The Blind Brother
Hodr is a blind god of the Æsir, a son of Odin and brother of the shining Baldr. Though strong, his blindness keeps him apart from the games and gatherings of the other gods, and it is this very apartness that Loki turns to tragedy.
When the gods, believing Baldr invulnerable, amuse themselves by throwing weapons at him, Hodr stands aside because he cannot see to take part. Loki places a dart of mistletoe in his hand, guides his aim, and Hodr unknowingly strikes down his own brother.
Hodr acts without malice, an innocent instrument of Loki's treachery. He is later slain in vengeance by Váli, a son born to Odin for that very purpose, and like Baldr he is said to return to the renewed world after Ragnarök.
Nature and Role
Blindness
Sightless among the gods, which sets the stage for his tragedy
Instrument of Fate
An unwitting tool through whom Baldr's doom is fulfilled
Rebirth
Returns with Baldr to the green world reborn after Ragnarök
Quick Facts
Key Connections
Residence
Asgard, then Hel
After his death Hodr dwells in Hel beside his brother Baldr
Family
- Group: Aesir
- Father: Odin
- Brother: Baldr