In Norse mythology, Ymir was the founder of the race of frost giants and an important figure in Norse cosmology. He formed from the ice of Niflheim, where it met with Muspel's heat and melted. Giants came forth from Ymir's body while he slept. From his armpits sprang a man and a woman, while his legs begat a son.

Ymir fed from the cow Audumla who in turn fed from hoar frost and salt. Her licking the rime ice eventually formed Buri, who fathered Bor, father of Odin, Vili and Ve.

Odin and his brothers killed Ymir. Only two giants survived the flood of Ymir's blood: Ymir's grandson, Bergelmir (son of Thrudgelmir), and his wife. Odin and his brothers used Ymir's body to create Midgard at the center of Ginnungagap. His flesh became the earth. His bones became mountains. His teeth and bone fragments became stones. From his hair grew trees and maggots from his flesh became the race of dwarves. The gods set Ymir's skull in the sky, supported by four dwarves, and his brains became clouds. Ymir's blood filled the lakes and seas.

His name is cognate to Yama of Hinduism.

See also: Purusha and Cipactli

Alternative: Aurgelmir