Mythology Challenge

[Yelle, Moderator]

I am going to post a mythical person, place or thing.

If you know them, post what you know, if you don't and are interested...research and post.

No winners or losers, just a friendly, "I know that one!" kudos will go to you.

The first one of the day: Baldur!

[Athanasios]

Now I'm assuming we're not allowed to Google this right?
I know Baldur was a lesser deity in Norse mythology.

I don't remember what he was a god of but I do remember him being referred to as Baldur the Brave, so it would have to be about battle or something like it.

[Yelle, Moderator]

You can google, skype or ask a neighbor, hehe! The Baldur that I know, was a wanna-be bad boy that thought he was bigger than what he was. Thought he could hang with the big dogs.

That's my only account of him and I'd love to hear what everyone else knows about him and would he make a great character in a book?

[Athanasios]

There's a great show out of New Zealand called the Almighty Johnsons. It's about the Norse gods being alive and well and living as mortals in New Zealand. Check it out. Pretty interesting stuff

[Yelle, Moderator]

Athanasios wrote: "There's a great show out of New Zealand called the Almighty Johnsons. It's about the Norse gods being alive and well and living as mortals in New Zealand. Check it out. Pretty interesting stuff"

Looked them up and that's my kind of show! Unfortunately, I don't have the channel they're playing it on here, but I have my ways to get what I want.

Thanks for pointing it out :)

[Drako]

the Baldur i know of is the Norse god of love. He's a peaceful god and beloved by all. He is also the most beautiful of the gods and the son of Odin, making him brother of Thor. His death signals the beginning of Ragnarok, the end of the world.

the tale i know goes that he dreamed of his death and told his dreams to his parents, Odin and Frigga. Frigga then extracted a promise from all things that they would not harm her son, except mistletoe. Loki, the norse trickster god, disguised himself as her handmaiden and questioned how thoroughly she had secured baldur. she admitted the one plant she'd left out, as it was harmless. Meanwhile, the gods were having fun throwing various weapons at baldur with no effect. Baldur had a twin brother, Hodur, who was blind and therefore unable to join. Loki brought him a dart made of mistletoe and guided his hand, therein killing baldur. because he didn't die a warriors death, Baldur went to Hel, the realm of the goddess of the same name. Odin sent a messenger to plead for his return, which Hel said she would grant if all things wept for baldur. all things did, except for a giantess, who was loki in disguise.

the end of the world followed soon after, with the forces of darkness led by Loki. all of the gods and giants alike were killed and the nine worlds destroyed. Two humans survived and Baldur, along with his wife, brother, and two of his nephews, returned to life to guide the new world

[Yelle, Moderator]

Drako wrote: "the Baldur i know of is the Norse god of love. He's a peaceful god and beloved by all. He is also the most beautiful of the gods and the son of Odin, making him brother of Thor. His death signals t..."

Wow! Drako that is fascinating. The invincibilty thing reminds me of Achilles. He was impenetrable also, except for his heel.

That is great! Thanks Drako!

[Drako]

Yelle wrote: "Drako wrote: "the Baldur i know of is the Norse god of love. He's a peaceful god and beloved by all. He is also the most beautiful of the gods and the son of Odin, making him brother of Thor. His d..."

greek and norse mythology are my favorites, so i have a good running knowledge of them

[Yelle, Moderator]

I am having a ball, learning so much. Thanks guys!

[Erich]

Baldur was the son of Odin, given to play and deceit..Loki was the liar, the traitor, Yggdrashyl the tree of life, where Odin was hung for seven days to gain his wisdom. Thor the God of Thunder and war, he rides his golden Goat and swings his warhammer..Freya the mother..asf..

[Yelle, Moderator]

Erich wrote: "Baldur was the son of Odin, given to play and deceit..Loki was the liar, the traitor, Yggdrashyl the tree of life, where Odin was hung for seven days to gain his wisdom. Thor the God of Thunder and..."

Wow! Thanks Erich, of the myths, is Norse your favorite?

[Erich]

Yelle wrote: "Erich wrote: "Baldur was the son of Odin, given to play and deceit..Loki was the liar, the traitor, Yggdrashyl the tree of life, where Odin was hung for seven days to gain his wisdom. Thor the God ..."
As a child I learned all the old legends of the Gods' In German the are called "Goettersagen" or as Wagner wrote his opera "Die Goetterdaemmerung' translated something like the Gods demise. I have spent time in the Norse 'Viking'regions in the Orkneys and Norway. There these legend are told to the children sitting around a fire. I learned everything about the Norse Mythology, from the gates of Hades guarded by Cerberus to the waiting and drinking Met and feasting on Boar in the great hall of Valhalla, waiting for the last battle against evil at Ragnarock. Their life as it was woven by the Norns...Yeah I wrote an essay on it fifty years ago, they are my favourites in all Mythology.

[Yelle, Moderator]

Erich wrote: "Yelle wrote: "Erich wrote: "Baldur was the son of Odin, given to play and deceit..Loki was the liar, the traitor, Yggdrashyl the tree of life, where Odin was hung for seven days to gain his wisdom...."

That is wonderful, thank you so much for sharing!