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Hodr is the blind god of Norse mythology, a son of Odin. Loki put a mistletoe dart in his hand and guided his aim, so the blind god killed his own brother Baldr without knowing it.
Who is Hodr in Norse mythology?
Hodr is the blind god, a son of Odin and brother of Baldr. He plays almost no part in the myths until the single, terrible moment for which he is remembered.
He is called the Blind God because the Prose Edda names him blinda ás. He is blind, and it was his hand, guided by Loki, that threw the mistletoe dart that killed his brother Baldr.
What is Hodr the god of?
- Domains — blindness, fate, winter
- World — Asgard
- Offerings — beer, wine, dark bread, winter fare; a mistletoe sprig, a blindfold
- Herbs — mistletoe · Wood — yew · Metal — lead
Kin — Parents: Odin and Frigg
Hodr and Baldr
When the gods amused themselves by hurling weapons at the invulnerable Baldr, Hodr stood aside, having nothing to throw and no sight to aim. Loki put a dart of mistletoe in his hand and guided his aim, and the blind god unknowingly struck down his own brother. Hodr is thus the innocent instrument of the worst deed in Asgard. He too dies before the world's end, and both brothers are said to return, reconciled, in the reborn world after Ragnarok.
His brother is Baldr; the hand that guided his was Loki's.
Questions
Did Hodr kill Baldr on purpose?
No. Loki gave him the dart and guided his aim.
Does Hodr come back?
Yes. He and Baldr return, reconciled, after Ragnarok.