Surt holds a prominent position in Norse mythology as the King of Fire and the ruler of the Fire-Giants from the realm of Muspellheim. The mythological account of his emergence and significance is both fascinating and foundational.
At the outset, the cosmos was shrouded in the blackness of Ginnungagap, a primordial void. From this darkness, Surt materialized with his flaming sword or possibly wand. When he touched the land, it ignited and transformed into the Realm of Fire. Over time, Muspellheim drew near to Niflheim, the primordial Realm of Ice, and the intense heat emanating from Surt's realm caused the frozen earth to thaw. This thaw revealed Ymir, the original frost-giant, and Audumhla, the Great Cow, marking the creation of life in Nordic mythology. Surt's children, the fire-giants, eventually mingled with Ymir's offspring, and Surt's bloodline can be traced through many younger fire-giants, including figures like Farbauti and his son Loki. Consequently, Surt is the oldest surviving being in the Nine Worlds.
According to primary sources, Surt predates all other living beings, and in the primordial beginning, it was he who illuminated the cosmos with his formidable sword (or wand) of fire and light, known as Laevateinn. Curiously, Surt remains tight-lipped about his origin or what brought him into existence. Indeed, it is one of the questions that would be ill-advised to ask him. He possesses a fiery temperament, and if provoked, his rage can lead to fiery consequences for those in his vicinity over the following weeks.
Surt is the godfather of Loki, and raised him as a son in childhood. He has said that he is Loki's godfather, and that Laufey came to Muspellheim to give birth to him, and that she lay in Surt's biggest fireplace to bring him forth. Surt has a close relationship with (and a great respect for) Loki's daughter Hela, with whom he is building the great Ship of Ragnarok, Naglfari, as a joint project; in spite of the fact that he is much older than her, he refers to her as "Her Ladyship", as many etins do.
Surt is knowledgeable in the ways of all kinds of fires, and especially - although few speak to him of this - the kind of primal fire that stars are made of. In fact, his knowledge of suns and stars outside the Nine Worlds is enough to take one aback, and seriously wonder about his origins. It goes without saying that he knows a great deal about moving heat and energy.
According to the Voluspa, if Ragnarok comes to pass, Surt and his children will rise up with the legions of Hela's dead mortals and attack the forces of Asgard. It is prophesied that should this happen, Surt will slay the god Frey, who gave up his sword for love and must defend himself only with a deer antler. Then much of the world will be consumed in flames, and Surt will rebirth it again.
