Baldur: A Complex Aesir God
Baldur (pronounced “BALD-er”; from Old Norse Baldr and Old English Balder) is a revered figure among the Aesir gods. As the offspring of Odin and Frigg, he is linked to the lesser-known goddess Nanna and is the father of Forseti, the god of justice. Universally admired by gods, goddesses, and other beings, Baldur’s physical beauty, grace, and cheerful demeanor are so radiant that they seem to emit light.
The significance and origin of Baldur’s name remain ambiguous and have been widely debated among scholars. Several theories exist, such as a connection to the Proto-Indo-European root *bhel- (“white”), the Old Norse word bál meaning “fire,” or a supposed term signifying “lord” across various Germanic languages. The most straightforward, and likely accurate, explanation suggests that his name is derived from the Old Norse word baldr, which translates to “bold.” Scholars, however, have hesitated to endorse this interpretation due to its implication of a martial nature for Baldur. Yet, as will be explored, Baldur’s character may not have been entirely innocent or passive as depicted in the late Old Norse texts that offer the most comprehensive narratives about the god’s exploits.
The primary source for Baldur’s myth is the Prose Edda, composed by Snorri Sturluson in medieval Iceland. This seminal work provides the most detailed account of Baldur’s story, particularly concerning his death and subsequent resurrection. In summary, the saga unfolds as follows:
Upon having unsettling dreams about his demise, Frigg took it upon herself to extract oaths from all of creation to protect Baldur from harm. Believing in their son’s invulnerability, the gods entertained themselves by hurling weapons and other items at him, all of which harmlessly ricocheted off, leaving him unharmed.
Seizing a chance to stir chaos, Loki, the cunning trickster, approached Frigg and slyly asked if she had overlooked any potential threats. She nonchalantly mentioned that she deemed the mistletoe too small and innocuous to warrant a promise. Seizing this information, Loki crafted a spear from mistletoe and tricked the blind god Hodr into throwing it at Baldur. The weapon struck true, and Baldur collapsed, lifeless.
Desperate and grief-stricken, the gods resolved to send one of their own to the underworld to plead for Baldur’s return from the clutches of Hel, the goddess of death. Hermod, another of Odin’s sons, volunteered for the perilous trek, riding Odin’s steed, Sleipnir, down to the world-tree, ultimately reaching Hel’s gloomy domain. Upon arrival, he found Baldur, pallid and somber, seated beside Hel. Hermod implored Hel for Baldur’s freedom, and after much negotiation, she agreed to release him, provided that everything in existence mourn for Baldur, affirming his universal popularity.
Indeed, the world wept for the beloved son of Odin—everyone except one being. The giantess Þökk (meaning “Thanks”), generally believed to be Loki in disguise, callously abstained from weeping, which sealed Baldur’s fate, dooming him to remain with Hel in her dreary realm.
This narrative, though predominantly sourced from Snorri, has echoes of earlier Old Norse poems, with various elements visually represented in jewelry from pre-Viking Age artifacts. While details may vary, the basic framework of the story can be considered both authentic and ancient.
However, whether intentionally or not, Snorri seems to have omitted a pivotal aspect of Baldur’s persona: his inclination towards warfare. In an alternate account of Baldur’s demise, recounted by the Danish historian Saxo Grammaticus, Baldur is characterized as eager for battle, even portraying him as a warlord. This portrayal, along with several kennings that connect Baldur’s name to weaponry and warfare, implies that he was not merely a passive, innocent victim as Snorri suggests.
Despite the scarcity of resources detailing Baldur’s life, references to him do appear in an Anglo-Saxon chronicle, where he is named Bældæg, translated as “The Shining Day,” and noted as a son of Woden (the Old English term for Odin). Another mention of him exists in the Second Merseburg Charm from Germany, dating back to the ninth or tenth century CE.
Though much about Baldur remains shrouded in mystery, it is clear he held a significant and esteemed role within the hearts and minds of the Vikings and likely among other Germanic peoples.
For those seeking additional information about Norse mythology and religion, this website serves as an excellent online introduction, while my book The Viking Spirit offers further insights into Norse mythology and religious practices. Additionally, my curated list of The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books may assist you in your exploration of this rich subject matter.
