Like a Scandinavian version of the Pegasus from Greek myth, Sleipnir was the legendary horse of the Norse gods. With the help of a magical mouthful of symbols called runes carved on its teeth, this eight-legged steed could outrun the wind, and even had the power to glide over oceans and run on air. Odin, king of the Norse gods, took a liking to Sleipnir, and rode the horse everywhere he went.
Fast as the Wind: According to Nordic myth, Sleipnir had eight powerful legs, and was the fastest horse in all the world. The creature's strides covered great distances in a matter of seconds, and its legs never tripped over each other.
Magic Horse: This majestic horse had runes (magical symbols) carved on its teeth, which gave it great powers. Sleipnir had super strength, and could run across land, sea and air in a flash.
Trick Pony[]
Early stone carvings show the eight-legged horse in action.
The birth of Sleipnir got the Norse gods out of a sticky situation. Part of the wall around Asgard, the gods' city, had crumbled. A giant said he would repair it within six months in exchange for the sun, moon, and the Goddess Freya's hand in marriage. The giant used the help of a strong horse named Svadilfari, and looked like he would finish his task in time. Not wanting to part with the sun, moon or Freya, the gods sent trickster Loki to interfere. Loki disguised himself as a female horse and lured Svadilfari away. The two of them then became the proud parents of Sleipnir.
Godly Steed: When Loki returned to the gods, he presented Sleipnir to Odin, the head of the gods. Odin rode Sleipner [sic] between the city of Asgard and Earth (called Midgard by Vikings) to keep an eye on what was happening everywhere.
Bring Out Your Dead: Under the control of Odin, one of Sleipnir's jobs was to pick up the bodies of fallen Viking warriors and carry them to the Valhalla, the final resting place of heroes, and the gods as well.
On a Mission[]
When Balder, the Sun God, was killed, Odin sent Sleipnir to the hero Hermod to rescue him from the Underworld. Sleipner [sic] speeds past hundreds of suffering souls to bring Hermod to Hel, the ruler of the Underworld. Hel said she would release Balder if everyone on Earth shed a single tear for the Sun God, but one giant refused, so Balder remained in the Underworld forever.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The "Godly Steed" and "On a Mission" sections misspells Sleipnir as "Sleipner".
- Sleipnir is featured in Sleipnir Speaks on Monster Mania 72.
- It is one of three Monsters of the Mind to get a translation game, along with Golems and Anubis.
- The heading "Bring Out Your Dead" is a reference to a quote from the 1975 movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.