Alfheim
SAGA04 - No. 7
Geography
One of the four cardinal planes of the Otherworld, Alfheim and the Eight Realms, is often regarded as the most dangerous cardinal plane. Similar to Olympus, the name Alfheim encompasses more than its mythologic counterpart. Alfheim encompasses itself, and the realms of Asgard, Hel, Jotunheim, Muspelheim, Nidavellir, Niflheim, and Vanaheim. The Eight Realms are separated by neigh-unpassable ceaseless blizzards. The only known way to enter Alfheim is by crossing the Bifrost from the Flipside. The Cafe and Diner have only ever been to Alfheim, the realm of Elves. Alfheim is a pleasant region surrounded by thick pine forests and dotted with small Elven towns. If one ventured too far into the forests, they would quickly find themselves in the frosty Frenzy, which keeps the other realms separate.
While the Cafe has not seen the other realms personally, in mythology Asgard is typically depicted as a fortified celestial realm protected by Thor. Hel is generally thought of as a cold, dark, and gloomy place. Jotunheim is typically thought of as a cold mountainous region home to Giants. Muspelheim is a blazing hot realm filled with beasts of fire. Nidavellir is a cavernous realm home to the forge-master Dwarves. Niflheim is a misty land of snow and ice and possibly IS the frigid and barren icy wastes surrounding the other seven realms. And finally, the mysterious and enigmatic Vanaheim, home to the Vanir, little is known about it even in mythology.
Mythology
Alfheim as a plane draws from Norse or Scandinavian mythology. Though little of Alfheim has been seen, it could be possible that other regions of Alfheim and exist and draw from classic Germanic fantasy such as the works of the Grimm Brothers.
Rulers
Alfheim and the other Seven Realms are ruled by none other than the lord of the frenzy, Odin. Though its unclear how far his rule reaches, especially in regard to Vanaheim. Interestingly enough, only the Otherworld plane of Alfheim is ruled by its typical mythological counterpart.