Baldur, also known as Baldr, is a beloved god in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin and the goddess Frigg, making him one of the Aesir. Baldur is often depicted as being beautiful and shining, with a gentle and wise nature that made him well-loved by all.
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Baldur's story is one of tragedy and loss. According to the Prose Edda, Frigg had a dream in which she saw her son Baldur die. She was so distressed by the dream that she went to every living creature in the nine worlds and made them swear an oath not to harm Baldur. She believed that Baldur was now invincible.
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However, Loki, the trickster god, discovered that the one plant that Frigg had overlooked was mistletoe. He fashioned a dart out of mistletoe and tricked Baldur's blind brother, Hodr, into throwing it at Baldur. The dart struck Baldur and he died instantly.
The gods were devastated by Baldur's death, and they set about trying to bring him back to life. Odin sent a messenger to the land of the dead to ask the goddess Hel to release Baldur. Hel agreed, but only if every living thing in the world wept for Baldur. The gods went around the world asking all creatures to weep for Baldur, and almost every creature did, except for one giantess who was believed to be Loki in disguise. As a result, Baldur was unable to return to the world of the living.
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Baldur's death was seen as a symbol of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, even for the gods. His story is often interpreted as a metaphor for the changing seasons and the cycle of life and death.
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Baldur is mentioned in several sources and texts in Norse mythology. In the Prose Edda, his death is described in detail in the Gylfaginning section. He is also mentioned in the Poetic Edda, in the Lokasenna poem, where Loki taunts the gods by reminding them of Baldur's death. Baldur is also mentioned in the Skaldskaparmal section of the Prose Edda, which contains many kennings, or poetic descriptions, of Baldur.
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In addition to these sources, Baldur is also referenced in several sagas, including the Volsunga Saga and the Hervarar Saga. In the Volsunga Saga, Baldur is mentioned as one of the gods who attends a feast held by King Rerir. In the Hervarar Saga, Baldur is described as one of the gods who helps the hero Sigurd on his journey.
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Overall, Baldur's story is a tragic one that highlights the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, even for the gods. He is remembered as a kind and beloved god who was taken too soon, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing life while we have it.
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Baldur in Norse mythology:
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Poetic Edda, Völuspá: In this poem, Baldur is mentioned as the son of Odin and Frigg, and his death is foretold by the seeress. (Stanza 32)
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Poetic Edda, Grímnismál: Baldur's home, Breidablik, is mentioned in this poem. (Stanza 5)
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Poetic Edda, Skírnismál: In this poem, Baldur is referred to as "the white god" and his beauty is praised. (Stanza 19)
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Poetic Edda, Hávamál: In this poem, Odin recounts his search for knowledge, during which he hung himself from the World Tree for nine nights. He mentions that he learned spells and "grasped the runes" before mentioning that he "learned of Baldur, the bright and beautiful god, son of Odin." (Stanza 157)
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Prose Edda, Gylfaginning: In this section of the Prose Edda, Baldur's death is recounted, along with the events leading up to it. (Chapters 24-25)
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Prose Edda, Skáldskaparmál: Baldur is mentioned in this section as an example of a god who is often praised in skaldic poetry. (Chapter 1)
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Prose Edda, Háttatal: Baldur is mentioned several times in the various stanzas of this poem, which is a collection of different types of Old Norse poetry.
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Ynglinga Saga: Snorri Sturluson mentions Baldur as the most beloved of all the gods and his death is recounted. (Chapter 5)
These are just a few examples, but Baldur is mentioned in various other sources and texts as well.
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