Quote Originally Posted by Kashem View Post
Thor would probably rather just lose the bet than let Hel become more powerful than Odin. He could just intentionally back out, and pay up (whatever it is), and he would likely gain dominion over all of the souls of his worshipers, honor or not. Hel would then gain default dominion over her own worshipers, which would likely be nobody. The world would then end, and all of the other gods would end up with their fair share of followers, except Hel, who would get nothing (except the ability to make clerics among the living in a world that no longer exists).
You make a very good case for a scenario where Hel refuses to let Thor out of the bet, assuming ending the bet prematurely is even an option. Additionally, you make a very good case for a scenario where the Western and Southern Gods should expect the Northern Gods to renege on anything they ever say the instant it's inconvenient for them to uphold their word.