Baldur Facts for Kids

Baldr (also spelled Balder or Baldur) is a very important god in Norse mythology. He is known as the god of light, peace, and forgiveness. Baldr is a member of the Æsir, who are the main group of gods. His parents are the mighty Odin, who is the chief god, and Frigg, the queen of the gods. Baldr also has a twin brother named Höðr, who is blind and linked to darkness.

Baldr's wife is named Nanna. Together, they have a son named Forseti, who is the god of justice. Before he died, Baldr owned the largest ship ever built, called Hringhorni. His beautiful home is known as Breidablik.

Baldr's Dream and His Death
Funeral and Loki's Punishment
Baldr's Return in Ragnarök
Images for kids
See also

Baldr's Dream and His Death

One day, Baldr had a terrible nightmare. He dreamed that he would be killed. His mother, Frigg, loved him very much and wanted to protect him. So, she traveled across all the Nine Realms (the different worlds in Norse mythology). She asked everything in these worlds – plants, animals, stones, and even diseases – to promise not to hurt Baldr.

However, Frigg thought the mistletoe plant was too small and harmless to bother with. So, she didn't ask it to make the vow. This tiny detail became very important later.

Loki, the trickster god, found out about the mistletoe. He was jealous of Baldr and wanted to cause trouble. Loki decided to use the mistletoe to hurt Baldr. He made a spear from the mistletoe plant.

Then, Loki tricked Baldr's blind brother, Höðr. During a game where the gods were throwing things at Baldr (because nothing could hurt him), Loki gave Höðr the mistletoe spear. He guided Höðr's hand, and Höðr threw the spear at Baldr. Sadly, the mistletoe spear hit Baldr, and he died.

Funeral and Loki's Punishment

Baldr's death was a huge tragedy for all the gods and beings across the Nine Realms. Everyone came to his funeral to show their sadness. Baldr's wife, Nanna, was so heartbroken that she died of grief soon after.

Loki was eventually caught for his terrible trick. As punishment, he was bound with the insides of one of his sons. A giant snake was placed above him, and its venom dripped onto Loki's face. This caused him immense pain. Loki's wife, Sigyn, stayed by his side, trying to catch the venom in a bowl to ease his suffering. But when the bowl became full, she had to empty it, and the venom would drip onto Loki again, causing him more agony.

Baldr's Return in Ragnarök

The Norse myths tell us about a great event called Ragnarök. This is a time when the world will end and be reborn. During Ragnarök, the barriers between the different realms will break down. This means Baldr will be able to escape from Helheimr, the realm of the dead.

After the death of Odin during Ragnarök, Baldr and his brother Höðr will come back to life. They will meet with the other gods who survived in a place called Iðavöllr (which means "splendour-plain"). This place is where Asgard, the home of the gods, once stood. In this new world, Baldr and Höðr will rule together, taking the place of their father, Odin.