Nordic mythology has the creation of Sleipnir, one of the strangest horses that have been part of stories and legends. Odin himself rode Sleipnir, attributing supernatural qualities to his physical form and enhancing his remarkable origin. Over the centuries, many historians who have engraved his name by battles and conquests or by leading towns or armies have had In common. He had the company of a horse that he has protected and carried his rider on his back to achieve his goals.
It is not surprising that this symbiosis has been used countless times in literary and cinematographic fiction. And in the same way, it happens in what respects mythology. In the case of Nordic culture and its myths and legends, one of its main figures is none other than Odin considered its main god who also encompasses the domain in different aspects such as war and death but is also considered the wiser since he has the gift of prophecy, magic, and victory.
His throne, from where he can contemplate the nine worlds, his spear Gungnir, and his horse Sleipnir are essential elements in the mythology of the god of war, which the prophecy indicated would guide both gods and men to avoid the end of the world or also called Ragnarok. From the mythologizing of Odin and as one of his main most faithful companions, the role of his horse stands out, an equine with a supernatural physical form that is part of Norse mythology and legends starring his rider.
Origin and birth of Odin’s horse.
Originating from a time when the Gods feared the destruction of Asgard’s walls after a battle.
To find a solution, trust a man who promised to rebuild it in 16 months. But his request – the sun, the moon, and Freya – seemed disproportionate to Odin and his people. Loki suggested shortening the terms, confident the stranger would fail. The man remained, insisting only on receiving the aid of his horse, which would assist him in carrying the stones for building.
As the months passed, the builder met his deadlines, alarming the gods who feared losing the sun, moon, and Freya. When blame had already focused on Loki, he devised a plan to avert the catastrophe. In a critical twist, he transformed into a mare to divert Svaðilfari, ensuring he abandoned his duties. The furious man reverted to his true form, that of a giant foe of the gods, consumed by anger.
After what occurred, all sorts of agreements were broken, and Thor delivered a hammer blow from Mjolnir to the head of the impostor as payment. Once the deception had been resolved, Loki returned in her mare form, revealing her pregnancy. She gave birth to a gray horse with eight legs, Sleipnir. Loki presented Sleipnir to Odin, assuring him that no horse would match its speed.
God of shamans
He will take you by sea, land, and air, and also to the Land of the Dead and back here.” A promise that Loki, despite his usual tricks, fulfilled. The myth of the horse Sleipnir As a faithful and eternal companion of Odin, in Scandinavian mythology, the figure of the horse Sleipnir has had a great role, both in the Poetic Edda (compiled in the 13th century) and in the Prose Edda.
Sleipnir is described as one of the greatest and swiftest horses, capable of carrying his rider to the Realm of Death. This gray equine also symbolizes the eight winds that blow from its cardinal points. Although according to other sources the number of its legs was six, most indicated that there were eight.
Sleipnir, Odin’s spirit helper, joins him on travels through nine worlds, embodying a supernatural and mythical presence. Shamans consider Odin the ‘God of the shamans,’ so they call his horse the ‘horse par excellence of the shamans.’
Depicted in Norse mythological poems, Sleipnir’s extraordinary traits and physical prowess distinguish him from ordinary horses. He helped Odin in all his journeys until the end of his days. Sleipnir’s exceptional qualities make him the ideal companion for Odin, solidifying his status as the ultimate horse in Norse mythology. TEXT: terranea.es
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