Deity
Hermod
Odin’s son, sent by the gods to the Realm of Hel to seek Baldr’s return.
Overview
Hermod carries Baldr’s death from Asgard’s mourning into the Realm of Hel. Chapter 49 says the gods ask who will ride to Hel and ask for Baldr’s release; Hermod accepts and rides Odin’s Sleipnir. His journey keeps open a brief possibility of reversal.
Key facts
Accepts the ride to Hel
The gods seek someone willing to go to Hel, and Hermod takes up the request.
Further spoiler details are available in the interactive atlas.
Relationships
- Realm of Helrides to
Hermod rides Sleipnir to the Realm of Hel to ask for Baldr’s return.
- Sleipnircarries to Hel
Sleipnir carries Hermod to the Realm of Hel.
Story appearances
- Baldr's Death and Loki's PunishmentRider to Hel seeking return
Hermod rides Sleipnir to the Realm of Hel to seek Baldr’s return.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.
- Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Baldr’s funeral, Nanna’s death, Thor hallowing the pyre, Draupnir laid on it, and Hermod’s ride
- Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Hel sets the all-things-weeping condition, messengers seek the response, and Thokk refuses to weep