Talk:Hermóðr

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Hello, doesnt anyone notice the similarity between Hermod and Hermes? Its not mentioned in the article.

Much is made of the similarity in popular culture, specifically in Marvel Comics where he is a speedster. I assume the similarity had to do with A) the correspondence between the names, B) they were both "messenger" gods, and C) the chief gods (Zeus and Odin) sent their respective "messengers" to the underworld. Jackbox1971 07:11, 12 February 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Does anyone know if the Asgard character "Hermiod" is based on Hermod? It seems likely given his role as a sort of messenger/ambassador/emissary to the Asgard high council. Is that worth mentioning simply as a sidenote on his appearances in modern entertainment? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.166.185.90 (talk) 01:12, 15 February 2008 (UTC)[reply]

There are similarities between gods of many mythologies, so this particular one is not surprising. There are also similarities between Zeus and Odin, Frigg and Hera, and between Frey and Apollo. I find that much of the trouble with the Norse gods is that they have so many different names. (for an example see the Prose Edda: Gylfaginning 20(or XX depending on the translation. It is suggested (also in the Prose Edda) that the variation of names can be attributed to the gods being worshipped in different areas to which they 'traveled'. The problem in discussing cultural counterparts to the Norse gods though is that they tend to 'rule' very refined domains and or many domains. For example, The Prose Edda alludes to four or five goddesses associated with different aspects of love (section 35). Interesting stuff though :) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ccarter008 (talk • contribs) 23:07, 17 April 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Similarities

I think Hermodr-"war spirit" is actually Marte(Mars-god of war) while Heimdall is Hermes(Mercury). Heimdall and Hermes are both "heralds" of the gods and their animal is the rooster. Odhin(Wotan) is obviously Saturn-Chronus while his thunder son Thor is without a question Zeus(Jupiter). Bigshotnews 22:20, 10 January 2011 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Bigshotnews (talk • contribs)

”War-Spirit”

I think it should be probounced Herm-Odr. Herm is old norse for ”imitate” thus Herm-Odr is Imitating Odr. This explains why Hermod is riding Sleipner, which is Odins horse, and why Hermod volunteers Frigg’s request —> "to gain all of her love and favor".

Hermodr should be understood as an aspect of Odin/Third. However Odin can’t leave Asgard for a 9 nights ride when he needs to avenge Balder’s funeral and sire Vali to take revenge on Loki.

Possibly Hermodr also must go as the Aesir are too stuck in grief to venture out on such long journey.

Another aspect may be that Odin himself is not allowed to enter Hell, as described in other sagas, he is thrown out from Hel when revealing his identity. 83.252.205.53 (talk) 16:35, 11 August 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Herma = Etymology

From Old Norse herma, from Proto-Germanic*harmijaną (“to mimic, imitate; repeat, report”)

Imperative: herm

In other words Hermodr is the imperative herm (from herma) and Odr (Odin).

Thus Hermodr is one who imitate Odr, reports to Odr, repeat/mimic Odr.

Herm stems from proto-germanic: harmijaną:

1. Ettmology 1

From *harmaz (“to harm, pain”) +‎ *-janą or *harmaz (“to harmful, painful”) +‎ *-janą.

2. Etymology 2

From Proto-Indo-European *kerh₂-, *kerh₃- (“to praise (loudly)”).

Verb

edit

harmijaną

to repeat, relate, report

to mimic, imitate

kerh also feels very close to both Hermes (for obvious reasons) and Mercury (kerh -> kur) 83.252.205.53 (talk) 13:18, 12 August 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately, you would need reliable sources to add any of this to the article. Otherwise it would be your opinion at best, original research at worst. Additionally, I think there is a much simpler etymology as a Germanic name: Her, Here, Hari = man, soldier, army (as in Hermann, Hereward); -mod = strength. No need to go back to Proto-Germanic or Proto-Indo-European and look for words with a similar appearance; names of this type were common in the centuries immediately preceding the writing down of the Norse myths. A search for deep theophoric meaning or a connection with Odin because it contains "od" or Mercury because "her" and "kur" could become confused if you go back thousands of years seems fanciful at best (and I note that these being based on different syllables despite the equivalence of Odin with Mercury when the days of the week were renamed—many centuries later—also suggests that it's just guesswork). P Aculeius (talk) 11:15, 28 August 2024 (UTC)[reply]