Result of Hermod’s quest.
In vain Hermod informed his brother that he had come to redeem him; Balder sadly shook his head, saying that he knew he must remain in this cheerless abode until the last day should come, but imploring him to take Nanna back with him, as the home of the shades was no place for such a bright and beautiful young creature. But when Nanna heard this request she clung more closely still to her husband’s side, vowing that nothing would ever induce her to part from him, and that she would stay with him, even in Nifl-heim, forever.
The whole night was spent in close conversation, ere Hermod sought Hel and implored Balder’s release. The churlish goddess listened silently to his request, and finally declared that she would let her victim go providing all things animate and inanimate should prove their sorrow for his loss by shedding a tear.
“Come then! if Balder was so dear beloved,
And this is true, and such a loss is Heaven’s—
Hear, how to Heaven may Balder be restored.
Show me through all the world the signs of grief;
Fails but one thing to grieve, here Balder stops!
Let all that lives and moves upon the earth
Weep him, and all that is without life weep;