Hermod and Skirnir

Among various subordinate Æsir, who in their own right are powerful
enough, but who virtually serve as retainers to the others, appear Hermod
and Skirnir. Skirnir, Frey’s servant, has already been discussed. Hermod is
the son of Odin, and bears the sobriquet, “the resolute”; he is employed in
all sorts of errands and embassies. Odin himself presented his son with
helmet and byrnie. Hermod is celebrated for his mission to Hel for the
purpose of bringing Balder back again. It is Hermod and Bragi who go forth
to meet Hakon the Good and to bid him welcome to Valhalla on Odin’s
behalf.

Sources:

Peter Andreas Munch: Norse Mythology: Legends of Gods and Heroes. The American-Scandinavian Foundation, New York. 1926, p. 25.
Rasmus B. Anderson (Ed.): The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson. Norræna Society, London-New York. 1906.


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