# Baldr

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Norse deity

"Balder" redirects here. For other uses, see [Balder (disambiguation)](/source/Balder_(disambiguation)).

"Baldur" redirects here. For other uses, see [Baldur (disambiguation)](/source/Baldur_(disambiguation)).

"Each arrow overshot his head" (1902) by [Elmer Boyd Smith](/source/Elmer_Boyd_Smith).

***Baldr*** in [Old Norse](/source/Old_Norse) (later ***Balder*** in [Mainland Nordic](/source/North_Germanic_languages), ***Baldur*** in [Insular Nordic](/source/North_Germanic_languages)), ***Bældæġ*** in [Old English](/source/Old_English), ***Balder*** or ***Palter*** in [Old High German](/source/Old_High_German), is a [god](/source/%C3%86sir) in [Germanic mythology](/source/Germanic_mythology). In [Norse mythology](/source/Norse_mythology), he is a son of the god [Odin](/source/Odin) and the goddess [Frigg](/source/Frigg), and has [numerous brothers](/source/Sons_of_Odin), such as [Thor](/source/Thor) and [Váli](/source/V%C3%A1li).

During the 12th century, Danish accounts by [Saxo Grammaticus](/source/Saxo_Grammaticus) and other Danish Latin chroniclers recorded a [euhemerized](/source/Euhemerism) account of his story. Compiled in [Iceland](/source/Iceland) during the 13th century, but based on older [Old Norse poetry](/source/Old_Norse_poetry), the *[Poetic Edda](/source/Poetic_Edda)* and the *[Prose Edda](/source/Prose_Edda)* contain numerous references to the death of Baldr as both a great tragedy to the [Æsir](/source/%C3%86sir) and a harbinger of [Ragnarök](/source/Ragnar%C3%B6k).

According to *[Gylfaginning](/source/Gylfaginning)*, a book of [Snorri Sturluson](/source/Snorri_Sturluson)'s Prose Edda, Baldr's wife is [Nanna](/source/Nanna_(Norse_deity)) and their son is [Forseti](/source/Forseti). Baldr had the greatest ship ever built, *[Hringhorni](/source/Hringhorni)*, and there is no place more beautiful than his hall, [Breidablik](/source/Breidablik).

## Name

The [Old Norse](/source/Old_Norse) [theonym](/source/Theonym) *Baldr* (lit. 'bold'; 'brave, defiant'; also 'lord, prince') and its Germanic cognates – [Old English](/source/Old_English) *Bældæg* and [Old High German](/source/Old_High_German) *Balder* (or *Palter*) – are generally derived from [Proto-Germanic](/source/Proto-Germanic_language) **Balðraz* ('Hero, Prince'; cf. Old Norse *mann-baldr*, 'great man'; Old English *bealdor*, 'prince, hero'), itself a [derivative](/source/Morphological_derivation) of **balþaz*, meaning 'brave'.[1][2][note 1] [Rudolf Simek](/source/Rudolf_Simek) has noted, however, that this etymology would suggest a warlike or forceful character, a portrayal not clearly supported by the mythological sources.[3]

This etymology was originally proposed by [Jacob Grimm](/source/Jacob_Grimm) (1835),[4] who also suggested a comparison with [Lithuanian](/source/Lithuanian_language) *báltas* ('white', also the name of a light-god), positing a semantic development from 'white' to 'shining' then 'strong'.[1][2] According to linguist [Vladimir Orel](/source/Vladimir_Orel), this could be linguistically tenable.[2] Early scholars, by deriving the name from the Indo-European root *bhel-* ('white'), interpreted *Baldr* as a light-god, in keeping with Snorri's description.[3]

Simek contends that *Baeldæg* may represent an Old English reflex of the name *Baldr*, developed from Old English *bealdor* by analogy with divine names such as *Swæfdæg*, though it may also be a late Old English development influenced by Scandinavian tradition in the 10th century.[5] He further observes that *Baeldæg* is replaced by *Baldr* in one chronicle ([Æthelweard](/source/%C3%86thelweard_(historian))), and that Snorri likewise equates the two when he refers to "Beldeg, whom we call Baldr" as the second son of [Odin](/source/Odin) in the prologue to the *Edda*.[5]

Old Norse also shows the usage of the word as an honorific in a few cases, as in *baldur î brynju* ([Sæm.](/source/Saemundar_Edda) 272b) and *herbaldr* (Sæm. 218b), in general epithets of heroes. In continental Saxon and Anglo-Saxon tradition, the son of [Woden](/source/Odin) is called not *Bealdor* but *Baldag* (Saxon) and *[Bældæg, Beldeg](/source/Anglo-Saxon_royal_genealogies#Wessex_and_Bernicia)* (Anglo-Saxon), which shows association with "day", possibly with [Day](/source/Dagr) personified as a deity. This, as Grimm points out, would agree with the meaning "shining one, white one, a god" derived from the meaning of Baltic *baltas*, further adducing Slavic *[Belobog](/source/Belobog)* and German *[Berhta](/source/Berhta)*.[6]

## Connections to Other Gods

Baldr was born to Odin as the second of his sons. His first son is Thor making him the older brother of Baldr.[7] His mother is Frigg. He was also a brother to Hödr, the blind god. Váli is another one of his brothers, although, he was born at the end of Baldr's life specifically to avenge his death. Baldr had many more siblings as well since Odin was the parent of many more figures in Norse Mythology. He had a wife named Nanna who was a goddess. Together they had a son who was Baldr's one and only son, Forseti. It was said that Baldr was loved by all, including both the gods and mortals. The only god to not love him was the god Loki, who ultimately killed Baldr with his trickery.[8]

## Attestations

### Merseburg Incantation

One of the two [Merseburg Incantations](/source/Merseburg_Incantations) names *Balder* (in the genitive singular *Balderes*), but also mentions a figure named *Phol*, considered to be a byname for Baldr (as in Scandinavian *Falr*, *Fjalarr*; (in Saxo) *Balderus* : *Fjallerus*). The incantation relates of *Phol ende [Wotan](/source/Odin)* riding to the woods, where the foot of Baldr's foal is sprained. Sinthgunt (the sister of the sun), [Frigg](/source/Frigg) and Odin sing to the foot in order for it to heal.[9] The identification with Balder is not conclusive. Modern scholarship suggests that the god [Freyr](/source/Freyr) might be meant.[10]

### *Poetic Edda*

"Mímir and Baldr Consulting the Norns" (1821–1822) by [H. E. Freund](/source/H._E._Freund).

Baldr in an illustration to a Swedish translation of the Elder Edda.

Unlike the Prose Edda, in the Poetic Edda the tale of Baldr's death is referred to rather than recounted at length. Baldr is mentioned in *[Völuspá](/source/V%C3%B6lusp%C3%A1)*, in *[Lokasenna](/source/Lokasenna)*, and is the subject of the Eddic poem *[Baldr's Dreams](/source/Baldr's_Dreams)*.

Among the visions which the [Völva](/source/V%C3%B6lva) sees and describes in Völuspá is Baldr's death. In stanza 32, the Völva says she saw the fate of Baldr "the bleeding god":

[Henry Adams Bellows](/source/Henry_Adams_Bellows_(businessman)) translation: I saw for Baldr, | the bleeding god, The son of Othin, | his destiny set: Famous and fair | in the lofty fields, Full grown in strength | the mistletoe stood.[11]

In the next two stanzas, the Völva refers to Baldr's killing, describes the birth of [Váli](/source/V%C3%A1li) for the slaying of [Höðr](/source/H%C3%B6%C3%B0r) and the weeping of [Frigg](/source/Frigg):

*Stanza 33:* From the branch which seemed | so slender and fair Came a harmful shaft | that Hoth should hurl; But the brother of Baldr | was born ere long, And one night old | fought Othin's son. *Stanza 34:* His hands he washed not, | his hair he combed not, Till he bore to the bale-blaze | Baldr's foe. But in [Fensalir](/source/Fensalir) | did Frigg weep sore For Valhall's need: | would you know yet more?[11]

In stanza 62 of Völuspá, looking far into the future, the Völva says that Höðr and Baldr will come back, with the union, according to Bellows, being a symbol of the new age of peace:

Then fields unsowed | bear ripened fruit, All ills grow better, | and Baldr comes back; Baldr and Hoth dwell | in Hropt's battle-hall, And the mighty gods: | would you know yet more?[11]

A depiction of Loki quarreling with the gods (1895) by [Lorenz Frølich](/source/Lorenz_Fr%C3%B8lich).

Baldr is mentioned in two stanzas of Lokasenna, a poem which describes a [flyting](/source/Flyting) between the gods and the god [Loki](/source/Loki). In the first of the two stanzas, Frigg, Baldr's mother, tells Loki that if she had a son like Baldr, Loki would be killed:

*[Jackson Crawford](/source/Jackson_Crawford) translation:* You know, if I had a son like Balder, sitting here with me in Aegir's hall, in the presence of these gods, I declare you would never come out alive, you'd be killed shortly.[12]

In the next stanza, Loki responds to Frigg, and says that he is the reason Baldr "will never ride home again":

You must want me to recount even more of my mischief, Frigg. After all, I'm the one who made it so that Balder will never ride home again.[12]

"Odin rides to Hel" (1908) by [W. G. Collingwood](/source/W._G._Collingwood)

The Eddic poem *[Baldr's Dreams](/source/Baldr's_Dreams)* opens with the gods holding a council discussing why Baldr had had bad dreams:

*Henry Adams Bellows translation:* Once were the gods | together met, And the goddesses came | and council held, And the far-famed ones | the truth would find, Why baleful dreams | to Baldr had come.[11]

Odin then rides to [Hel](/source/Hel_(location)) to a Völva's grave and awakens her using magic. The Völva asks Odin, who she does not recognize, who he is, and Odin answers that he is Vegtam ("Wanderer"). Odin asks the Völva for whom are the benches covered in rings and the floor covered in gold. The Völva tells him that in their location mead is brewed for Baldr, and that she spoke unwillingly, so she will speak no more:

Here for Baldr | the mead is brewed, The shining drink, | and a shield lies o'er it; But their hope is gone | from the mighty gods. Unwilling I spake, | and now would be still.[11]

Odin asks the Völva to not be silent and asks her who will kill Baldr. The Völva replies and says that Höðr will kill Baldr, and again says that she spoke unwillingly, and that she will speak no more:

Hoth thither bears | the far-famed branch, He shall the bane | of Baldr become, And steal the life | from Othin's son. Unwilling I spake, | and now would be still.[11]

Odin again asks the Völva to not be silent and asks her who will avenge Baldr's death. The Völva replies that Váli will, when he will be one night old. Once again, she says that she will speak no more:

[Rind](/source/Rindr) bears Vali | in Vestrsalir, And one night old | fights Othin's son; His hands he shall wash not, | his hair he shall comb not, Till the slayer of Baldr | he brings to the flames. Unwilling I spake, | and now would be still.[11]

Odin again asks the Völva to not be silent and says that he seeks to know who the women that will then weep be. The Völva realizes that Vegtam is Odin in disguise. Odin says that the Völva is not a Völva, and that she is the mother of three giants. The Völva tells Odin to ride back home proud, because she will speak to no more men until Loki escapes his bounds.[11]

### *Prose Edda*

Baldr's death is portrayed in this illustration from an 18th-century [Icelandic](/source/Iceland) manuscript.

In *Gylfaginning*, Baldr is described as follows:

Annarr sonr Óðins er Baldr, ok er frá honum gott at segja. Hann er beztr, ok hann lofa allir. Hann er svá fagr álitum ok bjartr, svá at lýsir af honum, ok eitt gras er svá hvítt, at jafnat er til Baldrs brár. Þat er allra grasa hvítast, ok þar eftir máttu marka fegurð hans bæði á hár ok á líki. Hann er vitrastr ásanna ok fegrst talaðr ok líknsamastr, en sú náttúra fylgir honum, at engi má haldast dómr hans. Hann býr þar, sem heitir Breiðablik. Þat er á himni. Í þeim stað má ekki vera óhreint[.][13]

Translation:

The second son of Odin is Baldr, and good things are to be said of him. He is best, and all praise him; he is so fair of feature, and so bright, that light shines from him. [A certain herb](/source/Matricaria_perforata) is so white that it is likened to Baldr's brow; of all grasses it is whitest, and by it thou mayest judge his fairness, both in hair and in body. He is the wisest of the Æsir, and the fairest-spoken and most gracious; and that quality attends him, that none may gainsay his judgments. He dwells in the place called Breidablik, which is in heaven; in that place may nothing unclean be[.]

— *Brodeur's translation*[14]

Apart from this description, Baldr is known primarily for the story of his death, which is seen as the first in a chain of events that will ultimately lead to the destruction of the gods at [Ragnarök](/source/Ragnar%C3%B6k).

Baldr had a dream of his own death and his mother, [Frigg](/source/Frigg), had the same dream. Since dreams were usually prophetic, this depressed him, and so Frigg made every object on earth [vow](/source/Vow) never to hurt Baldr. All objects made this vow, save for the [mistletoe](/source/Mistletoe)[15]—a detail which has traditionally been explained with the idea that it was too unimportant and nonthreatening to bother asking it to make the vow, but which Merrill Kaplan has instead argued echoes the fact that young people were not eligible to swear legal oaths, which could make them a threat later in life.[16]

*Odin's last words to Baldr* (1908) by [W. G. Collingwood](/source/W._G._Collingwood).

When [Loki](/source/Loki), the mischief-maker, heard of this, he made a magical spear from this plant (in some later versions, an arrow). He hurried to the place where the gods were indulging in their new pastime of hurling objects at Baldr, which would bounce off without harming him. Loki gave the spear to Baldr's brother, the blind god [Höðr](/source/H%C3%B6%C3%B0r), who then inadvertently killed his brother with it (other versions suggest that Loki guided the arrow himself). For this act, Odin and the *ásynja* [Rindr](/source/Rindr) gave birth to [Váli](/source/V%C3%A1li_(son_of_Odin)), who grew to adulthood within a day and slew Höðr.[17]

Baldr was ceremonially burnt upon his ship [Hringhorni](/source/Hringhorni), the largest of all ships. On the pyre he was given the magical ring [Draupnir](/source/Draupnir). At first the gods were not able to push the ship out onto sea, and so they sent for [Hyrrokin](/source/Hyrrokin), a [giantess](/source/Giantess), who came riding on a wolf and gave the ship such a push that fire flashed from the rollers and all the earth shook.

As he was carried to the ship, Odin whispered something in his ear. The import of this speech was held to be unknowable,[18] and the question of what was said was thus used as an unanswerable riddle by Odin in other sources, namely against the giant [Vafthrudnir](/source/Vafthrudnir) in the Eddic poem *[Vafthrudnismal](/source/Vafthrudnismal)* and in the riddles of [Gestumblindi](/source/Gestumblindi) in *[Hervarar saga](/source/Hervarar_saga)*.

Upon seeing the corpse being carried to the ship, Nanna, his wife, died of grief. She was then placed on the funeral fire (perhaps a toned-down instance of [Sati](/source/Sati_(practice)), also attested in the Arab traveller [Ibn Fadlan's account of a funeral](/source/Norse_funeral#Ibn_Fadlan's_account) among the [Rus'](/source/Rus'_people)), after which it was set on fire. Baldr's horse with all its trappings was also laid on the pyre.

As the pyre was set on fire, [Thor](/source/Thor) blessed it with his hammer [Mjǫllnir](/source/Mj%C7%ABllnir). As he did a small dwarf named [Litr](/source/Litr) came running before his feet. Thor then kicked him into the pyre.

Upon Frigg's entreaties, delivered through the messenger [Hermod](/source/Herm%C3%B3%C3%B0r), [Hel](/source/Hel_(goddess)) promised to release Baldr from the [underworld](/source/Hel_(location)) if all objects alive and dead would weep for him. All did, except a [giantess](/source/Giantess), [Þökk](/source/%C3%9E%C3%B6kk) (often presumed to be the god [Loki](/source/Loki) in disguise), who refused to mourn the slain god. Thus Baldr had to remain in the underworld, not to emerge until after Ragnarök, when he and his brother Höðr would be reconciled and rule the new earth together with [Thor's sons](/source/M%C3%B3%C3%B0i_and_Magni).

Besides these descriptions of Baldr, the Prose Edda also explicitly links him to the Anglo-Saxon *Beldeg* in its prologue.

### *Gesta Danorum*

*Baldur* by [Johannes Gehrts](/source/Johannes_Gehrts).

Writing during the end of the 12th century, the [Danish](/source/Denmark) historian [Saxo Grammaticus](/source/Saxo_Grammaticus) tells the story of Baldr (recorded as *Balderus*) in a form that professes to be historical. According to him, Balderus and Høtherus were rival suitors for the hand of Nanna, daughter of Gewar, King of [Norway](/source/Norway). Balderus was a demigod and common [steel](/source/Steel) could not wound his sacred body. The two rivals encountered each other in a terrific battle. Though Odin and Thor and the other gods fought for Balderus, he was defeated and fled away, and Høtherus married the princess.

Nevertheless, Balderus took heart of grace and again met Høtherus in a stricken field. But he fared even worse than before. Høtherus dealt him a deadly wound with a [magic sword](/source/Magic_sword) which he had received from Mimir, the satyr of the woods; after lingering three days in pain Balderus died of his injury and was buried with royal honours in a barrow.

### Utrecht Inscription

A Latin votive inscription from Utrecht, from the 3rd or 4th century C.E., has been theorized as containing the dative form *Baldruo*,[19] pointing to a Latin nominative singular **Baldruus*, which some have identified with the Norse/Germanic god,[20] although both the reading and this interpretation have been questioned.[21][22]

### *Anglo-Saxon Chronicle*

In the [Anglo-Saxon Chronicle](/source/Anglo-Saxon_Chronicle) Baldr is named as the ancestor of the monarchy of [Kent](/source/Kingdom_of_Kent), [Bernicia](/source/Bernicia), [Deira](/source/Deira), and [Wessex](/source/Wessex) through his supposed son [Brond](/source/Anglo-Saxon_royal_genealogies).[23]

### Toponyms

There are a few old place names in Scandinavia that contain the name *Baldr*. The most certain and notable one is the (former) parish name [Balleshol](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Balleshol&action=edit&redlink=1) in Hedmark county, Norway: "a Balldrshole" 1356 (where the last element is *hóll* m "mound; small hill"). Others may be (in [Norse](/source/North_Germanic_languages) forms) *Baldrsberg* in Vestfold county, *Baldrsheimr* in Hordaland county *Baldrsnes* in Sør-Trøndelag county—and (very uncertain) the [Balsfjorden](/source/Balsfjorden) fjord and [Balsfjord Municipality](/source/Balsfjord_Municipality) in Troms county.

In [Copenhagen](/source/Copenhagen), there is also a Baldersgade, or "Balder's Street". A street in downtown [Reykjavík](/source/Reykjav%C3%ADk) is called Baldursgata (Baldur's Street).

In [Sweden](/source/Sweden) there is a Baldersgatan (Balder's Street) in [Stockholm](/source/Stockholm). There is also Baldersnäs (Balder's isthmus), Baldersvik (Balder's bay), Balders udde (Balder's headland) and Baldersberg (Balder's mountain) at various places.

## See also

- [List of Germanic deities](/source/List_of_Germanic_deities)

- [Lemminkäinen](/source/Lemmink%C3%A4inen)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEde_Vries196224_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEde_Vries196224_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEde_Vries196224_1-2) [de Vries 1962](#CITEREFde_Vries1962), p. 24.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOrel200333–34_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOrel200333–34_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOrel200333–34_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEOrel200333–34_2-3) [Orel 2003](#CITEREFOrel2003), pp. 33–34.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESimek199628_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESimek199628_4-1) [Simek 1996](#CITEREFSimek1996), p. 28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Grimm, Jacob (2004) [1835]. *Teutonic Mythology*. Courier Corporation. p. [220](https://books.google.com/books?id=I2WhHX2peKEC&pg=PA220). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-486-43546-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-486-43546-6).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESimek199626_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESimek199626_6-1) [Simek 1996](#CITEREFSimek1996), p. 26.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** "*Bæl-dæg* itself is white-god, light-god, he that shines as sky and light and day, the kindly *Bièlbôgh, Bèlbôgh* of the Slav system. It is in perfect accord with this explanation of *Bæl-dæg*, that the Anglo-Saxon tale of ancestry assigns to him a son Brond, of whom the Edda is silent, *brond, brand*, ON. *brandr* (fire brand or blade of a sword), signifying *jubar, fax, titio*. Bældæg therefore, as regards his name, would agree with *Berhta*, the bright goddess.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Sturluson, Snorri (1923). *The Prose Edda*. The American Scandinavian Foundation.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Anderson, Dale (2022). *Baldr (deity)*. Salem Press Encyclopedia.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CALVIN_10-0)** [Calvin, Thomas](/source/Calvin_Thomas_(linguist)). *An Anthology of German Literature*, D.C. Heath & Co. [ASIN](/source/Amazon_Standard_Identification_Number) [B0008BTK3E](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0008BTK3E), [ASIN](/source/Amazon_Standard_Identification_Number) [B00089RS3K](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00089RS3K). pp. 5–6.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Wolfgang Beck: *Die Merseburger Zaubersprüche.* Wiesbaden 2003.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Bellows_12-7) [Bellows, Henry Adams](/source/Henry_Adams_Bellows_(businessman)) (1923). *The Poetic Edda*. [American-Scandinavian Foundation](/source/American-Scandinavian_Foundation). pp. 14–15, 25, 195–200.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Crawford_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Crawford_13-1) [Crawford, Jackson](/source/Jackson_Crawford). (2015). *The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes*. [Hackett Publishing Company](/source/Hackett_Publishing_Company). p. 106.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Guðni Jónsson's edition of the Prose Edda"](https://heimskringla.no/wiki/Gylfaginning). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230829011513/https://heimskringla.no/wiki/Gylfaginning) from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Gylfaginning, XXII"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930222057/http://www.northvegr.org/lore/prose/033036.php). Archived from [the original](http://www.northvegr.org/lore/prose/033036.php) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 23 September 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-The_Children_of_Odin_16-0)** [Colum, Padraic](/source/Padraic_Colum) (1920). *The Children of Odin*. Aladdin Paperbacks. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0689868855](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0689868855). {{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#invalid_isbn_date))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Merrill Kaplan, 'Once More on the Mistletoe', in *News from Other Worlds/*Tíðendi ór ǫðrum heimum*: Studies in Nordic Folklore, Mythology and Culture in Honor of John F. Lindow*, ed. by Merrill Kaplan and Timothy R. Tangherlini, Wildcat Canyon Advanced Seminars Occasional Monographs, 1 (Berkeley, CA: North Pinehurst Press, 2012), pp. 36–60; [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0578101742](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0578101742).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Gylfaginning, XLIX"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184501/http://www.northvegr.org/lore/prose/069072.php). Archived from [the original](http://www.northvegr.org/lore/prose/069072.php) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 23 September 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** According to Carolyne Larrington in her translation of the *Poetic Edda* it is assumed that what Odin whispered in Baldr's ear was a promise of resurrection.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Die_germanischen_Götternamen_der_antiken_Inschriften_20-0)** [Gutenbrunner, Siegfried](/source/Siegfried_Gutenbrunner) (1936). *Die germanischen Götternamen der antiken Inschriften*. Max Niemeyer Verlag., pp. 210, 218–20.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Heathen_Gods_in_Old_English_Literature_21-0)** North, Richard (1997). [*Heathen Gods in Old English Literature*](https://books.google.com/books?id=X_LKUIqNvPQC&q=Heathen+Gods+in+Old+English+Literature&pg=PP1). [Cambridge University Press](/source/Cambridge_University_Press). p. 126. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0521551838](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0521551838). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230423144518/https://books.google.com/books?id=X_LKUIqNvPQC&q=Heathen+Gods+in+Old+English+Literature&pg=PP1) from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Van_Ægir_tot_Ymir:_personages_en_thema's_uit_de_Germaanse_en_Noordse_mythologie_22-0)** Vermeyden, Pamela & Quak, Arend (2000). *Van Ægir tot Ymir: personages en thema's uit de Germaanse en Noordse mythologie*. Cambridge University Press. p. 43. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [906168661X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/906168661X).{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_multiple_names:_authors_list)).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-''Balder'',_in_Reallexikon_der_Germanischen_Altertumskunde_23-0)** Helm, Karl (1976). Balder*, in Reallexikon der Germanischen Altertumskunde*. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. p. 2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** *Anglo-Saxons Chronicle (Winchester Chronicle)*.

### Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** cf. Old Norse *ballr*, 'hard, stubborn', [Gothic](/source/Gothic_language) *balþa**, 'bold, frank'; Old English *beald*, 'bold, brave, confident'; Old Saxon *bald*, 'valiant, bold'; Old High German *bald*, 'brave, courageous'.[1][2]

### Bibliography

- [de Vries, Jan](/source/Jan_de_Vries_(linguist)) (1962). [*Altnordisches Etymologisches Worterbuch*](https://books.google.com/books?id=hLceAAAAIAAJ) (1977 ed.). Brill. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-9004054363](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-9004054363). {{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#invalid_isbn_date))

- Kroonen, Guus (2013). *Etymological Dictionary of Proto-Germanic*. Brill. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9789004183407](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9789004183407).

- [Orel, Vladimir E.](/source/Vladimir_Orel) (2003). [*A Handbook of Germanic Etymology*](https://books.google.com/books?id=LY1iAAAAMAAJ). Brill. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-9004128750](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-9004128750).

- [Simek, Rudolf](/source/Rudolf_Simek) (1996). [*Dictionary of Northern Mythology*](https://books.google.com/books?id=MZ24QgAACAAJ). D.S. Brewer. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0859915137](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0859915137).

## Further reading

[Wikisource](/source/Wikisource) has the text of the [1911 *Encyclopædia Britannica*](/source/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica_Eleventh_Edition) article "[Balder](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/1911_Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica/Balder)".

- [Anatoly Liberman](/source/Anatoly_Liberman), ["Some Controversial Aspects of the Myth of Baldr,"](http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~alvismal/11baldr.pdf) Alvíssmál 11 (2004): 17–54.

- [John Lindow](/source/John_Lindow), *Murder and Vengeance Among the Gods: Baldr in Scandinavian Mythology*. [Suomalainen Tiedeakatemia](/source/Suomalainen_Tiedeakatemia) (1997), [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9514108094](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9514108094).

- Jacob Grimm, *[Deutsche Mythologie](/source/Deutsche_Mythologie)* (1835), chapter 11 "Paltar".

## External links

**Baldr**  at Wikipedia's [sister projects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikimedia_sister_projects)

- [Media](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Baldr) from Commons
- [Quotations](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Baldr) from Wikiquote

- [MyNDIR (My Norse Digital Image Repository)](https://myndir.uvic.ca/BalD01.html) Illustrations of Baldr from manuscripts and early print books.

v t e Old Norse religion and mythology Mythological Norse people, items and places Deities, dwarfs, jötnar, and other figures Æsir Almáttki áss Baldr Bragi Dellingr Forseti Heimdall Hermóðr Höðr Hœnir Ítreksjóð Lóðurr Loki Máni Meili Mímir Móði and Magni Odin Óðr Thor Týr Ullr Váli (son of Odin) Víðarr Vili and Vé Ásynjur Bil Eir Frigg Fulla Gefjon Gerðr Gná Hlín Iðunn Ilmr Irpa Lofn Nanna Njörun Rán Rindr Sága Sif Sigyn Sjöfn Skaði Snotra Sól Syn Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr Þrúðr Vár Vör Vanir Freyja Freyr Ingunar-Freyr Yngvi Gersemi Gullveig Hnoss Kvasir Njörðr Sister-wife of Njörðr Jötnar Ægir Alvaldi Angrboða Aurboða Baugi Beli Bergelmir Bestla Bölþorn Býleistr Eggþér Fárbauti Fjölvar Fornjót Gangr Geirröðr Gillingr Gjálp and Greip Gríðr Gunnlöð Gymir Harðgreipr Helblindi Helreginn Hljod Hræsvelgr Hrímgerðr Hrímgrímnir Hrímnir Hroðr Hrungnir Hrymr Hymir Hyrrokkin Iði Ím Járnsaxa Laufey Leikn Litr Logi Mögþrasir Narfi (father of Nott) Sökkmímir Surtr Suttungr Þjazi Þökk Þrívaldi Þrúðgelmir Þrymr Útgarða-Loki Vafþrúðnir Víðblindi Vosud Vörnir Ymir Dwarfs Alvíss Andvari Austri, Vestri, Norðri and Suðri Billingr Brokkr Dáinn Durinn Dúrnir Dvalinn Eitri Fáfnir Fjalar and Galar Gandalf Hreiðmarr Litr Mótsognir Ótr Regin Sons of Ivaldi Heroes List of figures in Germanic heroic legend A B–C D–E F–G H–He Hi–Hy I–O P–S T–Y people, clan, and place names in Germanic heroic legend named animals and plants named weapons, armour and treasures Others Ask and Embla Auðr Auðumbla Aurvandill Beyla Borr Búri Byggvir Dísir Landdísir Dragons Draugs Einherjar Eldir Elves Dark elves (Dökkálfar) Light elves (Ljósálfar) Black elves (Svartálfar) Fimafeng Fjalar (rooster) Fenrir Fjörgyn and Fjörgynn Fylgja Garmr Gullinbursti Hati Hróðvitnisson Hel Hildisvíni Hjúki Horses of the Æsir Árvakr and Alsviðr Blóðughófi Falhófnir Gísl Glaðr Glær Glenr Grani Gullfaxi Gulltoppr Gyllir Hamskerpir and Garðrofa Hófvarpnir Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi Sleipnir Svaðilfari Jörð Jörmungandr Líf and Lífthrasir Loddfáfnir Móðguðr Nine Daughters of Ægir and Rán Nine Mothers of Heimdallr Narfi (son of Loki) Níðhöggr Norns Skuld Urðr Verðandi Personifications Dagr Elli Nótt Sumarr and Vetr Sæhrímnir Skírnir Sköll Shield-maiden Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr Troll Þjálfi and Röskva Vættir Landvættir Váli (son of Loki) Valkyries Völundr Vörðr Places (Cosmology) Underworld Hel Éljúðnir Gjallarbrú Náströnd Niflhel Niðafjöll Rivers Élivágar Gjöll Ífingr Kerlaugar Körmt and Örmt Slidr River Vadgelmir Vimur River Other locations Asgard Amsvartnir Andlang Barri Bifröst Bilskirnir Brávellir Breidablik Brimir Fensalir Fólkvangr Fornsigtuna Fyrisvellir Gálgviðr Gandvik Gastropnir Gimlé Ginnungagap Glaðsheimr Glæsisvellir Glitnir Gnipahellir Grove of fetters Heiðr Himinbjörg Hindarfjall Hlidskjalf Hnitbjorg Hoddmímis holt Iðavöllr Járnviðr Jötunheimr Mímameiðr Myrkviðr Munarvágr Nóatún Okolnir Sessrúmnir Sindri Singasteinn Þrúðheimr Þrúðvangr Þrymheimr Uppsala Útgarðar Valaskjálf Valhalla Vanaheimr Víðbláinn Vígríðr Vingólf Wells Hvergelmir Mímisbrunnr Urðarbrunnr Ýdalir Yggdrasil Events Æsir–Vanir War Fimbulvetr Fróði's Peace Hjaðningavíg Ragnarök Sources Gesta Danorum Edda Poetic Edda Prose Edda Runestones Sagas Jómsvíkinga Legendary Tyrfing Cycle Völsung Cycle Old Norse language Orthography Later influence Society Religious practice Anthropomorphic wooden cult figurines of Central and Northern Europe Blót Hof Heitstrenging Horses Hörgr Leeks Worship Öndvegissúlur Reginnaglar Sacred trees and groves Sonargöltr Temple at Uppsala Til árs ok friðar Vé Wetlands and islands Festivals and holy periods Álfablót Dísablót Germanic calendar Þorrablót Vetrnætr Yule Other Death Ergi Félag Galdr Goði Hamingja Heiti Kenning Mead hall Nīþ Numbers Philosophy Rings Runes Seiðr Skald Viking Age Völva See also Family tree of the Norse gods Germanic paganism Heathenry (new religious movement) Nordic Bronze Age

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Baldr](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldr) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldr?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.