Definition

Proper noun 1. A deity in Norse mythology: Balder is the god of light, purity, beauty, innocence, and reconciliation. He is renowned for his goodness, eloquence, and fairness. He is a son of Odin and Frigg, the husband of Nanna, and was killed by a mistletoe projectile wielded by the blind god Hoth (Höðr).

Usage Examples

• In the myth, Balder's death is a great tragedy that signals the beginning of Ragnarök.
• Balder was so beloved that all things in the world, except mistletoe, swore an oath not to harm him.
• The story of Balder is one of the most well-known tales from Norse mythology.

Advanced Usage

• "Balder's death" / "The death of Balder": A central, tragic event in Norse eschatology, often seen as the point of no return toward the destruction of the gods (Ragnarök).
  • The prophecy concerning Balder's death troubled all of Asgard.
• "Balder the Beautiful": A common epithet highlighting his primary attribute.
  • The poem refers to the god as Balder the Beautiful.

Variants and Related Words

• Baldr: The Old Norse original spelling of the name.
• Baldur: A common modern Germanic variant (e.g., German).
• Baldr's bálfar (Old Norse): "Balder's funeral pyre," referring to his grand funeral.

Synonyms

• (In the context of his attributes) The shining god, the good god.
• (Mythological archetype) The dying-and-returning god, the innocent victim.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Balder's dream": Refers to the nightmares Balder had foretelling his own death, which set the events of the myth in motion.
  • Frigg, worried by Balder's dreams, sought promises from all things.
• "The weeping for Balder": Refers to the attempt by the gods to retrieve Balder from the underworld, which required that all things weep for him. The giantess Thökk (often thought to be Loki in disguise) refused.
  • The failure of the weeping for Balder ensured he would remain in Hel until after Ragnarök.

Noun

1. (Norse mythology) god of light and peace and noted for his beauty and sweet nature; son of Odin and Frigg and husband of Nanna; killed by Hoth