Vali- Norse GodDeity"Avenger of Baldur"
Also known as: Váli
Titles & Epithets
Domains
Description
Conceived by Odin with the giantess Rindr for a single purpose: to avenge Baldur's death. Váli grew from newborn to warrior in a single day and slew the blind god Höðr before nightfall, never once washing his hands or combing his hair.
Mythology & Lore
One Day Old
After Baldur's death, the seeress in Baldrs draumar named the avenger who would come: a son of Odin and Rindr, not yet conceived. Odin pursued Rindr and, by means the sources describe differently (Saxo tells of disguises and sorcery; the Eddic poems name only the result), conceived a son with her.
The Völuspá tells what happened next: "One night old he will fight. He will not wash his hands or comb his hair until he brings Baldur's killer to the pyre." Váli grew from infant to armed warrior between dawn and dusk. By nightfall he had killed Höðr, the blind god who had thrown the mistletoe at Loki's direction. The blood-price was paid before the sun set on the day Váli was born.
Váli should not be confused with Váli Lokason, Loki's son, who was turned into a wolf and tore apart his brother Narfi as part of Loki's binding.
After the Fire
Vafþrúðnismál names Váli alongside Víðarr as sons of Odin who will survive Ragnarök and dwell in the temples of the gods after Surtr's flames have died.