The other choice was Hel, which was a terrible place to where the dishonorable dead were doomed along with those who died of sickness and old age. The most honored choices were Valhalla, the hall of the Einherjar (heroic dead) where the dead warriors chosen by Odin went, and Sessrumnir, the hall where the warriors chosen by Freya went. In Norse mythology, there were several places a soul could go to after death. One of the other things Odin learns from the völva that I would like to address is the fact that Hel is being prepared for Balder’s arrival. The future is glimpsed, but there is no power to stop it. However, as with Balder’s case, foreknowledge often does not lead to the prevention of ill omens. The ideas of prescience, foresight, visions, and second sight were often found in Viking stories and there seems to be a strong belief in them within the culture. It is the first sign of the coming of the end.īalder’s death is foreseen by many and mention of it is found in a number of stories through dreams, prophecy, and foresight. But on top of all that, Balder’s death is much more than the loss of one of the most loved gods, it is the act that sets off everything that leads to Ragnarok, the ruin of the gods.

He was kind, handsome, strong, honorable, and brave. He is the son of Odin and Frigg, and is often referred to as “the most beloved of the gods”. So, why does this matter? Why does anyone care? To begin with, Balder is a very important character in Norse mythology. The völva then realizes Odin’s identity and refuses to tell him anything more. From her, Odin learns that Hel is being prepared to welcome Balder, who will be killed by a branch in blind Hodr’s hand, and Balder’s death will be avenged by Vali (another son of Odin). Throughout the whole exchange, the völva keeps declaring that she will give Odin no more information, but still continues to answer his next question.

He then proceeds to ask her a number of questions, which she begrudgingly answers. Once in Hel, Odin raises a dead völva (sometimes translated as “sibyl” or “witch”) from her grave. Towards the end of the Elder Edda (at least in the edition I have), is a short poem called “Balder’s Dreams” in which Odin journeys to the underworld, Hel, to determine why his son, Balder, is plagued with ominous dreams. Marble statue of Balder, by B Fogelberg, 1840

Balder the brave mythology