In Norse mythology, Hermod stands out as the swift messenger of the gods, notable for being the offspring of Odin, the chief god, and his spouse, Frigg. Often referred to as Hermod the Swift, he was summoned by the other deities for tasks requiring quickness and efficiency. Armor-clad and donning a helmet bestowed upon him by Odin, Hermod never ventured without his enchanted wand, Gambantein. His bravery in battle earned him the title of Hermod the Bold, as he embraced combat with fervor. The Norse believed he would be poised at the gates of Valhalla alongside Odin, ready to receive the Einherjar—warriors who had perished heroically.
Hermod is chronicled in both the ‘Poetic Edda’ and the ‘Prose Edda.’ It was he who took it upon himself to undertake the arduous journey from the celestial realm of Asgard to Hel, attempting to rescue his brother Balder from the grasp of the underworld’s queen, Hel. The journey took nine days, during which Hermod rode on Odin’s prized steed, Sleipnir, the swiftest horse known. Upon reaching the river Gjol (also spelled Gioll), he encountered Modgud, the maiden guarding the bridge. She inquired about his intentions as a living being seeking passage to Hel, revealing that Balder had indeed traversed that route.
Continuing his quest, Hermod confronted the formidable Hel Gate, which was heavily locked. With determination, he guided Sleipnir to leap over it effortlessly. Once inside the realm of Hel, Hermod pleaded with the queen to permit Balder’s return to the realm of the living, pointing to the immense sorrow his death had caused. Hel consented to grant Balder passage back to Asgard, under the condition that every entity in existence, both alive and dead, shed tears for Balder. If even one being withheld their tears, Balder would remain in the underworld.
Hermod then made the long trek back to Asgard to relay Hel’s terms to the gods. They dispatched messengers far and wide to share the news, and soon every creature wept for Balder—except for a giantess named Thokk, suspected to be Loki disguised. This refusal meant Balder was bound to stay in the underworld.
In another instance, Odin, troubled by ominous prophecies, called upon Hermod to journey to the lands of the Finns in search of Rossthiof, a horse thief. With Sleipnir and a runic staff in hand, Hermod set off swiftly. Despite Rossthiof summoning fierce beasts to thwart him, Hermod subdued him and demanded answers to Odin’s disturbing visions. After initially resisting, Rossthiof acquiesced, and upon gaining his freedom, began to chant spells that caused nature to recoil—clouds consumed the sun, and the earth quaked. Rossthiof directed Hermod’s attention to a distant bloodstream on the ground. A stunning woman appeared next to a boy who quickly matured into a young man wielding a bow and arrows. Rossthiof foretold that the blood signified the murder of one of Odin’s sons, but should Odin win the heart of the giantess Rind in Ruthenia, she would bear a son who would grow within a day and avenge his sibling.
Hermod hastily returned to Odin, sharing the alarming omen, which prompted Odin to pursue Rind. She ultimately became Vali’s mother, fulfilling the prophecy after Balder’s death, as Vali sought retribution against Hod for his brother’s demise.
