Hræsvelgr

Hræsvelgr was the Jötunn who ruled over Helheim, a vast eagle perched atop the highest spire of that frozen land and known throughout the Nine Realms by the title of Hel. Distant and unmoved by the affairs of the living and the dead, she kept her watch over the dead for an age and wanted only a successor who would free her from her reign. (God of War (2018); God of War Ragnarök)

Ruler of Helheim#

Hræsvelgr came from Jötunheim and rose to rule over Helheim, the cold land of the dead, becoming the ninth to hold the throne and reigning longer than any before her. She was known across the Nine Realms by the title Hel, and she sat unmoving atop the tallest building there, gazing down upon its residents. She was named the author of the winds, and the unceasing frozen gales that held Helheim in permanent deep-freeze were believed to come from the beating of her enormous wings. Atreus, who could talk with beasts, was able to speak with her directly. (God of War Ragnarök)

Indifference of the Eagle#

When Kratos first travelled to Helheim to take the heart of the Bridge Keeper and cure his ailing son, Hræsvelgr paid it no mind. She watched from her spire and did not stir. (God of War (2018))

Her detachment was plainest after the beast Garm tore open Hel Tears throughout the realms. When Kratos and Atreus came to ask how many tears had been opened, Hræsvelgr told them there were six to be closed, and warned that they should expect no gratitude, for the tears should never have been opened in the first place. When the work was done and Mimir came to report their success, she answered that she already knew, and repeated that there would be no reward. (God of War Ragnarök)

The bargain for Hel#

Before launching the war to bring down Odin, Kratos and his allies resolved to seek the forces of Hel. Hildisvíni judged that Hræsvelgr would deal more readily with one who had already died, and so brought Mimir along for the negotiation. They won her aid by promising to find someone to take her place as ruler of Helheim, so that she might at last lay the post down. Hræsvelgr was afterward seen in quiet conversation with Tyr. (God of War Ragnarök)