The children of Odin - Germanic Mythology

196
CHILDREN OF ODIN
When the Msii and the Vanir had won their senses back the
mother of Baldur went amongst them. "Who amongst you
would win my love and good-will?" she said. "Whoever would
let him ride down to Hela's dark realm and ask the Queen to
take ransom for Baldur. It may be she will take it and let Baldur
come back to us. Who amongst you will go? Odin's steed is
ready for the journey."
Then forth stepped Hermod the Nimble, the brother of Baldur.
He%iounted Sleipner and turned the eight-legged steed down
towards Hela's dark realm.
OR nine days and nine nights Hermod rode on.
His way was through rugged glens, one deeper
and darker than the other. He came to the river
that is called Gioll and to the bridge across it
that is all glittering with gold. The pale maid
who guards the bridge spoke to him.
"The hue of life is still on thee," said Modgudur, the pale
maid. "Why dost thou journey down to Hela's deathly realm?"
"I am Hermod," he said, "and I go to see if Hela will take
ransom for Baldur."
"Fearful is Hela's habitation for one to come to," said Mod-
gudur, the pale maid. "All round it is a steep wall that even thy
steed might hardly leap. Its threshold is Precipice. The bed
therein is Care, the table is Hunger, the hanging of the chamber
is Burning Anguish."
"It may be that Hela will take ransom for Baldur."