Artifact

Mistletoe

The young shoot left outside Frigg’s oath-taking, which Loki turns into the weapon that strikes Baldr.

MythWeave AI-generated editorial illustration, Norse portrait v1 full approved batch

Overview

Mistletoe’s force in chapter 49 is not size or grandeur, but exclusion from the protective oaths. Frigg thinks it too young to swear; Loki learns this and takes the shoot. The thing that kills Baldr is precisely this overlooked exception.

Key facts

Not sworn

Frigg does not take an oath from mistletoe not to harm Baldr.

Further spoiler details are available in the interactive atlas.

Relationships

Baldrbecomes fatal exception
Mistletoe is not sworn and is used by Loki as the shoot that strikes Baldr.
Lokifinds the exception
Loki learns that mistletoe was not asked for an oath and takes the shoot.

Story appearances

Baldr's Death and Loki's PunishmentUnsworn fatal shoot
Mistletoe becomes the exception able to harm Baldr because it was not sworn.

Ancient sources

MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.

Snorri Sturluson, Prose Edda, Gylfaginning, Chapter 49, Loki learns that mistletoe was not sworn, takes the shoot and guides Hodr’s shot

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