How did Baldur survive his neck being snapped?
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Baldur survived his neck being snapped due to a powerful curse designed by Freya to prevent her son from dying a needless death, which made him invulnerable to any and all injuries, including a broken neck. This curse allowed Baldur to revive himself and fully recover from the injury by the time Kratos left the wildwoods with Atreus, rendering him essentially unkillable.
Understanding Baldur’s Curse
Baldur’s curse is a central element in understanding his ability to survive severe injuries, including having his neck snapped by Kratos. This curse, placed by Freya, is a complex piece of Norse mythology that not only makes Baldur invulnerable to physical harm but also prevents him from feeling pain or any emotions, making him a formidable opponent.
Exploring the Mythology Behind Baldur’s Survival
To delve deeper into how Baldur survived his neck being snapped, it’s essential to explore the Norse mythology surrounding his character. The mythology explains that Baldur’s invulnerability stems from a promise made by all living things not to harm him, except for mistletoe, which was too young to make such a promise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Kratos snap Baldur’s neck?
Kratos snapped Baldur’s neck as a mercy kill after Baldur refused to listen to him, wanting to end his suffering, but due to Baldur’s curse, this act did not result in his death.
2. How did Baldur not die from the neck snap?
Baldur’s curse, designed by Freya, makes him invulnerable to all forms of injury, allowing him to survive the neck snap and recover fully.
3. What is Baldur immune to?
According to Norse mythology, Baldur is immune to all forms of injury from creatures and objects in the water, on the ground, or in the air, with the exception of mistletoe.
4. Can Baldur not feel anything?
Yes, as part of the curse, Baldur cannot feel pain, tiredness, or any emotions, making him a unique and formidable character.
5. Who didn’t cry when Baldur died in Norse mythology?
The giantess Thökk, believed by some to be Loki in disguise, refused to weep for Baldur, thereby preventing his release from death.
6. Why is mistletoe the only thing that can hurt Baldur?
Mistletoe is the only thing that can hurt Baldur because it was too young to make the promise to the gods not to harm him, making it the sole exception to his invulnerability.
7. What did Odin whisper to Baldur?
The exact words are not specified in the myth, but speculation suggests Odin might have shared a prophecy or information about surviving Ragnarok.
8. Why was Baldur so powerful?
Baldur’s power stems from his invulnerability and inability to feel pain or emotions, combined with his physical strength, similar to that of Kratos.
9. Why did everyone love Baldur?
Baldur was loved by all due to his friendly, gentle, and wise nature, as well as his exceptional attractiveness, with light shining all around him.
10. Who did Baldur think Kratos was?
Initially, Baldur believed Kratos to be a giant they were seeking, not recognizing him as a god until later.
11. Who was stronger, Thor or Baldur?
The question of whether Thor or Baldur was stronger is debated, with evidence suggesting that while Baldur was incredibly powerful, Kratos dominated him in their final encounter, implying that Baldur might not be as strong as Thor.
12. Can Baldur bleed?
Despite his invulnerability, there are instances where Baldur is shown bleeding, indicating potential inconsistencies in how his curse is portrayed.
13. Why is Baldur unkillable?
Baldur’s immortality as an Aesir god, combined with the protective curse from Freya, makes him essentially unkillable by conventional means.
14. Why is Kratos holding back his rage?
Kratos holds back his rage as part of his personal growth, attempting to eliminate anger from his life to set a better example for Atreus and become a better person.
15. What did Freya put on Kratos’ neck?
Freya placed the Aegishjalmur, or the Helm of Awe, on Kratos and Atreus’ necks, a symbol from Norse mythology granting them protection and possibly other abilities.