conclusion, the daughter of Loki, as per the primary sources of Norse mythology, is Hel. She is a ruler of the realm of the dead and plays a crucial role in the Norse understanding of life, death, and the afterlife. Her story, along with those of her siblings and her father Loki, adds to the rich narrative tapestry of Norse mythology, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and worldview of the ancient Norse people.

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In the Poetic Edda, Prose Edda, and Heimskringla, Hel is referred to as a daughter of Loki, and to "go to Hel" is to die. In the Prose Edda book Gylfaginning, Hel is described as having been appointed by the god Odin as ruler of a realm of the same name, located in Niflheim.read more >>