Baldr

Baldr

Considered to be the most beautiful and kind-hearted of all the gods

Baldr (also spelled Baldur or Balder) is a god in Norse mythology, and one of the sons of Odin and Frigg. He is considered to be the most beautiful and kind-hearted of all the gods, and is associated with light, purity, and goodness.

According to the myth, Baldr was loved by all the gods and goddesses, except for Loki, who was jealous of him. To get revenge, Loki discovered that Baldr was vulnerable to mistletoe, a plant that Frigg had overlooked in her efforts to protect her son from harm. Loki made a spear out of mistletoe and tricked Hodr, Baldr's blind brother, into throwing it at Baldr during a game, killing him instantly.

The death of Baldr was a great tragedy for the gods, and they mourned his passing deeply. Odin sent his son Hermod to Hel, the goddess of the underworld, to plead for Baldr's release. Hel agreed to release Baldr if all things in the world wept for him, but a giantess named Thokk refused to weep, and Baldr was forced to remain in the underworld.

The story of Baldr's death and resurrection is seen as a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of grief and mourning in the process of healing. It also highlights the theme of betrayal and the consequences of jealousy and envy.