- In the center of Ginnungagap, two realms emerged: Niflheim, a cold and icy realm to the north, and Muspelheim, a hot and fiery realm to the south.
- From Niflheim flowed icy rivers, while from Muspelheim flowed streams of molten lava.
- As these two elements clashed, they created a mist that turned into frost when it met the cold air of Niflheim, and into hot steam when it met the heat of Muspelheim.
- From this interplay of ice and fire, the first living being was born – the frost giant Ymir.
- Ymir was a powerful and primordial being who fed on the milk from the cow Auðumbla.
- Auðumbla had emerged from the melting ice, and she licked the salt from the ice blocks, gradually revealing a figure – the god Búri.
- Búri was the father of the gods Odin, Vili, and Vé, who went on to create the world and its inhabitants.