Daily Curiosity

Norse Mythology · Question

What is the name of Odin's eight-legged horse?

Answer

Sleipnir

The story behind the answer

Sleipnir is Odin’s legendary eight-legged horse, famed as the fastest steed in the Nine Realms. His eight legs symbolize unmatched speed and stability; Odin rides Sleipnir across the sky, over the sea, and even into Hel. The name Sleipnir roughly means “the slippery/sliding one,” hinting at his smooth, swift travel.

According to the Prose Edda, Loki—transformed into a mare—mated with the giant’s stallion Svaðilfari and later gave birth to Sleipnir, whom he gifted to Odin. To remember it: Sleipnir “slips” between worlds and “sleeps never,” always ready to carry the All-Father on perilous journeys. The other options are not figures from Norse myth.

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