Balder Dead33 by Matthew Arnold

Name: Balder Dead33
Author: Matthew Arnold

The narrative unfolds around the death of Balder, the beloved god, who is killed by a mistletoe arrow shot by his blind brother Hoder, manipulated by the trickster god Loki. The gods mourn Balder's death, lamenting their loss in Valhalla, where Odin, Balder's father, urges them to cease their weeping and prepare for his funeral. He commands that a ship be built for Balder's pyre, emphasizing the inevitability of fate and the doom that awaits all gods. Hoder, consumed by guilt and despair, seeks guidance from his mother, Frigg, who reveals a way to potentially retrieve Balder from the realm of the dead. Hoder learns that he must send a messenger to Hela, the queen of the underworld, to plead for Balder's return. Hermod, another of Odin's sons, volunteers for this perilous journey. Hermod rides through dark and treacherous paths to reach Hela's realm, where he finds Balder and pleads for his return. Hela agrees to release Balder if all living and non-living things weep for him. The gods embark on a quest to gather tears from all beings, and initially, it seems they will succeed, as many weep for Balder. However, a giantess named Thok, who is actually Loki in disguise, refuses to weep, thus thwarting their efforts. Hermod returns to the gods with the grim news that Balder will remain in Hela's realm. The gods, heartbroken, prepare for Balder's funeral. They build a grand pyre on his ship, placing his body alongside his wife Nanna and Hoder, who has taken his own life out of remorse. The pyre is set ablaze, and as the flames consume the ship, the gods mourn their fallen comrade, reflecting on the joy and peace he brought to their lives. The narrative concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the gods acknowledge the impending doom of Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods, where they will face their ultimate fate. Balder's death symbolizes not only personal loss but also the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, themes that resonate throughout the mythological tapestry of Norse lore.

By Matthew Arnold · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Mythology, Tragedy · 15,185 words

First lines

An Episode I

Sending So on the floor lay Balder dead; and round Lay thickly strewn swords, axes, darts, and spears, Which all the Gods in sport had idly thrown At Balder, whom no weapon pierc'd or clove; But in his breast stood fixt the fatal bough Of mistletoe, which Lok the Accuser gave To Hoder, and unwitting Hoder threw: 'Gainst that alone had Balder's life no charm.

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Balder Dead33 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Matthew Arnold, dated 1887 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Matthew Arnold
Date: 1887 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Mythology, Tragedy, Philosophical, Romanticism
Length: 15,185 words
Structure: 1 section, 378 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, showcasing Arnold's lyrical style and exploration of themes through verse.
Mythology — The title references Balder, a figure from Norse mythology, indicating a thematic focus on mythological elements.
Tragedy — The themes of death and loss associated with Balder suggest a tragic narrative.
Philosophical — The poem engages with deeper philosophical questions about life, death, and the human condition.