The controversial religious phenomenologist Mircea Eliade refers to the eight-legged horse as the typical shaman's horse. Hilda Ellis Davidson writes that Odin's eight-legged horse is the typical steed of a shaman, and that on a shaman's journeys to heaven or the underworld, he is always depicted riding a bird or animal.ĭavidson further states that while the creature may vary, the horse is usually common in regions where horses are found, and furthermore, Sleipnir's ability to carry the god is a typical characteristic of the shaman's horse. Thus the stallion disappeared for a few days and the deadline for the completion of Asgard's wall passed, whereupon Thor, having just returned, slew the giant with his hammer Mjölnir. This magnificent horse had magical symbols carved into his teeth which were said to be the source of his powers.

He was enchanted, extremely strong and capable of incredible speeds on land, sea and air. Loki, in the form of a mare, kidnapped the giant's stallion, Svaðilfari, who was helping his owner with the work, and conceived Sleipnir with him. Sleipnir was the fastest, largest and most powerful horse in the world. According to legend, Loki had to prevent the timely completion of Asgard's Walls, because an unnamed Hrimthurse, the builder of that wall around Asgard, coveted the goddess Freya as his wife, as well as the moon and the sun, for the completion of the construction work. In the Eddic sources Sleipnir is depicted as the son of Loki with the stallion Svaðilfari. He got its name because he 'glides along' equally on land and water, as well as in the air. On top of that Sleipnir could also transport Odin between the worlds of heaven and earth.Sleipnir, in Norse mythology is the eight-legged horse of the god Odin. After he had grown into an adult horse, he could not only move on land, but could even walk over the sea and through the air. Legend has it that runes were engraved in Sleipnir's teeth. Here began the story of Sleipnir, who grew into a large and muscular horse, the fastest horse in existence! His coat is grey like a stormy sky, his manes a darker grey. Loki returned to Asgard and gave the horse to Odin, who named him Sleipnir. This trick eventually led to the birth of an eight-legged horse. He transformed himself into a beautiful white mare and lured Svadilfari away from the wall. Loki no longer felt safe and came up with a new trick. The Gods of Asgard feared that they would have to pay the promised reward. To the great astonishment of the Gods, the construction of the wall proceeded smoothly. Building the wall together was no problem for them. His stallion Svadilfari was stronger than any other horse. The unknown builder was in fact no stranger to the gods, it was the giant Hrimthur. However, Loki was not the only one with a trick. Loki was satisfied with his trick, building the wall in such a short time was impossible. The master builder then agreed with the added condition that he could use his stallion Svadilfari. He set only one condition: the construction of the wall had to be completed within six months. Even before the Gods could discuss this demand, someone had already agreed, it was Loki, the God of fire. In return for a new wall, the master builder requested the sun, the moon and Goddess Freya. He is completely loyal to Odin, his master. Contents 1 Biography 2 Relationships 2.1 Allies 2.2 Enemies 3 Gallery 4 Trivia 5 References 6 External Links Biography Sleipnir has eight legs and is unnaturally fast, which makes him the quickest horse of all Nine Realms. Of course, the gods were interested in this plan, but it came at a high price. Sleipnir is an eight-legged horse that served as Odin s noble steed. This builder promised to rebuild the wall without any help! Moreover, he would do the job in a time that no one could beat, even if they had all the help in the world. The city could not exist without this great wall and soon an unknown builder came to Asgard. In his absence, the city was attacked and the wall destroyed. However, Thor was busier killing giants than guarding the city. In addition to the protection of this wall, the God Thor was responsible for guarding Asgard. 6 Sleipnir is yet described as the best of all horses. 5 It is the child of Svadilfari and Loki, who is considered by some savants in Norse folklore the god of fire. This city was surrounded by a great wall, which had to protect all the inhabiting Gods. In Norse mythology, Sleipnir is the eight-legged horse ridden by Odin. The story begins in Asgard, the place where the Gods lived.

Sleipnir mythology