Hermod

Hermóðr mounted Sleipnir, Odin’s eight-legged horse, and rode towards the realm of the dead. He had undertaken the journey at Frigg’s request after Baldr was killed. Hǫðr, who was blind, had shot Baldr with mistletoe at Loki’s direction. The gods were gathered in a holy place and could not take vengeance there. They mourned Baldr and prepared his funeral.

Hermóðr rode for nine nights through deep, dark valleys. He saw no light until he reached a river and the bridge across it, which was covered with shining gold. Modgud guarded the bridge. She asked his name and lineage, then asked why he rode into the land of the dead. She said that five bands of dead men had crossed the day before, yet the bridge had shaken more beneath Hermóðr alone. His living colour also showed that he was not dead. Hermóðr asked whether she had seen Baldr. Modgud had seen him and directed Hermóðr down the northern road.

Hermóðr rode on until he reached Hel’s grated gate. He dismounted, fastened Sleipnir, mounted again, and spurred the horse over the gate. Baldr and Nanna were there in Hel’s domain. Hermóðr asked Hel to release Baldr and return him to the gods. Hel agreed on one condition: every being had to mourn Baldr. If all beings wept for him, he could leave the realm of the dead.

Hermóðr returned to Asgard with Hel’s answer, but the condition was not fulfilled. Baldr therefore remained with Hel. Hermóðr also brought back Odin’s ring, Draupnir, which had been placed on Baldr’s funeral pile. Nanna sent gifts to Frigg and Fulla. Hermóðr had completed the journey, but he had not brought Baldr home.