Baldr (Balder)

 

Baldr is the beloved god of light, purity, and beauty. The son of Óðinn and Frigg, Baldr is known for his fairness, wisdom, and radiant appearance. He is considered the most handsome of the gods and is associated with all that is good and noble. Baldr's dreams of his own death caused great concern among the gods, leading Frigg to extract promises from all things in the world not to harm him, except for the seemingly harmless mistletoe. Loki crafted a spear from mistletoe and deceived the blind god Höðr into throwing it at Baldr, resulting in Baldr's death. The gods were devastated by his passing, and his death marked a significant turning point in Norse mythology, foreshadowing the coming of Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods. Baldr's body was placed on his ship, Hringhorni, which was then set aflame and pushed out to sea in a grand funeral rite. It is foretold that Baldr will return to life after Ragnarök to help rebuild a new world.