# Hel — Metropolis character guide

> Hel in Metropolis by Thea von Harbou.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Hel

**First appearance:** 0001-metropolis

## Who they are

The deceased wife of Joh Fredersen and mother of Freder, often referenced.

## Relationships

### [Freder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/characters/freder)

_family_

Hel is Freder's deceased mother, and his memories of her are a source of emotional motivation.

### [Freder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/characters/freder)

_family_

Hel is Freder's deceased mother, and his memories of her are a source of emotional motivation.

## In the story

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/viii)

Hel, Freder's mother, is mentioned as having frequently visited the cathedral; Freder seeks to see it through her eyes.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/xii)

Deceased wife of Joh and mother of Freder. Her death is attributed to Joh's actions, and her legacy is Freder.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/xxi)

Appears as a frightened, saint-like figure at the cathedral door. She flees from Rotwang up the belfry and ultimately hangs from the lightning conductor, screaming for Freder.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/chapters/xxv)

Posthumously communicates through a letter given to Joh by his mother.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/characters/hel
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metropolis_se/characters