Gjallarbrú

Gjallarbrú is a significant location in Norse mythology, described as a bridge that spans the river Gjöll. It is famously guarded by the female giant Móðguðr. This bridge is the sole crossing point into the realm of Hel, the underworld, and is therefore a vital passage for the spirits of the dead.

The name Gjallarbrú itself can be interpreted as "the roaring bridge" or "the loud bridge," possibly referring to the sounds of the river Gjöll or the general atmosphere of the realm it leads to. It is said to be a difficult and perilous crossing, emphasizing the transition from the world of the living to the realm of the dead.

In the mythology, Baldr's journey to Hel after his death involves traversing Gjallarbrú. Hermóðr, sent by Odin to retrieve Baldr, rides his horse Sleipnir across this bridge. His encounter with Móðguðr highlights the bridge's role as a boundary and the solemnity associated with entering Hel. The bridge's existence underscores the Norse understanding of the afterlife and the structured nature of their cosmology, with distinct realms and passages between them.