Gjallarbru

Gjallarbru is a bridge that spans the river Gjoll in the underworld. It must be crossed in order to reach Helheim. It connects the worlds of the living and the dead. Gjallarbru is a crystal bridge arched with gold, which is hung on a single hair. The bridge is said to have a permanent guardian, the female skeleton Modgud. In order for the spirits to pass, they must each pay her a toll of blood. In order to cross over the bridge, the spirits made use of the wagons and horses that had been burnt alongside them on the funeral pyre. Also, the bodies of the dead were always equipped with Hel Shoes, a strong pair of shoes specially designed to protect their feet throughout the journey over the rough road leading to Hel.

Type

Bridge