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Váli facts for kids

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Wali by C. E. Doepler
Váli

Váli (pronounced VAH-lee) is a powerful god in Norse mythology. He is sometimes also called Ali. Váli is the son of the mighty god Odin and a giantess named Rindr. He is known as the god of "eternal light."

Váli has many brothers, including famous gods like Thor, Baldr, and Víðarr. He was born for a special reason: to get revenge for his brother Baldr. Baldr was accidentally killed by Höðr. Váli grew up super fast, becoming an adult in just one day! He then killed Höðr and later captured Loki. Váli is also special because it is believed he will survive Ragnarök, which is a big event in Norse myths. He will continue to be a god of light even after that.

Váli: Son of Odin

Váli is definitely known as the son of Odin. However, there was a small mistake in some old writings. In one part of a text called Gylfaginning, it says Váli was the son of Loki. But in two other places in the same book, it clearly says Váli is Odin's son. All other old stories from that time also say Váli is Odin's son. This means the idea of him being Loki's son was likely a simple copying error long ago.

Stories About Váli

Váli appears in several important Norse myths. These stories show how quickly he grew and how important he was for avenging Baldr.

Váli's Birth and Revenge

In the poem Baldrs draumar, it talks about Váli's birth:

  • Rindr will have Váli
  • in western halls;
  • that son of Óðinn
  • will kill when one night old –
  • he will not wash his hand,
  • nor comb his head,
  • before he takes to the fire
  • Baldr's enemy.

This means Váli was born and grew up in just one night. He didn't even stop to wash or comb his hair before he went to get revenge for Baldr.

The poem Völuspá also mentions Váli's quick growth and his role:

  • A brother of Baldr
  • was born quickly:
  • he started – Óðinn's son –
  • slaying, at one night old.

Váli and Loki

The Prose Edda tells a story where Váli helps punish Loki. In this tale, Loki is captured. The gods turn Váli into a wolf. As a wolf, Váli tears apart his brother Narfi. The gods then use Narfi's insides to tie Loki to three stones. These bonds turn into iron. This was Loki's punishment for his bad deeds.

Váli's Skills

The Prose Edda also describes Váli as a brave fighter. It says he is "daring in fights, and a most fortunate marksman." This means he was a very skilled archer and a courageous warrior.

Surviving Ragnarök

Váli is one of the few gods who are expected to survive Ragnarök. This is a huge event in Norse mythology that is like the end of the world for the gods. After Ragnarök, Váli will continue to live with his brother Víðarr and Thor's sons, Móði and Magni. This shows his strength and importance in the myths.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Vali (hijo de Odín) para niños

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