Hermod's Journey

What was the condition for bringing Baldr back?

Odin's son Hermod volunteered to bring Baldr back. Riding Sleipnir, he traveled through deep, dark valleys for 9 nights. He could see nothing until he reached the river Gjoll. A bridge covered in shining gold spanned the river.

Modgud, the bridge's guardian, asked Hermod his name and family. She had noticed that he did not have the pale face of the dead. She told him that Baldr had crossed the bridge and showed him the road to Hel. Farther on, Sleipnir leaped over the gate without touching it.

Inside the hall, Baldr sat in the seat of honor. Hermod stayed the night. In the morning, he asked Hel to let Baldr return. Hel set a condition: everything, living and lifeless alike, must weep. If anything refused to weep, she said, she would keep Baldr with her.

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