Hermóður

Hermóður

the brave and resourceful messenger

Hermóðr (also spelled Hermoth or Hermóð) is a figure in Norse mythology, known for his role in the story of Baldr's death.

According to the myth, after Baldr, the god of light and purity, was killed by a mistletoe dart, he went to the underworld realm of Hel. Odin, the chief of the gods, was determined to bring Baldr back to life, so he sent Hermóðr on a mission to negotiate with Hel for his son's release.

Hermóðr rode Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, to the gates of Hel's realm and was granted an audience with Hel. He made an impassioned plea for Baldr's return, but Hel set a condition: Baldr could only be released if every creature in the world, living or dead, wept for him. Hermóðr returned to the land of the living and spread the news of Baldr's plight. Eventually, all beings wept for Baldr, except for the giantess Thokk, who was Loki in disguise. As a result, Baldr remained in the underworld.

Hermóðr is depicted as a brave and resourceful messenger who was willing to travel to the land of the dead to try and save his friend. He is also associated with speed and agility, as Sleipnir is one of the swiftest and most nimble horses in Norse mythology.