Did Killing Baldur Cause Ragnarok?
Quick answer
This page answers Did killing Baldur cause Ragnarok? quickly.
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
▶
Killing Baldur did indeed play a significant role in the events leading up to Ragnarok, as his death was a pivotal moment in Norse Mythology that signalled the first step towards the downfall of the Norse Gods. The death of Baldur, who was a beloved Norse God associated with light, wisdom, and courage, was a direct result of a piece of mistletoe and the actions of the trickster god Loki, and it sparked a chain of events that would ultimately lead to the destruction of the Norse Gods at Ragnarok.
FAQs About Baldur and Ragnarok
Understanding the Role of Baldur in Norse Mythology
- Did the death of Baldur start Ragnarok?: Yes, the death of Baldur is a pivotal moment in Norse Mythology that signalled the first step towards Ragnarok, the end of the age of the Norse Gods and the rebirth of the world.
- Why did killing Baldur start Ragnarok?: Because in Norse mythology, an ancient prophecy foretold the death of Baldur as the event that would trigger the twilight of the Norse gods.
- What triggers the start of Ragnarok?: The Ragnarök starts with the Fimbulvetr, or the Great Winter, which causes the skies to darken, the sun to disappear, and the world to grow cold and unable to support life.
The Connection Between Baldur and Loki
- Is Loki responsible for Ragnarok?: Yes, Loki‘s actions are said to be directly responsible for the Norse apocalypse, Ragnarok, as he caused the death of Baldur.
- How does Loki trigger Ragnarok?: Loki‘s imprisonment and subsequent earthquakes caused by his convulsions are said to trigger the events leading up to Ragnarok.
- What happened to Loki after he killed Baldur?: The evil Loki was quickly punished for murdering Balder by being exiled from Asgard.
The Role of Other Norse Gods in Ragnarok
- Did Odin try to prevent Ragnarok?: No, Odin and the other Norse gods knew of Ragnarok but could do nothing to prevent it, as it was a prophecy that had to be fulfilled.
- Who is Odin’s favorite son?: Odin‘s favorite child is generally understood to be Baldr, who is Frigg‘s son.
- Why did Odin hang himself?: Odin hanged himself in Yggdrasil, the tree of life, for nine days and nine nights in order to gain knowledge of other worlds and be able to understand the runes.
The Events Leading Up to Ragnarok
- What was Baldur’s weakness?: Baldur‘s weakness was mistletoe, which was the only thing that could harm him.
- Was Baldur revived after Ragnarok?: Yes, Baldr and Hod come back to life after Ragnarok, and Baldr is prophesized to take Odin‘s place as chief.
- Did the death of Baldur cause Fimbulwinter?: Yes, it was prophesized that Fimbulwinter would start when Baldur died, and near the start of Ragnarok, Atreus seems to believe it was the death of Baldur that caused it.
The Connection Between Kratos and Ragnarok
- How did Kratos trigger Ragnarok?: Kratos uses Gjallarhorn to trigger Ragnarok, causing all the realms to “bleed” into Asgard, which allows the armies that oppose Odin to attack Odin‘s home.
- Why Kratos killed Baldur?: Kratos killed Baldur to save Freya, as Baldur was strangling his mother after Kratos and Atreus beat him down.
- What was Baldur’s last words?: Baldur‘s final word, “snow“, might have a dual meaning, either that Baldur has one last happiness by feeling the snow once more or that Baldur is happy to know that, despite his death, Kratos, Atreus, and Freya will all suffer during Ragnarok.