How Much Weight Can Baldur Lift? Untangling the Myths and Facts
Determining exactly how much weight Baldur, the Norse god, could lift is complex and depends on the source material considered. While the Norse myths don’t explicitly state a specific weightlifting capacity for Baldur, various interpretations and comparisons with other characters allow us to estimate his strength. A real-world crane named “Balder” can lift thousands of tons, but this has nothing to do with the god’s actual strength. The best answer, considering both mythology and the God of War video game depictions, suggests Baldur possesses superhuman strength comparable to Kratos, capable of lifting immense weights, but without a precise, quantifiable limit given in the lore.
Decoding Baldur’s Strength: Mythology vs. God of War
Norse mythology paints Baldur as a beloved and beautiful god, known more for his wisdom and invulnerability (except for mistletoe) than his raw physical power. Traditional Norse texts focus on Baldur’s invulnerability to harm and his tragic death rather than showcasing his feats of strength. He is portrayed as a beacon of goodness and light.
The God of War (2018) video game presents a different picture. This Baldur is a formidable physical opponent, cursed with the inability to feel pain. He clashes multiple times with Kratos, exhibiting incredible strength and agility. His unfeeling state allows him to push his physical limits beyond what a normal being could endure. This version of Baldur implies a strength level on par with Kratos, who is himself capable of incredible feats.
Comparing Baldur to Kratos: Strength Estimates
To estimate Baldur’s lifting capacity, we must look at Kratos’ known feats. The provided text details calculations based on Kratos’ ability to lift and hold significant geological structures, suggesting strength capable of handling trillions of tons. While these calculations are based on game lore and character scaling, they give a sense of the magnitude of Kratos’ power.
Since the game suggests Baldur’s strength is comparable to Kratos’, it is reasonable to suggest he could lift weights in the multi-million ton range. However, it’s important to remember that these figures are extrapolations based on comparisons and interpretations, not explicit statements within the source material.
The Crane “Balder”: A Red Herring
The article mentions a crane named “Balder” with a lifting capacity of thousands of tons. This is purely coincidental and has no bearing on the mythical god’s strength. Attributing the crane’s capacity to the god would be a misunderstanding of the context.
FAQs: Unraveling Baldur’s Power
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the strength of Baldur:
1. Was Baldur stronger than Thor in Norse mythology?
In traditional Norse mythology, Thor is generally considered stronger than Baldur. Thor possesses immense strength, associated with his hammer Mjolnir and his role as a protector of Asgard. Baldur’s strength is not emphasized to the same degree.
2. How does Baldur’s invulnerability affect his strength?
In the God of War universe, Baldur’s invulnerability (specifically, his inability to feel pain) significantly impacts his strength. It enables him to push himself beyond normal limits, ignoring injuries and fatigue that would incapacitate others.
3. Could Baldur lift Mjolnir?
The question of whether Baldur could lift Mjolnir is complex. In the comics, it has been revealed that obviously other worthy beings COULD lift it, as Beta Ray Bill does so in that issue and yet, in Thor #366, where Loki uses a fake Mjolnir, everyone notes that Balder CAN’T LIFT the hammer. In the MCU, only those deemed “worthy” can wield Mjolnir. It is debatable if Baldur’s character (especially the God of War version) would meet the criteria of worthiness.
4. How did Kratos defeat Baldur, given Baldur’s invulnerability?
Kratos ultimately defeats Baldur by exploiting his weakness to mistletoe. When Baldur is pierced by a mistletoe arrow, his invulnerability is broken, allowing Kratos to kill him.
5. Is Baldur a full god?
Yes, in Norse mythology, Baldur is considered a full god. He is the son of Odin and Frigg, two of the most important deities in the Norse pantheon.
6. What are Baldur’s other powers besides strength?
Beyond potential superhuman strength, Baldur is known for his beauty, wisdom, and charisma. He is often associated with light and goodness, inspiring love and admiration among the gods.
7. Does Baldur have any weaknesses besides mistletoe?
In the God of War game, mistletoe is Baldur’s only known weakness. In traditional Norse mythology, mistletoe is the object that indirectly leads to his death, orchestrated by Loki.
8. How does Atreus’ strength compare to Baldur’s?
Atreus, Kratos’ son, possesses superhuman strength, but it is not on par with Baldur or Kratos. He is still developing his powers throughout the God of War game.
9. What are some examples of Kratos’ strength feats that we can compare to Baldur?
The texts reference Kratos lifting the realms and even Cronos’ finger. These feats indicate a strength level capable of moving incredibly massive objects, suggesting Baldur, if comparable, could perform similar feats.
10. Is Baldur stronger than Hercules?
Based on the limited information, Hercules would destroy Baldur in a fight.
11. Is the God of War depiction of Baldur accurate to Norse mythology?
The God of War version of Baldur takes creative liberties with the character. While he retains some aspects of the mythological figure, such as his invulnerability, his personality and combat abilities are significantly altered.
12. What is the origin of Baldur’s invulnerability?
In both mythology and the game, Baldur’s invulnerability stems from a spell or blessing cast by his mother, Frigg (or Freya in the game), to protect him from harm.
13. Could Thanos lift Mjolnir?
Whether Thanos can lift Mjolnir is a debate and depends on the scenario in the Endgame Detail Proves Thanos Knew He Couldn’t Lift Mjolnir. It is not something everyone believes in.
14. Does Baldur use any weapons in combat?
The article mentions that Baldur uses two “glass” guns – electrostatic linear accelerators that fire armour piercing nanopolymer bullet.
15. What role does game-based learning play in understanding mythological characters like Baldur?
Games, like God of War, offer immersive and interactive experiences that can deepen understanding of mythological figures. They allow players to explore character motivations, abilities, and relationships in a dynamic way. This approach has the potential to transform education, and organizations like the Games Learning Society are working to make this a reality. You can explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
While a precise numerical value for Baldur’s lifting capacity remains elusive, comparing him to Kratos and examining his portrayal in the God of War game provides a reasonable estimate. Baldur possesses superhuman strength, likely capable of lifting multi-million ton weights, bolstered by his inability to feel pain. However, his strength is not as explicitly defined as that of other figures like Thor, leaving room for interpretation and debate. The intersection of mythology, video games, and education creates exciting opportunities for learning and exploration.