Höðr - God of Norse Mythology

Portrait of Höðr, a blind god in Norse mythology, with a fierce expression.
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Höðr, with a fierce expression and glowing red eyes. Höðr is commonly depicted as blind.

Höðr (pronounced: "hoh-thr") also spelled Höð, Hodr, or Hoder, is a blind god in Norse mythology, known for his involvement in the murder of his brother Baldr. According to the Eddas, Höðr is the son of Odin and is described as blind in some sources. However, in others, he is depicted as a warrior hero who competes with Baldr for the hand of Goddess Nanna.

The name Höðr is derived from the Old Norse word hǫð, which means "fight." As a result, Höðr's name is often associated with the idea of a warrior or fighter. This is reflected in some sources where Höðr is depicted as a warrior hero rather than a blind god.

The name "Höðr" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᚼᛟᚦᛦ

In Norse mythology, Höðr's most famous role is as the unwitting assassin of his brother Baldr. He is tricked by the evil god Loki into throwing a mistletoe dart at Baldr, which ultimately leads to his death. Váli, a son of Odin and Rindr, is later sired to avenge Baldr's death by killing Höðr.

The kenning, a figure of speech specific to Scandinavian poetry, is often used to refer to Höðr. Some of the kennings for Höðr include "Blind God," "Slayer of Baldr," "Thrower of the Mistletoe," "Son of Odin," "Companion of Hel," and "Enemy of Vali."

Höðr's story is primarily told in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda of Snorri Sturluson. However, these texts were compiled or written several centuries after the official conversion of the last Viking kingdoms, leading to debates among scholars about the veracity of the stories and whether they contain Christian influences or inventions.


Please note that the information provided about Höðr and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


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Other Norse Gods and Goddesses


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