Baldr's Death
Loki uses mistletoe and Hodr to bring down Baldr, who had seemed unharmed by other things.
Overview
Baldr’s Death joins protective oaths, Loki’s probing, Hodr’s blindness and the mistletoe exception. The event is not only the death itself; the very method meant to protect Baldr creates the weakness that can be used.
Key facts
Oaths create apparent safety
The gods cast things at Baldr without harm, making danger appear removed.
Further spoiler details are available in the interactive atlas.
Relationships
- Baldrdreams of danger
Baldr’s ominous dreams make the gods seek protection and push the story toward his death.
- Baldrmarks the death
The event of Baldr’s Death gathers dreams, oath-gap and shot into the death outcome.
- Valiavenges Baldr
Skaldskaparmal’s periphrases connect Vali with vengeance after Baldr’s death.
- Valiis foretold to avenge Baldr
is foretold to avenge Baldr
Story appearances
- Baldr's Death and Loki's PunishmentDeath event gathering the oath-gap
Baldr’s Death gathers dreams, protective oaths, mistletoe and Hodr’s shot together.
- Oaths, Treasures and Giant AftershocksStarting point for vengeance
Baldr’s death brings Vali into the reckoning.
- Baldrs Draumar: Odin Seeks an Answer in the UnderworldFigure, place, event, or creature in Baldrs Draumar
Loki uses mistletoe and Hodr to bring down Baldr, who had seemed unharmed by other things.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.
- Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Baldr’s ominous dreams, Frigg taking oaths from dangerous things, and the gods casting at Baldr unharmed
- Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Loki learns that mistletoe was not sworn, takes the shoot and guides Hodr’s shot
- Anonymous; translated by Henry Adams Bellows, The Poetic Edda: Baldrs Draumar, Stanzas 6–10: the seeress says Baldr’s mead is prepared and names Hodr as the one who will take his life.