About Helheim

Hermod was once sent to Helheim to ask Hel to release Balder.  We can learn about the journey to Helheim through this story.

Hermod traveled the road to Helheim (on Sleipnir) for nine days and nights.   He rode through swamp and on stone paths.  Wailing voices called out to him to stop, promising all manner of reward if he would only turn back.  At other time he heard horrible wailing and screams.  Ghosts, also appeared, but Hermod rode on.

Hermod and Sleipnir forded some icy rivers and lept frozen streams.  Finally, they came to the great wide river Gjoll.  Its far bank lay beyond sight in the pitch black distance.   There was a bridge of glittering gold that crossed the span.  Sleipnir's hooves rang and clattered against the metal as they crossed.  The bridge keeper, Modgud, appeared and asked Hermod who he was.   She said that on the previous day, five full companies of warriors had trod the bridge without nearly as much noise, and then she noticed that Hermod had not the colour of the dead upon him.   Hermod told Modgud of his mission to save Balder and she showed him the path that Balder had taken to Helheim. 

At last, Hermod saw before him the ancient towering gates of Hel.  Urging Sleipnir to a full gallop he raced at the gates and Sleipnir lept over them with ease.  Hermod then chose the shortest route directly to the door's of Hel's palace, Elvidner (misery). 

There at Hel's table, amongst the dead, he found Balder seated in the place of honour. Hermod spent the night feast with Balder and remembering old times.  In the morning he went to Hel and begged her to allow Balder to accompany him home.  She agreed on the condition that all things living and inanimate would shed a tear for Balder, but that is another story.  

As Hermod prepared to leave, Balder pressed into his hand the ring Draupnir that had been Odin's death-gift to Balder, and asked Hermod to return it to Odin for safe keeping.  Nanna, too, gave Hermod gifts to take to Frigga and a finger ring for Fulla.

Here, then we learn several things about the journey to Helheim:

1. It is a very long road, with many distractions and temptations

2. A bridge of gold spans the river Gjoll, and Modgud watches the bridge

3. Modgud can be reasoned with, and might not even appear if you make no noise and appear dead

4. If you pass Modgud you still have to get through or over the gate.

5. Helheim is not a place of torment, or not for all.  Balder and company feasted in a bright hall and with honour.

6. If you have to reason with Hel, she may be convinced to listen to a plea or make a bargain.