loki | A version of the death of Baldr in which Loki is not present. (Reply)

“ The final myth of import in Saxo’s [Grammaticus] history does not involve Loki at all. It is a version of the death of Baldr in which Loki is not present. It entails a fight between Baldr and Hother (Hödr) over the maiden Nanna. Hother slays Baldr not with Mistletoe but with a magic sword won from a satyr. In this version Baldr is portrayed as wicked and dishonorable; Hother is noble, clever, valiant, and not blind as in Snorri’s [Prose Edda] version. Although the version is highly euhemerized [made into mortal ancient history], it does seem that Saxo is relating an alternative tradition in which Loki is not responsible for Baldr’s death. It may be that Saxo is relating a Danish version or it could mean that Snorri’s condemnation of Loki is not part of the original myth but a Christianized, dualistic addition. ”

― “Scar-Lip, Sky-Walker, and Mischief-Monger: The Norse God Loki as Trickster” by Shawn Christopher Krause-Loner (Miami University, Ohio US, 2003)

[ tumblr entry ]