Story Summary
Experience the sorrow of Baldur's Funeral, where the Aesir mourn their beloved god of light. Witness the burning ship Hringhorni as it sails toward the afterlife.
After the beloved god Baldur was struck down by a mistletoe dart through Loki’s treachery, the Aesir were paralyzed by a grief that silenced the heavens. They carried his body to the shore to his ship, Hringhorni, the greatest of all vessels, to serve as his funeral pyre. So massive was the ship that the gods themselves could not launch it, eventually summoning the giantess Hyrrokkin, who pushed it into the sea with such power that the rollers burst into flame and the earth trembled. Baldur was laid upon the deck alongside his horse and his faithful wife, Nanna, who had died of a broken heart. Odin leaned over his son and whispered a secret into his ear before placing the gold ring Draupnir upon the pyre. Thor, consumed by sorrow and rage, hallowed the fire with Mjölnir, even kicking a dwarf named Litr into the flames. As the burning ship drifted into the dark horizon, all of creation—from the gods to the stones—wept for the loss of light, signaling the inevitable approach of Ragnarok.
The Moral
Even the most perfect and beloved beings cannot escape the hand of fate, and grief is a force that unites all of existence.
“Not even the gods can outrun the shadow of fate.”
Fun Fact
During the funeral, Thor was so distressed that he kicked a dwarf named Litr into the fire simply because the dwarf ran in front of his feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Baldur's Funeral?
The story emphasizes that death and fate are inescapable, even for the most beautiful and powerful gods. It also highlights the universal nature of grief, showing that all of creation mourns the loss of light and goodness.
Who killed Baldur in Norse mythology?
Baldur was killed by his blind brother Hödr, who was tricked by the god Loki into throwing a dart made of mistletoe. Mistletoe was the only substance on earth that had not sworn an oath to never harm Baldur.
What happened to Baldur's wife, Nanna?
Nanna died of a broken heart upon seeing her husband's body placed on the funeral pyre. She was burned alongside him so that they could remain together in the afterlife of Hel.
What did Odin whisper to Baldur?
The 'Odin's Riddle' remains a mystery; no one knows what he whispered into his dead son's ear. This secret is used as a test of wisdom in other Norse sagas, as only Odin knows the words spoken.
What was the significance of the ship Hringhorni?
Hringhorni was the largest ship ever built and served as the grandest funeral vessel in mythology. Its launch required the strength of a giantess, symbolizing the immense weight of the tragedy.
How did Baldur's death affect the world?
Baldur's death was the first major omen of Ragnarok, the end of the world. It led to the Fimbulwinter, a three-year winter that would deplete the world's resources and lead to the final battle.