Balder: The Story Of His Death

Balder often dreamt about his death, saying it was near. Since all of the gods loved Balder, they did what they could to prevent his death. Frigg forced everything that could harm Balder other than gods to take an oath not to harm him. After everyone thought he was safe, Loki played one of his nasty tricks. He changed his appearance and asked Frigg if there was any way to kill Balder, just for the sake of knowing. Loki was very jealous of Balder. Frigg told Loki that there was one way to kill Balder. The only way was anything involving mistletoe. Frigg did not make mistletoe promise not to kill Balder. By tricking Balder’s Brother Hod to throw the dart, and using Loki’s aim, the dart struck Balder in the heart, killing him. Odin sent his son, Hermod, to plead to Hel for Balder’s return. She agreed, but said that everyone in the world must weep for balder. Loki, to prevent this from happening, disguised himself as the witch named Thokk. Since the demand was not met, Hel kept Balder in the underworld. A number of the gods put Balder upon his ship on a funeral pyre. Beside him was Balder’s wife, Nanna, who died of a broken heart. Loki was punished and Hod was killed for the attack.