Baldur: The God of War and Light

In Germanic mythology, Baldur is often referred to as the shining one, white one, or a god. This etymology is supported by Grimm's research, which suggests that the meaning 'shining one, white one, a god' originates from the Baltic word baltas. Additionally, Slavic Belobog and German Berhta further reinforce this association with light.

In continental Saxon and Anglo-Saxon traditions, Baldur's son Woden is referred to as not Bealdor but Baldag (Saxon) and Bældæg (Anglo-Saxon). This shows an association with the concept of 'day' or possibly Day personified as a deity. Old Norse also uses the word baldur as an honorific in select cases, such as in baldur î brynju (Sæm), where it is attached to dæg ('day') and meaning 'shining day'.

Philologist Rudolf Simek argues that the Old English Bældæg should be interpreted as 'shining day', stemming from a Proto-Germanic root *bēl- (cf. According to linguist Vladimir Orel, this etymology is linguistically tenable.

Baldur's story has been compiled in Iceland during the 13th century, but based on older Old Norse poetry. The Poetic Edda and Prose Edda contain numerous references to his death as a great tragedy to the Æsir and a harbinger of Ragnarök.

As a god, Baldur is often depicted as having a beautiful hall, Breidablik, and an impressive ship, Hringhorni. He is also known for his wife Nanna and their son Forseti. In wider Germanic mythology, the god was referred to as Bældæġ (Old English) and Balder (Old High German), ultimately stemming from the Proto-Germanic theonym *Balðraz ('hero' or 'prince').

During the 12th century, Danish accounts by Saxo Grammaticus and other Danish Latin chroniclers recorded a euhemerized account of his story. In Norse mythology, Baldur is often depicted as the son of Odin and Frigg, with numerous brothers such as Thor and Váli.

In conclusion, Baldur is a complex figure in Germanic mythology, embodying both light and war. His association with day and bravery has been well-documented, and his story continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Baldur god of war