Hermod: A Glimpse into Norse Mythology
Hermod, whose name is pronounced as “HAIR-mode,” is a lesser-known entity within Norse mythology, deriving from the Old Norse term Hermóðr. While the exact meaning of his name remains uncertain, it likely either stems from hermaðr, meaning “warrior,” or can be interpreted as the “fury of war,” drawing from the words herr (“army”) and móðr (“excitement, wrath, passion”).
This character is primarily recognized through the writings of the medieval historian Snorri Sturluson in his work, the Prose Edda. In a significant episode, Hermod embarks on a journey to the underworld riding on Sleipnir, Odin’s legendary horse. His mission is to beseech Hel, the goddess of death, to restore his brother Baldur to life. Although his attempt proves futile, it becomes a noteworthy part of Baldur’s tragic story, which holds substantial importance in Norse mythology.
It is important to approach Snorri’s recounting of Hermod’s journey and Baldur’s death with a critical eye, as many aspects remain unverified by other historical texts. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to believe that Snorri had access to ancient sources now lost, providing a depth to his narrative that suggests he was not merely drawing from his imagination. The structure and themes found in Hermod’s descent to Hel align closely with other underworld journeys present in Old Norse literature, reinforcing the notion that it is an authentic narrative rooted in mythic tradition.
While Hermod is not frequently discussed in Germanic texts, he does feature in select other works. For instance, in the Poetic Edda’s Hyndluljóð, a segment honoring Odin depicts the god endowing Hermod and the hero Sigmund with armaments. In this context, Hermod appears less divine, suggesting that he may have been conceptualized as a human hero instead of merely a god, as seen in Snorri’s depiction.
Additionally, the skaldic poem Hákonarmál addresses Hermod and “Bragi” welcoming warriors who have fallen in battle as they enter Valhalla. The identity of “Bragi” in this instance is ambiguous, leaving it uncertain whether it pertains to the god Bragi or the poet Bragi Boddason, complicating any classification of Hermod as either a human or a god.
Interestingly, Old English genealogies mention a Heremod, said to be a descendant of Wodan (Odin). The epic poem Beowulf also highlights a king named Heremod, who is characterized by his extensive, challenging voyages during his exile, potentially linking him to Hermod’s narrative of descent.
The connections between Hermod, warfare, and shamanistic themes suggest a possible amalgamation with Odin himself, as his roles and attributes often overlap with those of Odin. Old Norse literature contains various other extensions or representations of Odin, further indicating that Hermod might be perceived as a variant of the god.
Despite these intriguing connections, many questions about Hermod remain unresolved. Due to the limited references available, it is difficult to delineate a clear narrative or character arc. It is possible that there existed a version of Hermod as a human or semi-divine protagonist, or even that the later conception pertains to a distinctly different figure sharing the same name. Ultimately, the notable ties between Hermod and Odin, reflected through shared traits and ventures, remain the most reliable insight into Hermod’s character.
For those seeking to dive deeper into Norse mythology and its rich narratives, there are many resources available that provide extensive insights into this fascinating domain.
