The myth of Loki and the deadly mistletoe - Iseult Gillespie
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
Baldur, beloved in Asgard, was killed by mistletoe due to Loki's trickery, causing despair and leading to Hermod's journey to Hel to bring him back. Hermod succeeded in proving the mourning of all beings except Loki, who was captured and punished for extinguishing Asgard's brightest light.
Insights
- Baldur, the beloved God of truth and light, faced a tragic fate due to Loki's deceitful actions, leading to his untimely demise by mistletoe, a plant Frigg had overlooked in her protective oaths.
- Hermod's successful journey to Hel to bring Baldur back, marred by Loki's refusal to mourn, highlighted the consequences of deception and betrayal, ultimately resulting in Loki's capture and punishment for extinguishing the brightest light in Asgard.
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Recent questions
Who is Baldur in Norse mythology?
Baldur is the son of Odin and Frigg, known as the God of truth and light in Norse mythology. He was beloved in Asgard but haunted by visions of his own death.
How did Baldur die in Norse mythology?
Baldur was killed by mistletoe, which was used by blind Hodur under the trickery of Loki. This event caused despair in Asgard and led to a journey to Hel to bring Baldur back.
What was Frigg's role in the story of Baldur's death?
Frigg, Baldur's mother, traveled across realms to protect him from harm. She received oaths from all beings except mistletoe, which ultimately led to Baldur's demise.
Who was responsible for Baldur's death in Norse mythology?
Loki, the trickster god, was responsible for Baldur's death. He tricked blind Hodur into using mistletoe to kill Baldur, leading to a series of events that caused despair in Asgard.
How was Loki punished for his role in Baldur's death?
Loki was captured and punished by the gods for his role in extinguishing Asgard's brightest light. His refusal to weep for Baldur during the mourning process revealed his deceitful actions, leading to his capture and punishment.
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Summary
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"Baldur's Tragic Death and Loki's Punishment"
- Baldur, son of Odin and Frigg, God of truth and light, was beloved in Asgard but plagued by visions of his death. Frigg traveled across realms to protect him, receiving oaths from all beings except mistletoe.
- Loki, disliking Baldur, tricked blind Hodur into killing him with mistletoe. Baldur's death caused despair, leading Hermod to journey to Hel to bring him back, facing a challenge to prove all beings mourned Baldur.
- Hermod succeeded, except for a disguised Loki who refused to weep, revealing his role in Baldur's death. Loki was captured and punished by the gods for extinguishing Asgard's brightest light.
