Baldur— Norse God"The Beautiful"

The Shining One

Baldur was the most beautiful of all the Æsir, so radiant that light shone from his body. He was wise, gentle, and beloved by all—gods, humans, and even the creatures of the wild adored him. His hall, Breidablik, was a place where nothing impure could exist. He was the favorite son of Odin and Frigg, and his presence brought joy wherever he went.

The Prophetic Dreams

Baldur began to have dreams of his own death—dark visions that troubled all of Asgard. Odin rode to Hel to consult a dead seeress, who confirmed that Baldur would die and his death would begin the chain of events leading to Ragnarök. The gods were desperate to prevent this fate.

Frigg's Oath

Frigg traveled through all the Nine Worlds, extracting oaths from every substance never to harm her son: fire, water, iron, stones, diseases, animals, and plants all swore. Only the mistletoe, small and seemingly harmless, was overlooked—some say Frigg thought it too young to swear, others that Loki deceived her about it.

The Fatal Game

The gods made sport of Baldur's invulnerability, throwing weapons at him and watching them bounce harmlessly away. Loki, jealous and malicious, discovered that mistletoe had not sworn the oath. He fashioned a dart from it and guided the blind god Höðr to throw it at Baldur. The mistletoe pierced Baldur's heart, and the beloved god fell dead.

The Failed Rescue

Hermod, Baldur's brother, rode Sleipnir to Helheim to bargain for Baldur's release. Hel agreed to let him return if every living thing wept for him. All the world wept—except one giantess (Loki in disguise) who refused. Baldur remained in Hel, where he waits until after Ragnarök, when he will return to rule a renewed world.