Rite of the Gjallar Bridge

The myth

Gjallarbrú is the bridge roofed with shining gold over the river Gjöll, which separates the living from the dead on the road to Hel's realm. Snorri describes it in the journey of Hermóðr, who rode nine nights through dark valleys to reach it, was questioned by the guardian Móðguðr and went on downward and north. In Norse belief the dead journeyed to Hel, which is why they were often buried with horses, wagons or boats. The Rite of the Gjallar Bridge is a MYTHENOR creation inspired by that crossing, not a historical rite.

Why it has this power

A Rare ritual: it offers the Frozen-Crypt Draugr, the Naglfar Oarsman and the Helhest to summon Hel, Queen of the Inglorious Dead, an Epic with DEF 2900. Whoever crosses the golden bridge needs no invitation to return, the card says: three dead clear the way for their queen.

Did you know

In the Prose Edda, Móðguðr notes that Hermóðr makes the bridge ring louder than five troops of the dead together.

Connections

Where to get it

• Daily Offering: 0.11% per pack (Rare 2.8% per card)
• Traveler's Pack: 0.69% per pack · 3.3% in the themed pack (Rare 7% per card)
• Bronze Reliquary: 0.78% per pack · 3.7% in the themed pack (Rare 8% per card)
• Silver Reliquary: 1.3% per pack · 6.2% in the themed pack (Rare 15% per card)
• Golden Reliquary: 2% per pack · 9.4% in the themed pack (Rare 25% per card)
• Daily Showcase: Shows up on about 1.5% of days · 400 gems
• Craft with card dust: 600 dust

Sources

1. Gjallarbrua – i norrøn mytologi — Store norske leksikon
2. The Prose Edda: Gylfaginning — Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur (trad./trans.)
3. Norse Ghosts & the Afterlife — Joshua J. Mark