Hermod eagerly followed his father out of his mother’s hall. Odin had something to show him. He had no idea what it could be, but he knew it would be great whatever it was. Maybe he was finally going to get a sword of his own. Baldr had a sword and Hod probably would too if he could see. He wanted a sword.
His eyes grew wide when his father showed him what it was. There was this little horse, with a few extra legs. The poor animal looked a little scared. Hermod knelt down in front of the horse and stroked its nose gently. “His name is Sleipnir? Where did Loki get him? Are there any more? I think he’s hungry.”
He didn’t wait for Odin to say anything; he just ran to the stables, grabbed a couple of apples and ran back. It took him about a minute to make the round trip. He knew that one-day he would be able to do it faster. “Here you go, Sleipnir.” He held out his hand, offering the first apple to the strange horse.
He looked up at his father. “Is he fast? I mean, can you ride him or is he like a person like the ravens?” He stroked the horse’s nose again. “I bet he’s really fast. This is so much better than a sword.”