Hermóðr Basics

Hermóðr, or Hermod in English, is attested in the Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda. He is commonly described as a son of Óðin and brother of Baldr, and also as the messenger deity of Norse mythology. Hermóðr is often called Óðin’s Sveinn, which means “Odin’s boy” and this is specific to the context of a master and servant relationship, more so than biological father and child – perhaps referring to a relationship between the two that is more like that of a pageboy or a squire to his lord, rather than a son.

After the death of Baldr, Frigg promises her unwavering favour on whoever is brave enough to travel the dark road to the Underworld, and petition Hel to send her favourite son back to the Æsir. Hermóðr volunteers, and Óðin grants him his eight-legged mount, Sleipnir to ride down to Hel. For nine nights Hermóðr rides Óðin’s horse, arriving at Gjöll, the bridge to Hel which is shining with brilliant gold and guarded by the Valkyrie-like Jötunn maid Móðguðr, whose name
means “Battle-frenzy” or “Battle-tired”.

She challenges the lad at first, but upon hearing his quest allows him to pass. Móðguðr informs him that Baldr has indeed arrived in Hel and directs Hermóðr Northwards and down, the traditional direction of Hel (as opposed to the Irish Otherworld, which is always in the West).

Hermóðr comes to the wide gate of Hel and Sleipnir leaps over it, into the realm beyond. Arriving at Hel’s hall, he finds Baldr as the goddess’s feted guest of honour. Hermóðr informs Hel of his intentions and petitions her to make an exception to her duty – for it is the task given to her by Óðin to keep the dead in her domain and maintain the natural order (an order which becomes upended and reversed at Ragnarök). Hel hears him out, and agrees that if all creatures living and dead weep for Baldr, she will consent to his return.

Upon his leaving, Baldr gives Hermóðr the ring Draupnir, left with him on his funeral pyre by Óðin, to return it to the All-Father. Nanna likewise gives him a dress she has made for Frigga, and her own ring to gift to Fulla, Frigga’s handmaid and keeper of her jewels. The messenger returns with Hel’s reply, and the rest plays out as the tragic story we all know.

It should be noted that Hermóðr is the only being in the Norse myths who is allowed to enter and return from Hel. Not even Óðin is able to accomplish this.

In the Gesta Danorum, Hermóðr is described as a mortal hero. This is similar to how Balderus and other deities are described by Saxxo Grammitcus. Some scholars theorize that Balderus and Hermóðr may thus be deified heroes, champions worshipped post-mortem as “Sons of Odin” – a title which all Einherjar could claim. In Saxxo’s tale, Hermóðr seems to continue in the tradition of being given things, in this case given a helm and mail coat by Óðin, possibly strengthening the case that Hermóðr is an Einherjar (deified warrior) rather than a true biological son.

In the poem Hákonarmál, Hermóðr receives the hero Hákon the Good as an Einherjar to Valhöll, and it is unclear if Hermóðr is an official god in this story.

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Thoughts on Hermóðr

In contemporary paganism, Hermóðr is seen as a god of negotiation and diplomacy, messages, embassy, and of finding your way on dark roads, whether those roads be physical paths or mental journeys.

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Signs and Symbols

Messenger and courier motifs, mail and messages in general. Negotiation and diplomacy. Dark roads (literal and metaphoric), and journeys into the unknown.

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Associated Names

Hermod.