Balder

Also known as: Baldr / Beldegg · Family: Æsir · Role: god · First appears: Elder Edda · The Vala's Prophecy · Part 2

In the Vala’s Prophecy, Baldr is named Odin’s son, and the Vala foretells both his fall and his return with Hödr after the earth rises again. In the Lay of Vegtam, all species swear to spare him, yet the seers foretell his death: Hödr, his brother, will be his slayer. Vali later avenges Baldr by killing the slayer.

In the Fooling of Gylfe, the asas secure oaths from nearly all things not to harm Balder, but Loki guides Hödr to shoot him with mistletoe, and Balder dies. Hermod rides to Hel to seek his return; Balder sends Odin the ring Draupner, while Nanna, his wife, dies of grief at his funeral and sends gifts to Frigg and Fulla. Balder is not released because Thok refuses to weep for him. He is the father of Forsete with Nanna.