Hermod
Appeal: Communication,
Phone and Internet Lines, Courage, Messengers, Honor
Hermod is son of Odin, he is the swift and sure
messenger of the Gods, similar to the Greek God Hermes. He carries a magical staff called Gambantein. Hermod is famous for his courage and
determination, traits which allow him to act boldly and without the slightest
bit of hesitation in carrying out his duties, with resolute firmness even in
the face of grave danger, harm or imminent death.
Hermod
appears distinctly in section 49 of the Prose Edda book Gylfaginning. There, it
is described that the Gods were speechless and devastated at the death of
Baldr, unable to react due to their grief. After the Gods gathered their wits from the
immense shock and grief of Baldr's death, Frigg asked the Aesir who amongst
them wished 'to gain all of her love and favor' by riding the road to Hel. Whoever agreed was to offer Hela a ransom in
exchange for Baldr's return to Asgard. Hermodr
agrees to this and set off with Sleipnir to Hel.
When
Hermod came upon the gates of Hel, he jumped right over them and entered the
great hall of the dead. There he saw
Balder and he begged Goddess Hela to release him because Balder was loved by
all so no-one could miss him. Hela was
skeptical and agreed to release Balder on the condition that everything, dead
or alive, should weep for Balder. If
only one thing should not cry, then she would keep Balder in the realm of the
dead. Hermod returned to the land of the
living and told the Gods what Hela's terms were. But not everyone wept and therefore Balder had
to remain in the underworld until the end of the world.
Hermod
made many journeys to the various worlds, often Midgard, the land of men, to
deliver messages to mortals and run errands for Odin. Hermod also stood at Odin’s side at the gates
of Valhalla to welcome the dead human heroes brought there from battle by the
Valkyries. While
it is quite a shame that more of Hermod's great exploits in his capacity as
messenger of the Norse deities are lost or unrecorded, his courage and
fleetness of foot remain well known and honored by those who follow the Norse Path.
Hermod probably survived Ragnarok. He can be prayed to for guidance in finding your Path when
all seems dark. To gain his attention,
give him food and drink for his journey.
Hail Hermod, Hel Rider
Hail Sleipnir’s Second Rider
Hail the Honor Hounded Hel Farer
Hail the Bearer of Frigga’s Embassy
Hail the Leaper of Hel’s Gate
Hail the Nine Days Darkness Rider
Hail Hermod, whose task failed through no fault of his own
Hail He who shows us that duties must be taken, even if
they fail
Hail Hermod, who shows us that courage and devotion come in
many forms
Hail He who shows us that it is the doing that matters most
Hail the Hel-farer, far traveled Hermod
Sleipnir’s bold rider, brave seeker of Balder
Hail Hermod, who took on the dark task
Hermod, Hel Rider; We Honor your Journey and your
Gift
~ Eric S
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