Also called Hermod, Hermóð the Bold.
Their story
When Baldr died, Frigg asked who would ride to Hel to offer a ransom for his return. Hermóðr, a son of Odin, took Sleipnir and rode nine nights through dark valleys to the bridge Gjallarbrú, then leapt Hel's gate. Hel agreed to release Baldr if everything in the world wept for him, and Hermóðr returned with the ring Draupnir as Baldr's gift to Odin. All things wept, except one giantess in a cave.
Best times to give to them
- after a death
- before a difficult errand
- at memorials
What they like being given
- a horse figurine
- a letter to the dead
- bread and water
How to honour them
- Ask him for courage before you speak up on someone's behalf.
- Undertake a hard errand for someone else and dedicate it to him.
How they can help you
- courage
- advocacy
- grief and messages to the dead
Symbols
- Sleipnir
- the bridge Gjallarbrú
- the gate of Hel
- a ring (Draupnir)
In some poems Hermóðr seems to be a human hero rather than a god.
Sources
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 49
- Poetic Edda, Hyndluljóð 2
- Hákonarmál
More Norse gods
- Odin The Allfather, seeker of wisdom
- Thor The Thunderer, protector of gods and people
- Freyr Lord of the harvest, giver of peace and plenty
- Njörðr Lord of the harbour, the wind and the sea
- Tyr The one-handed god of justice and oaths
- Heimdall Watchman of the gods at the rainbow bridge
- Baldr The shining one, beloved of all
- Bragi God of poetry, skald of Valhalla