After the cosmos had been formed from the body of Ymir, and Midgard was chosen to be inhabited by humans. The next task was for Odin and his brothers to create the first humans.
One day, as the brothers walked along the beach of this newly-created land, they came across two pieces of driftwood. Odin, on seeing these pieces, new immediately that this was the moment they would create the first humans.
They picked up the pieces and began carving them into the shape of humans. But they were still lifeless. So, Odin knelt and gave them the breath of life. At this point, the two forms began to stir and open their eyes a little. Vili then gave them their wits and emotions. They opened their eyes more and began to move a little. Finally, Ve gave them speech, hearing and sight. Now the newly-formed beings took full shape and moved around, taking in the wonders that surrounded them. There names were to be Ask, the man, and Embla, the woman.
The brothers then walked with them and took them to Midgard, their new home. Protected from the giants by a wall, it was to be their new home and bring forth all of humanity.