Hermóðr - God of Norse Mythology

Hermóðr, the brave messenger of the gods in Norse mythology.
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Hermóðr, the brave messenger of the gods in Norse mythology. This depiction shows Hermóðr with his characteristic helm and armor.

Hermóðr (pronounced: "HER-mothr") also known as Hermod, is a minor god in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and Frigg and the brother of Baldr and Höðr. Hermóðr is known for his journey to Helheim, the realm of the dead, in an attempt to bring Baldr back to Asgard.

The name "Hermóðr" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᚼᛖᚱᛘᚢᚦᚱ

The story of Hermóðr begins with the death of Baldr, who was killed by a trick of Loki. The gods were devastated and unable to react due to grief. Frigg asked the Æsir who among them she wished to "win all their favor and love" by walking the path to Helheim and offering a ransom in exchange for returning Baldr to Asgard. Hermóðr agrees to this and embarks with Odin's horse, Sleipnir, on his journey to Helheim.

Hermóðr rode Sleipnir for nine days and nine nights through deep and shadowy valleys to the shining gold covered Gjöll bridge, protected by the maiden Móðguðr. Móðguðr told him that Baldr had already crossed the bridge and that Hermóðr should ride down and north.

Arriving at the Helheim portal, Hermóðr dismounted, gripped the saddle, mounted again, and pulled Sleipnir so that he jumped over the portal. Hermóðr arrived at the Helheim hall and saw Baldr sitting in the most honorary seat. Hermóðr pleaded with Hel to release Baldr, citing weeping among the Æsir. Then Hel proclaimed that Baldr would only be freed if all things, dead and living, mourned for him.

Baldr gave Hermóðr the ring Draupnir, which was burned with him in his bonfire, to return to Odin. Nanna gave him a cotton robe for Frigg along with other gifts and the ring for Fulla. Then Hermóðr returned with the message.

Hermóðr is also known as the messenger of the gods, being equated to the Greek god Hermes and his Roman equivalent Mercury, as the fastest god and for acting as a messenger of the gods. In some manuscripts, Hermóðr is called Odin's "son," while in others, he is called sveinn Óðins, "boy of Odin," which in context comes to mean more like "servant of Odin." However, Hermóðr in the following passages is called by Baldr as a brother and also appears as Odin's son in the list of Odin's sons.

Hermóðr's journey to Helheim and his attempt to bring Baldr back to Asgard is a significant event in Norse mythology. The story highlights the close relationship between the gods and their willingness to go to great lengths to protect and restore their family. The tale of Hermóðr also emphasizes the importance of mourning and grief in Norse culture, as it is only through the mourning of Baldr that he can be released from Helheim


Please note that the information provided about Hermóðr and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


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Other Norse Gods and Goddesses


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