The story told in this song comes from the Prose Edda, written by the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century, preserving ancient Norse myths that had been passed down through generations. It tells of Baldr, the beloved son of Odin and Frigg, renowned for his beauty, wisdom, and gentle spirit, and cherished above all among the Æsir. At the heart of the tale stands an unexpected plant - the humble mistletoe - small in appearance, yet destined to shape the fate of the gods. But even in the shining halls of the gods, fate cannot be escaped. This ballad recounts an ancient tale of prophecy, loyalty, love, and destiny. 🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿 [Verse 1] In Breidablik stood Baldr's hall, No evil thing could cross its wall. The fairest of the gods was he, Beloved by the Æsir's company. [Pre-Chorus 1] One night he dreamed of coming doom, Dark omens filled the gods with gloom. Then Frigg sought all things that live, Their solemn oath to Baldr give. [Chorus] Oh Baldr, bright, beloved light, Your glory shone through day and night. One slender branch fulfilled its doom, And cast the world in grief and gloom. [Verse 2] She took an oath from all she knew, That none would harm her son so true. The mistletoe she left apart, Too young to bind by oath or heart. [Pre-Chorus 2] The Æsir made a merry game, They hurled their weapons, all the same. No blade or stone could bring him pain, For every oath held firm its claim. [Chorus] Oh Baldr, bright, beloved light, Your glory shone through day and night. One slender branch fulfilled its doom, And cast the world in grief and gloom. [Verse 3] But Loki smiled with cunning art, Dark envy burning in his heart. He took the mistletoe so slight, To bring an end to Baldr's light. [Pre-Chorus 3] Blind Höðr stood apart in gloom, Unknowing of his brother's doom. Loki placed the branch with care, And guided where it flew through air. [Chorus] Oh Baldr, bright, beloved light, Your glory shone through day and night. One slender branch fulfilled its doom, And cast the world in grief and gloom. [Verse 4] The mistletoe flew swift and straight, It struck the god and sealed his fate. Then Baldr fell before their eyes, Great grief arose through earth and skies. [Pre-Chorus 4] On Ringhorn's deck was Baldr laid, The gods stood by, their hearts dismayed. Hyrrokkin drove the ship to sea, The earth was shaken mightily. [Chorus] Oh Baldr, bright, beloved light, Your glory shone through day and night. One slender branch fulfilled its doom, And cast the world in grief and gloom. [Verse 5] Thor hallowed the pyre with Mjölnir's might, Then all prepared the funeral rite. Odin placed fair Draupnir there, His precious ring beyond compare. [Pre-Chorus 5] Fair Nanna's heart could bear no more, She died of grief as tears did pour. They laid her by her husband's side, Upon the pyre, his faithful bride. [Chorus] Oh Baldr, bright, beloved light, Your glory shone through day and night. One slender branch fulfilled its doom, And cast the world in grief and gloom. [Verse 6] Brave Hermóðr rode with courage bold, To Hel's grim hall through mist and cold. "If all things weep," said Hel's decree, "Then Baldr shall be set free." [Bridge] The beasts all wept, the trees did cry, The stones and metals wept thereby. Yet Þökk refused to shed a tear, So Baldr could not reappear. [Final Chorus] Oh Baldr, bright, beloved light, Your glory shines beyond our sight. Though Hel still holds you to this day, Your name will never fade away. [Outro] When Ragnarök has run its course, And dawn returns with gentle force, Then Baldr shall return once more, With Höðr, as in the days of yore.
