Understanding Váli: The Norse God of Vengeance
Váli, though lesser-known among the Norse pantheon, holds a pivotal role in the dramatic tale surrounding Baldr’s tragic death—one of the most cherished myths in Norse lore. Featured in key texts such as the Poetic Edda, the Prose Edda, and the Gesta Danorum, Váli is recognized as a god of vengeance.
Located within a web of complex familial ties, Váli is the offspring of Óðin and Rindr, a jötunn goddess. Óðin, adopting a female guise, seduced Rindr with the specific intention of fathering a son destined to exact revenge for Baldr’s demise. Known for his unkempt appearance and remarkable fighting prowess, he is characterized as “daring in fights and a highly skilled marksman.” Remarkably, he achieves maturity overnight. Upon reaching adulthood, he avenges Baldr by killing Höðr, his twin brother, who is also his half-brother.
Listeners of the myth are aware that the true antagonist is Loki, who orchestrated Baldr’s murder by manipulating Höðr. In various retellings, Váli is also involved in Loki’s punishment. Once caught and brought to justice, Váli kills one of Loki’s sons and uses the child’s entrails to bind the trickster to a rocky prison.
Furthermore, Váli is foretold to endure beyond Ragnarök, alongside his brothers Baldr, Höðr, and Viðarr.
Reflections on Váli’s Role
The circumstances surrounding Váli’s birth and purpose are peculiar. To fulfill the role of avenger against his own kin—an act considered a grave taboo in ancient Norse belief—adds a layer of complexity to his story. Drawing from Saxo’s Gesta Danorum, we understand that following Baldr’s death, Óðin sought wisdom from seers to plot revenge. It was prophesied that Rindr would bear him a son to act as Baldr’s avenger. Approaching Rindr under the guise of a healer, Óðin allegedly seduces her (with some interpretations suggesting force) to fulfill this prophecy.
Váli pledges an oath of abstinence for vengeance, similar to his sibling, Viðarr. This vow is articulated in the Vegtamskviða, which states:
“Rindr will bear Váli in western halls:
he, Óðin’s son, will fight when one night old;
he’ll neither wash his hands nor comb his head
before he conveys Baldr’s shooter onto the funeral pyre.”
This illustrates that the act of avenging Baldr brings no joy to the gods nor is it regarded as a noble endeavor for Váli. The devastation wrought by Baldr’s death is compounded by the loss of Höðr and Nanna, Baldr’s wife. The tragic implications of Váli’s actions highlight the unfolding threads of Ragnarök, marking this saga as one of profound sorrow.
Symbols of Váli
Váli is often associated with young warriors and embodies the themes of ritual hygiene abstinence coupled with the tradition of war paint.
Alternate Names
Váli is also known by several other names, including Vála, Ali, and Bous.
