Baldur — God

Baldur

God

The Æsir

God of light and beauty — beloved by all, slain by a mistletoe dart through Loki's deceit.

Names & Heiti

Baldr Baldur
Baldur (Old Norse: Baldr) is the son of Odin and Frigg, and is considered the most beautiful, wisest, and most gentle of all the gods. He is radiant and luminous, and all that is good is associated with him. Baldur began to dream of his own death, alarming the gods. Frigg obtained oaths from every being and object in existence that they would not harm him — all except the mistletoe. Loki discovered this and guided the blind Höðr to throw a dart made of mistletoe during the gods' game of hurling things at the invulnerable Baldur. The dart killed him, and he was sent to Helheim. Hermóðr rode to Helheim to retrieve him; Hel agreed to release Baldur if all things wept for him. All wept except the giantess Þökk — likely Loki in disguise. Baldur remains in Helheim until after Ragnarök, when he returns to rule the new world.
  • Baldur's Dream and Death

    How Loki's deceit led to Baldur's death and sent the gods' beloved son to Helheim.

  • Ragnarök

    The doom of the gods — the great battle between divine and dark forces that cleanses the world for a new beginning.

  • Gylfaginning — Snorre Sturlason (ca. 1220)
    Kap. 49
    Baldurs drøm og Friggs forsøk på å beskytte ham
  • Völuspá (ca. 1000)
    Str. 31–35
    Völuspá beskriver Baldurs drøm og drapet

See also

← All beings