|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
Baldur also known as Baldur and Baldr Aesir god, son of Odin and Frigg, husband of Nanna, father of Forseti. He was killed with mistletoe thrown by his blind brother Hod. According to Saxo Grammaticus, Hod (Hother) did it on his own; others blame Loki. Baldur is the god of light, purity, beauty and justice. He is the god of the season Spring and it is said that a light emanated from within him. He resided with his wife Nanna in the Breidablick territory. Baldur was always plagued by terrible nightmares that he could not decipher. To investigate these dreams, he decided to ride to Nifelheim. A Wölwa (magic woman, shaman) told him that soon his brother Hod will kill him and the land of death has already prepared for his arrival. As a counter meassure, his mother Frigg removed all poisons, illnesses and elements from the world so that no harm may come to Baldur. However, she overlooked a mistletoe bush during her removal that Loki noticed. And so, the Asgards were calmed down and enjoyed a meeting at which the invincible Baldur was amongst them. Loki however broke off a branch of the mistle toe and handed it to the blind Hod who in fun harmlessly threw the branch and hit Baldur with it thus killing him. In rage, his brother Vali avenged Baldur's death by killing Hod. Everyone was very upset and began to cry. Quickly they sent for Hermod to ride on his father's (Odin) horse named Sleipnir into the land of death and offer a bribery to Hel in order to release Baldur and then bring him back. In the meantime, funeral procedures have begun and as per tradition, Baldur was laid out on his ship named Hringhorn and they wanted to push it out into the sea with the help of the giant Hyrrockin . She barely had to push the ship when it headed out to sea. Baldur's Wife Nanna could not stand knowing her beloved husband being dead and died shortly thereafter of a broken heart. She was laid on a stack of wood which was blessed by Thor with his hammer which ignited the heap of wood. Present at the funeral were not only the Asgards, but also the Vakyries and even some of their enemies like the Hrimthursen and the mountain giants. In addition, Baldur's horse was also cremated and as a special offering, Odin laid his ring named Draupnir onto the ashes. Hermod, who after 9 days and 9 nights ride finally arrived at the land of death sah Baldur sit there on the homor chair and so he addressed Hel to please allow him to bring Baldur back home. Hel, goddess of death decided that only if all creatures alike would mourn about Baldur, she would release him out of her kingdom. Hermod thought that this was not impossible to do because Baldur was a well like and loved god by all. Hermod returned to the Asgards with the news and messengers were sent all over the world and the world started to cry and mourn over Baldur. Only the giant Thökk refused to mourn or cry and therefore, Baldur had to remain with Hel. Not until Ragnarok will Baldur and Hod make peace and return from the land of the dead to reign over a newly cleansed world.
 |
