Odin's eight-legged horse, sired by the stallion Svaðilfari upon Loki in mare form.
Sleipnir is Odin's personal steed and the foremost of all horses in Old Norse mythology. He is described as eight-legged and surpassing all other animals in speed. The horse is mentioned in Grímnismál 44, where Odin lists him among his possessions, and Gylfaginning 15 and 42 provide a fuller account of his origin and qualities.
According to Gylfaginning 42, Sleipnir was born during the episode of an unnamed builder's construction of Ásgarðr's walls. Loki transformed into a mare to lure away the builder's horse Svaðilfari, and from this union Sleipnir was born. Sleipnir is notably a boundary-crosser: he carries Odin to and from the realm of the dead, as is evident from Hermóðr's ride in Gylfaginning 49.
Sources in the Eddas
- Gylfaginning 42
- Snorri recounts Sleipnir's origin and his owner Odin. Own translation.
- Grímnismál 44
- Odin names Sleipnir the best among horses. Own translation.
Interpretive traditions
A What we know
Sleipnir is Odin's eight-legged horse of supreme speed, well attested in both Eddic verse and prose.
B What we think we know
The eight legs are often interpreted as representing the eight pallbearers of a bier, linking the horse to death and liminal passage.