Balder

Who is Balder?

Balder (also spelled Baldr or Baldur) is one of the Aesir gods in Norse mythology. He is the son of Odin, the king of the gods, and Frigg, the queen of the gods. He is the husband of Nanna, a goddess of joy and peace, and the father of Forseti, a god of justice and reconciliation. He is the god of light, joy, purity, and summer, and he is loved by all the gods and beings in the nine realms. He is said to be so handsome and noble that light shines from his body, and even the flowers bow before him as he passes.

What is Balder’s role in Norse mythology?

Balder’s role in Norse mythology is mainly related to his death and resurrection, which are seen as symbols of the cycle of life and the fate of the gods. Balder was destined to die by a prophecy that Frigg heard, and she tried to prevent it by making everything in the world swear an oath not to harm him. However, she overlooked the mistletoe, a seemingly harmless plant, and Loki, the trickster god, used it to kill Balder. Balder’s death caused great grief and anger among the gods, and they tried to bring him back from the underworld, but failed. Balder’s death also marked the beginning of the end of the world, as it was one of the signs of Ragnarok, the doom of the gods.

How is Balder depicted in Norse art and literature?

Balder is usually depicted as a young and handsome man, with fair hair and a bright smile. He is often shown wearing white or light-colored clothes, and sometimes holding a shield or a sword. He is also associated with various symbols, such as the sun, the swan, the daisy, and the mistletoe. He is mentioned in the Poetic Edda, a collection of ancient Norse poems, and the Prose Edda, a medieval Icelandic manual of Norse mythology. He is also featured in some sagas, such as the Gesta Danorum, a history of the Danes by Saxo Grammaticus.

Why is Balder important for modern readers?

Balder is important for modern readers because he represents the themes of innocence, beauty, hope, and sacrifice in Norse mythology. He is a god who is loved by everyone, but also doomed by fate. He is a god who brings joy and light, but also suffers and dies. He is a god who is killed by evil, but also resurrected by good. He is a god who can inspire us to appreciate life, to overcome challenges, and to look forward to the future.