There was pretty much nothing. Except for mist (fire for this)
The well of life appeared
Ymir the caveman appeared when the well of life froze over
The magic cow appeared and Ymir got milk
Ymir the great ice giant was fought by Odin, Vili, and Ve. They defeated Ymir. Then Bergelmir who was wise and clever was sparred. Bergelmir built a boat and escaped the flooding planet. Odin, Villi, and Ve will be a mystery.