If any of you has read the Prose or Poetic Edda, the primary texts on Norse Mythology, then you know how many stories there are to love. There is one, though, that has always stayed with me, the story of Baldur's death and Hermod's ride to Hel. This story is essentially the beginning of Ragnarok, the end of days in Norse Mythology. Here's a quick summary:

Baldur, the most magnificent and best of the gods, began having strange dreams of his fate. His father, Odin, then sought the answer to his troublesome dreams. He found an ominous prophecy in place telling that Baldur will soon be dead. When he came back with this news, Frigg, his wife and mother of Baldur, wanted nothing more than to keep her son safe. So, to ensure Baldur's safety, Frigg went around to all the things in the world and made them promise not to harm Baldur. All things except mistletoe. After this, the gods all gathered around Baldur to test his new ability. They hurled rocks, weapons, you name it at Baldur all with no effect on him. There was great merriment in this game, but Loki decided to intervene. He asked Frigg if truly all things had promised, to which she answered all but mistletoe since it is so young and harmless. Loki then went to the blind god Hodr, asking if he was jealous that he could not join in. Of course he was. So Loki offered to guide Hodr's hands as he shot an arrow at Baldur. Hodr, happy to be able to participate, agreed. But Loki, in his treachery, put a shaft of mistletoe in Hodr's hands. They aimed and fired at Baldur, knocking him down and killing him. All the gods lamented and Loki slinked away. Frigg asked if there were anyone who would ride to Hel, the goddess of the underworld, and entreat her to bring Baldur back. Baldur's brother, Hermod, volunteered and was given Sleipnir, Odin's eight-legged horse, to speed him on his way. Hermod rode as fast as he could to Hel, never stopping. When he got there, he saw Baldur in the most honored seat, then told Hel of the gods' offer, a ransom for Baldur's soul. She told him that all must weep for Baldur, everything in the world, then he will be released. Hermod rode back and told the gods of Hel's demands. They set out and had no trouble with the task until they reached an old giantess named Töck. She refused to weep for Baldur. This hag was Loki in disguise, and he alone kept Baldur from returning until after Ragnarok, when he will be revived.

This is a story that I find compelling. A brother goes through hell (literally) in order to save his sibling, only to be thwarted by the very being that caused his death. Having a brother myself, I find the tale meaningful. Family doesn't just give up on you, even after death.

Rereading the story for that summary made me realize how dramatic and tragic it is. I've read my fair share of Shakespeare, and I truly love "Othello's" Iago as a villain. But none come close to how dastardly Loki is. The story is also a practice in inevitability. No matter what is done, not even the gods can escape their fate. That's a strange notion for many, especially when we consider that humans if looked at from a faith's point of view, rely on a god or gods for many important things. The idea that even all the gods cannot escape death causes a reflection on the transforming power of death, not only in a physical sense.

I'm lucky that Amon Amarth has a couple of songs about this tale, with the subtitle of "Loki's Treachery Pt. 1 or 2." The first is called "Hermod's Ride to Hel" and the second "Töck's Taunt," and you can tell what each is about just from their respective titles. The reason why they're worth mentioning is because they do an astounding job at capturing most of the tale. Unfortunately, there isn't a song about Hodr's mistake or Odin's learning of the prophecy, but the events after it are a bit more conducive to songwriting. Give a listen to both, or if you don't like heavy metal, read the lyrics, but either way, you'll find they do an amazing job at balancing detail and content.

So that is one of my favorite tales from Nordic myth. Do any of you have any?

Ride on, my friends.