Hermóðr facts for kids

Hermodr (pronounced HER-mod-er) is a special messenger god in Norse mythology. His name comes from Old Norse and means "Spirit of War." He is known for being super fast, even among the other gods called the Æsir.

Hermodr is famous for a brave journey he made. When Baldr, a beloved son of Odin, sadly died, Hermodr was the one who volunteered to go to Niflheimr. This was the land of the dead, ruled by the goddess Hel. Hermodr's mission was to ask Hel to let Baldr return to the land of the living. To get there, he rode Sleipnir, Odin's amazing eight-legged horse, for nine days and nine nights!

Hermodr's Journey to the Underworld

When Hermodr finally reached the cold, misty underworld, he came to a bridge called Gjallarbrú. This bridge crossed a noisy river named Gjöll. It was the border between the living world and the dead. The bridge was guarded by a giantess named Móðguðr, whose name means "Furious Battler."

Hermodr explained to Móðguðr why he needed to enter Hel's realm. She understood and let him pass. After crossing the bridge, Hermodr finally met Hel herself. He begged her to release Baldr. Hel agreed, but she had one condition: everything in the world, living and non-living, had to cry for Baldr. If even one thing refused, Baldr would have to stay in the underworld.

Images for kids

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  Hermóðr rides to Hel on Sleipnir. He meets Hel and Baldr. From an 18th-century Icelandic manuscript.