How many realms exist in Norse cosmology?

The story behind the answer

Nine. In Norse cosmology, the universe is organized into nine realms woven around the world-tree Yggdrasil. These traditionally include Asgard (Aesir gods), Midgard (humans), Vanaheim (Vanir gods), Jotunheim (giants), Alfheim (light elves), Svartalfheim/Nidavellir (dwarves/dark elves), Niflheim (ice), Muspelheim (fire), and Hel/Helheim (the dead). The Poetic and Prose Eddas often reference “nine worlds,” anchoring this number in the core sources.

Memory tip: Think Elements + Peoples. Elements: Fire (Muspelheim) and Ice (Niflheim). Peoples: Gods (Asgard, Vanaheim), Humans (Midgard), Giants (Jotunheim), Elves (