In Norse mythology, Muspellsheim ("Home of Desolation"), also called Muspell, is a despairing, torrid realm of flames, the land of fire far to the south. It is the elemental opposite of Niflheim. Muspellsheim's warming and life-giving beams made the ice in Niflheim melt and created the first living beings, Ask and Embla. The stars and planets were created when sparks from Muspellsheim flew out into space. Muspellsheim is ruled by the fire giant Surt, whose wife is Sinmore.