The Death of Baldr

Baldr the beautiful, best-loved being in the nine worlds, dreams of his own death. Frigg exacts an oath from everything in existence not to harm him — everything except one shoot of mistletoe, too young to swear. Loki teases the secret from her, and puts the dart in the hand of Baldr's blind brother Hod, kindly guiding his aim. Hermod rides nine nights to the kingdom of the dead, and Hel names her price: if every thing in all the worlds weeps, Baldr goes home. Everything weeps — except one giantess in a cave, casting the single dry vote. Let Hel keep what she has.