LEGEND: THE DEATH OF BALDR

Baldr, son of Odin and Frigg, was the most beloved god: beautiful, luminous and wise. When he began dreaming of his own death, his mother traveled the world demanding from everything an oath not to harm him: from fire, water, stones, trees, beasts and weapons. All swore, except one plant that seemed too young and harmless: the mistletoe.

The gods, amused by Baldr's invulnerability, played at hurling everything at him. Loki, envious, discovered the exception, fashioned a dart of mistletoe and placed it in the hands of the blind god Höðr, guiding his arm. The dart pierced Baldr and the god fell dead before everyone's horror: it was Asgard's first true misfortune.

Hermóðr rode nine nights to Hel's realm to plead his return. The giantess Hel agreed on one condition: all things living and dead must weep for Baldr. All wept, except a giantess called Thökk, who was Loki in disguise. Baldr had to stay with the dead until after Ragnarok, when prophecies say he will return to rule the new world.