In Norse mythology, Hermóðr crosses the river Gjöll on his journey to Hel.
The river Gjöll is associated with the underworld and is crossed by Hermóðr while he travels to seek Baldr’s release. He rides Sleipnir and reaches Gjallarbrú, the bridge spanning the river. The bridge is guarded by the maiden Móðguðr, who questions him before allowing him to continue.
Gjöll is easy to confuse with other named rivers in Norse mythology. The river is not the same as Gjallarbrú, because Gjöll is the river and Gjallarbrú is the bridge over it. Nor should it be confused with the many rivers associated with Niflheim or with the river Élivágar, which belongs to the creation myths involving primordial ice and venomous streams.