You may be familiar with the Nine Worlds of Norse cosmology. Having similar proto-Germanic roots, the Anglo-Saxon conceived of the universe split among at least seven realms.
Midgard (Middle Earth): At the heart of Anglo-Saxon cosmology lies Middle Earth, the realm of humans—the world we know best. This world is the stage upon which we act out our mortal lives, where everyday existence unfolds amidst the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of the human experience.
Elfhame (Elf Home): Elfhame is the ethereal realm inhabited by the elves, later known as faeries, the fae, or the good neighbors. These creatures are often associated with nature and the ethereal aspects of the world. Elfhame is a place of enchantment, where the mysterious and magical intertwine. It is the world that is closest to our own and cross-overs are not altogether uncommon.
Sweartælfham (Dwarf Home): Beneath the earth lies the domain of the dwarves, or dark elves. Skilled craftsmen and miners, dwarves are renowned for their ability to create powerful artifacts and treasures. Sweartælfham is a subterranean realm, rich in precious metals and hidden wonders.
Helham (Realm of the Dead): Helham is the underworld, a realm associated with the deceased and the afterlife. It is not a place of punishment but rather a destination for those who did not die in battle. Helham is ruled by the goddess Hel, a figure both feared and revered.
Osgeard (Home of the Aesir): Osgeard stands at the pinnacle of the cosmic hierarchy. It is the realm of the gods, the Ése (Norse Aesir), a pantheon of powerful deities including Woden, Frigg, and Thunar. Osgeard is a realm of divine power and influence, overseeing the affairs of the cosmos and interconnected with the other worlds through the World Tree.
Most distant from us are two realms Wenham and Ettinham—home of the old gods, who predate the Ese, (akin to Old Norse vanir), and giants (Ettin) respectively. They are far from us today and have little to no contact with Middle Earth.
In addition to these seven, it is not improbable that the Anglo-Saxons also had a conception of two additional worlds similar to their Scandinavian counterparts. These two worlds link back to the most primordial forces in Germanic cosmology: Fire and Ice.
Muspelham (Realm of Fire): This is a realm of fire and chaos, inhabited by fire giants and ruled by the fire giant Surtr. It is a place of immense heat and destructive power, contrasting the stability of the human realm. Muspelam represents the forces of destruction that continually threaten the order of the cosmos.
Nifolham (Realm of Ice): In stark opposition to Muspelham, Niflham is a realm of ice and cold. It is associated with primordial ice and mist, symbolizing the elemental forces that give rise to the material world. Niflheim and Muspelham played pivotal roles in the creation of the cosmos.
The Seven Worlds of Anglo-Saxon cosmology provide a glimpse into the complex and interconnected nature of their belief system. Each realm contributes to the overall balance of the cosmos, creating a worldsview that encompasses the mundane and the divine, the natural and the supernatural. Exploring these realms opens a portal to the collective imagination of the Anglo-Saxon people, offering insight into the cultural and spiritual dimensions that shaped their understanding of the universe.