Editing Hermóðr (section)

===''Prose Edda''===
Hermóðr 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 Æsir who amongst them wished "to gain all of her love and favor"<ref name=BYOCK66>Byock (2005:66).</ref> by riding the road to [[Hel (location)|Hel]]. Whoever agreed was to offer [[Hel (being)|Hel]] a ransom in exchange for Baldr's return to Asgard. Hermóðr agreed to this and set off with [[Sleipnir]] to Hel.

Hermóðr rode Odin's horse Sleipnir for nine nights through deep and dark valleys to the [[Gjöll]] bridge covered with shining gold, the bridge being guarded by the maiden [[Móðguðr]] 'Battle-frenzy' or 'Battle-tired'. Móðguðr told Hermóðr that Baldr had already crossed the bridge and that Hermóðr should ride downwards and northwards.

Upon coming to Hel's gate, Hermóðr dismounted, tightened Sleipnir's girth, mounted again, and spurred Sleipnir so that Sleipnir leapt entirely over the gate. So at last Hermóðr came to Hel's hall and saw Baldr seated in the most honorable seat. Hermóðr begged Hel to release Baldr, citing the great weeping for Baldr among the [[Æsir]]. Thereupon Hel announced that Baldr would only be released if all things, dead and alive, wept for him.

Baldr gave Hermóðr the ring [[Draupnir]] which had been burned with him on his pyre, to take back to Odin. [[Nanna (Norse deity)|Nanna]] gave a linen robe for [[Frigg]] along with other gifts and a finger-ring for [[Fulla]]. Thereupon Hermóðr returned with his message.

Hermóðr is called "son" of Odin in most manuscripts, while in the [[Codex Regius]] version&mdash;normally considered the best manuscript&mdash;Hermóðr is called ''sveinn Óðins'' 'Odin's boy', which in the context is as likely to mean 'Odin's servant'. However Hermóðr in a later passage is called Baldr's brother and also appears as son of Odin in a list of Odin's sons. See [[Sons of Odin]].