Baldur is the god of summer sunlight and forgiveness. He radiates light from his shield and staff.
Baldur / Balder / Baldr
Baldur was the son of Odin and Frigg, and he was beloved by all of the gods. Soon, however, he was plagued with premonitions in dreams of his impending death. His mother, Frigg, alarmed by the dreams made sure to go to everything in the world and secure their agreement not to harm her son. The one thing that she decided to skip, however, was mistletoe, thinking it an inconsequential and harmless plant. Loki, the trickster god, immediately went and fashioned a spear out of mistletoe. He laughingly joined in the other gods’ games of throwing weapons at Baldur to watch the items bounce off harmlessly. When Loki tricked Hodr into letting the spear loose, however, it pierced Baldur, killing him.
Hermod, one of Odin’s sons, volunteered to go to the underworld Hel and petition the goddess of the underworld, also named Hel, to release Baldur from her grasp. Hel agreed to release Baldur on the condition that everything and everyone in the world weep for him to prove that he really is so loved by all. Everyone wept except for one giantess, who was actually Loki in disguise. Baldur was forced to stay in Hel until Rangarök, when he was finally released.
In vengeance for his son’s murder, Odin sends out a team, including his son Thor, to find Loki. Loki turns himself into a salmon and tries to escape, but he is caught in a net and cannot escape from Thor’s grasp. He is trapped in a cave with a snake’s venom falling onto his face causing him immense pain. He remains bound in the cave until Rangarök.
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Try it for Free!Baldur Quick Reference
Parents
Odin and Frigg
Domain / Power
Summer sunlight and forgiveness
Notable Myths
- Loki and the Mistletoe Spear
- Death and Resurrection
- Loki’s Binding
Symbols
- Light
- Shield
- Staff
How Tos about Baldur: Norse God
How to Create an Interactive Norse Mythology Timeline in Your Classroom
Engage students by building a visual timeline of Norse gods and key events. Timelines help learners see connections and understand the sequence of myths.
Gather materials for the timeline activity
Collect supplies like large poster paper, colored markers, sticky notes, and printed images of Norse gods (including Baldur). Having visual aids makes the learning process more interactive and memorable.
Assign students to research different Norse gods or mythological events
Divide your class into small groups and assign each group a Norse god or a key event (such as Baldur's story). This fosters teamwork and gives every student a chance to contribute.
Have each group create a brief fact sheet with illustrations
Guide students to write 2-3 interesting facts and draw a simple image about their assigned god or event. Combining words and pictures reinforces understanding for visual learners.
Build and display the class timeline together
Assemble all fact sheets on the poster in chronological order. Let students present their part to the class before placing it on the timeline for a collaborative, hands-on review of Norse mythology.
Frequently Asked Questions about Baldur: Norse God
Who is Baldur in Norse mythology?
Baldur is a god in Norse mythology known for his beauty, kindness, and fairness. He is the son of Odin and Frigg and is often associated with light and purity.
What is the story of Baldur's death?
Baldur's death is a famous Norse myth where he is killed by a mistletoe arrow, the only thing that could harm him, due to Loki's trickery. His death is said to have started the events leading to Ragnarök.
Why was Baldur considered important by the Vikings?
Baldur was important to Vikings because he represented light, peace, and goodness. His tragic death symbolized the loss of innocence and the beginning of great struggles in Norse legends.
What are Baldur's main symbols or attributes?
Baldur is symbolized by light, purity, and sometimes mistletoe. He is often depicted as handsome and radiant, representing goodness and hope in Norse mythology.
How can teachers use the story of Baldur in the classroom?
Teachers can use Baldur's story to discuss mythology, themes of good and evil, and Norse culture. Activities might include storytelling, comparing myths, or exploring lessons about trust and betrayal.
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