Sleipnir
Odin’s eight-legged horse, ridden by Hermod to the Realm of Hel.
Overview
Sleipnir is not the centre of a full horse legend here; he is the condition that makes Hermod’s mission possible. Chapter 49 says Hermod rides Odin’s horse Sleipnir to the Realm of Hel. The horse makes the crossing possible.
Key facts
Odin’s horse
Chapter 49 identifies Sleipnir as Odin’s horse.
Further spoiler details are available in the interactive atlas.
Relationships
- Hermodcarries to Hel
Sleipnir carries Hermod to the Realm of Hel.
- Giant Master Builderleads to Sleipnir
After Loki’s dealings with Svadilfari, the eight-legged horse Sleipnir is born.
Story appearances
- Baldr's Death and Loki's PunishmentHorse carrying Hermod across the boundary
Sleipnir carries Hermod to the Realm of Hel.
- Oaths, Treasures and Giant AftershocksUnexpected result
Sleipnir enters divine story from the aftershock of the builder bargain.
- Baldrs Draumar: Odin Seeks an Answer in the UnderworldFigure, place, event, or creature in Baldrs Draumar
Odin’s eight-legged horse, ridden by Hermod to the Realm of Hel.
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
- Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Baldrs Draumar, Stanzas 1–5: the gods consider Baldr’s dreams; Odin rides Sleipnir to Niflhel and works magic at a seeress’s grave.