The Nine Realms

The Nine Realms are a group of very distant planets connected by the cosmic nimbus Yggdrasil, and are home to various different species.

The Nine Realms are nine individual worlds that, while located in separate star systems, are systematically connected by Yggdrasil. The inhabitants of the realms mostly associated with each other rather than the other advanced species residing beyond the realms. Earth, where Humanity resides, is one of the Nine Realms, but its inhabitants are considered to be too underdeveloped by the other races to associate with.

Asgard is considered to be the head of the Nine Realms, and its inhabitants. The Asgardians, are arguably the most powerful species in the realms. The Asgardians produced a sister race which settled on the planet Vanaheim, and are referred to as the Vanir. Nidavellir, home of the Dwarves, neighbors the planet Asgard, and a strong relationship is present between the two. The world of Alfheim also lies close to Asgard.

Slightly below Asgard is Jotunheim, which is inhabited by the Jotuns, also known as the Frost Giants. The Frost Giants have tried to conquer the other realms a number of times, but were thwarted in each attempt by the Asgardians. Located above Asgard is Muspelheim, a world that is bathed entirely in flames and is home to many beasts that manifested from the fires. Located at the bottom of Yggdrasil are Svartalfheim and Niflheim. The former was once home to the Dark Elves before a cataclysmic battle against the Asgardians ravaged the planet's surface and nearly drove the species extinct. The latter is a world controlled by the Frost Giants, and is notable for being the location of Hel, a shadowy area that the Asgardians believe hold the souls of those in the Nine Realms who have died.