Did Killing Baldur Trigger Ragnarok?

▶

Killing Baldur did trigger the events that led to Ragnarok, as his death is seen as the first in a chain of events that will ultimately lead to the destruction of the gods at Ragnarök. The death of Baldur sparked the beginning of the end for the Norse Gods, an event that the Jotunn Groa prophesied, but it was not the sole cause of Ragnarok, as the Fimbulvetr, or the Great Winter, is considered the starting point of the events leading to the apocalypse.

Understanding Ragnarok and Baldur’s Role

The Mythological Context

In Norse mythology, Baldur’s death is a pivotal moment that signals the first step towards Ragnarok. Baldur was a beloved Norse God who met his fate as a result of a piece of mistletoe and the trickster god Loki. The myth itself does not explicitly state that Baldur’s death directly caused Ragnarok, but rather that it set in motion a series of events that would ultimately lead to the downfall of the gods.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes Ragnarök in Norse mythology? 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.
2. Did Kratos killing Baldur cause Ragnarok? Kratos did not intend to initiate Ragnarok when he killed Baldur; the Spartan was only trying to save Freya.
3. What does Baldur have to do with Ragnarok? Baldur is known primarily for the story of his death, which is seen as the first in a chain of events that will ultimately lead to the destruction of the gods at Ragnarök.
4. Who triggered Ragnarok in Thor Ragnarok? Thor, battling Hela, loses his right eye and has a vision of Odin that helps him realize only Ragnarök can stop her, as she is too powerful.
5. What did Odin whisper into Baldur’s ear? The myth itself does not say, but some speculate that Odin told his son that he (Baldur) would survive the upcoming Ragnarok.
6. Who is stronger Baldur or Kratos? Baldur had super strength around the same as Kratos, but it was his inability to feel anything, pain, tiredness, or even emotions that gave him the edge.
7. Was Baldur revived after Ragnarok? Baldr and Hod come back to life, and many speculate that Baldr will take Odin’s place as chief.
8. What was Loki’s punishment for killing Balder? Loki was bound to a rock as punishment, thus in many ways resembling the Greek figures Prometheus and Tantalus.
9. 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.
10. Who died to start Ragnarok? Once Baldr dies and cannot return to life, the clock begins ticking toward Ragnarök when Loki’s children, as well as their father, will break loose to attack the gods and the world of order.
11. How did Atreus survive Ragnarok? Just before Asgard is destroyed, which would surely kill all of the heroes, Angrboda manages to save Kratos and Atreus by teleporting them out of Asgard.
12. How did Kratos change Ragnarok? Opening his heart changed Kratos’ future, and Faye’s advice to “open his heart to suffering” and Atreus’ friendship with Thrud both help Kratos change his destiny and survive Ragnarok.
13. Why did Kratos survive Ragnarok? Kratos says they only survived Ragnarok because of Atreus’ decisions, and that he’s ready to fend for himself.
14. Who is the weakest god? Cupid (Eros) is the weakest figure in ancient Greek mythology, being a boy with a bow and arrow, and not great aim.
15. Is Kratos weaker in Ragnarok? This was confirmed by the game developers, as Kratos in the Norse saga appears weaker for a couple of reasons, including the loss of his Greek magic when he destroyed his homeland and sailed away.