Hermóðr’s Ride to Hel

“…Hermod, surnamed the Nimble, the son of Odin, offered to undertake the journey. Odin’s horse Sleipnir was then led forth, on which Hermod mounted, and galloped away on his mission.”

“For the space of nine days, and as many nights, he rode through deep glens so dark that he could not discern anything until he arrived at the river Gjoll…”

After Baldr’s death Frigg asks which of the Æsir will ride to Hel and offer a ransom for him. Hermóðr the Nimble, Odin’s son, agrees and is given Odin’s horse Sleipnir. He rides for nine days and nights through glens so dark he can see nothing, crosses the bridge over Gjöll, is told the way lies below toward the north, and leaps the barred gates of Hel. In the hall he finds Baldr in the seat of honour and spends the night with him.

Next morning he asks Hel to let Baldr go. She answers that it will be tested whether Baldr is as beloved as is said: if all things, living and lifeless, weep for him, he may return; if any one refuses, he stays. Baldr gives Hermóðr the ring Draupnir for Odin, and Nanna sends gifts. Hermóðr rides back to Ásgarðr and reports.

The ride is told in Gylfaginning, and the translation used here gives the road to Hel no name. Its stages come in order: the dark glens, the river and bridge, the gate, the hall. The gods then send messengers asking everything in the world to weep for Baldr. The poem Baldrs draumar tells of a separate ride, made by Odin himself.