Sleipnir facts for kids
In Norse mythology, Sleipnir is a very special eight-legged horse. He is the favorite horse of the powerful god Odin, who is the chief of the Norse gods. Sleipnir is known for being incredibly fast and strong. He can travel over land, through the air, and even across water!
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Who is Sleipnir's Parent?
Sleipnir has a very unusual parentage. He was actually created by the trickster god Loki. Loki is known for causing trouble and changing his shape. In one story, Loki transformed himself into a mare, which is a female horse. He did this to distract a giant who was building a wall around Asgard, the home of the gods.
How Loki Became a Mare
The story goes that the gods had made a deal with a giant. The giant promised to build a strong wall around Asgard in a very short time. If he finished on time, he would get the goddess Freyja, the Sun, and the Moon as payment. The gods agreed, thinking it was impossible. However, the giant had a magical horse named Svaðilfari that helped him work incredibly fast.
The gods became worried that the giant would actually finish the wall. They told Loki to find a way to stop him. Loki then changed into a beautiful mare. He ran out to distract Svaðilfari, the giant's horse. Svaðilfari chased Loki's mare form into the forest, and the giant's work slowed down.
Sleipnir's Birth and Gift to Odin
After some time, Loki, still in the form of a mare, gave birth to a unique foal. This foal was Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse. Loki then gave Sleipnir as a gift to Odin. From that day on, Sleipnir became Odin's loyal and trusted steed, carrying him on many adventures across the nine worlds.
What Makes Sleipnir Special?
Sleipnir is not just any horse; he has many amazing qualities that make him stand out in Norse myths.
Sleipnir's Eight Legs
The most noticeable thing about Sleipnir is his eight legs. This makes him incredibly fast and stable. He can gallop faster than any other horse, and his extra legs give him great power and endurance. He can travel for long periods without getting tired.
Sleipnir's Incredible Speed
Sleipnir is known as the fastest of all horses. He can outrun anything and can travel between the different worlds of Norse mythology, like from Asgard to Jötunheimr (the land of the giants) or even to Helheim (the underworld).
Sleipnir's Role with Odin
Sleipnir is Odin's most important companion. Odin often rides Sleipnir when he needs to travel quickly or when he goes into battle. One famous story tells of Odin riding Sleipnir to Helheim to visit the wise woman, Völva, to learn about the future and the fate of his son, Baldr.
Other Stories About Sleipnir
Sleipnir appears in several important Norse myths, showing his loyalty and strength.
Hermóðr's Ride to Hel
After Baldr, Odin's son, died, the gods wanted to bring him back from Helheim. Hermóðr, another son of Odin, volunteered for this dangerous journey. Odin lent Hermóðr his mighty horse, Sleipnir. Sleipnir carried Hermóðr all the way to Helheim, jumping over the high gate that guards the underworld. This shows how powerful and capable Sleipnir is, even in the darkest places.
Sleipnir in Other Myths
Sleipnir is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, which are important collections of Norse myths. These texts describe him as the "best of horses" and highlight his unique abilities. He is a symbol of speed, strength, and the connection between the gods and the different realms.
Images for kids
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Depiction of Sleipnir in a detail on the Tjängvide image stone.
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"Odin and Sleipnir" (1911) by John Bauer.
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An illustration of Odin riding Sleipnir from an 18th-century Icelandic manuscript.
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An 18th century Prose Edda manuscript illustration featuring Hermóðr upon Sleipnir (left), Baldr (upper right), and Hel (lower right).
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Odin sits atop his steed Sleipnir, his ravens Huginn and Muninn and wolves Geri and Freki nearby (1895) by Lorenz Frølich.
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"Hadingus and the Old Man" (1898) by Louis Moe.
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The horseshoe-shaped canyon Ásbyrgi.
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The Ardre VIII image stone
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Detail of figure riding an eight-legged horse on the Tjängvide image stone but it is low resolution.
See also
In Spanish: Sleipnir para niños
