Hlín

Hlín

goddess of protection & consolation

Hlín is a goddess associated with protection and consolation. Her name means "protectress" or "shielder" in Old Norse.

Hlín is primarily known for her role in the story of Baldr's death. After Baldr was killed by Loki with a mistletoe dart, Hlín, along with Frigg (Baldr's mother), wept and mourned for him. She also served as a guardian of Baldr in the underworld realm of Hel, where he was sent after his death. In this role, she protected him from harm and offered him comfort.

Hlín is sometimes also associated with other protective roles, such as defending against illness, disease, and misfortune. Some scholars have suggested that she may have been considered a goddess of fate, overseeing the course of people's lives, and intervening to protect them when necessary.

Although Hlín is not as well-known as some of the other Norse goddesses, her association with protection and comfort has made her an important figure in the mythology.