Baldr is one of the most beloved and popular gods of Norse mythology. He is the god of beauty, light, and purity, and is often associated with the sun. Baldr is the son of Odin and Frigg, and is the twin brother of Hodr. He is also married to Nanna, the daughter of Nep, and has a son named Forseti.

 

According to Norse mythology, Baldr is invincible and cannot be harmed by any weapon or creature. This invincibility is due to a vow that his mother Frigg had secured from every element of the natural world, except for mistletoe, which she believed to be too small and harmless to be a threat. However, Loki, the trickster god, discovered this weakness and made a spear out of mistletoe. Loki then tricked Hodr, Baldr's blind brother, into throwing the spear at Baldr, killing him instantly. This event is known as the "death of Baldr" and is one of the most significant and tragic events in Norse mythology.

 

After Baldr's death, his wife Nanna died of a broken heart, and Baldr's funeral was one of the most grandiose in Norse mythology. Baldr was laid to rest on his ship, Ringhorn, which was set ablaze and sent out to sea. Baldr was expected to return after Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse, along with the other gods who survived.

 

Baldr's death also has significance beyond the mythological world, as it has been interpreted as a symbol of the inevitability of death and the fragility of life. In addition, the death of Baldr has been interpreted as a warning against the danger of gossip, jealousy, and the breaking of oaths.

 

Baldr is still widely revered in modern times, particularly in Scandinavian countries, where he is often seen as a symbol of light and purity. He is celebrated during the summer solstice festival of Midsummer, which is one of the most important holidays in Scandinavian culture.