Höd

In Norse mythology, Höd is a god known primarily for his role in the death of his brother, Balder. Balder, the son of Odin and Frigg, was beloved by the gods. According to legend, Frigg obtained oaths from all living things and elements not to harm Balder, making him nearly invulnerable. However, the mischievous god Loki discovered that mistletoe was exempt from this oath. Loki then tricked the blind god Höd into throwing a mistletoe dart at Balder, killing him.12

There are differing accounts of Balder's story. Some traditions suggest Loki was directly responsible for orchestrating Balder's death through Höd, while others focus solely on Höd's actions. A Danish historian, Saxo Grammaticus, presents a different narrative where Balder and Höd were rivals for a woman's hand, and Höd killed Balder in a feud. After Balder's death, the gods attempted to bring him back from the underworld, but Loki, disguised as a giantess, refused to weep the necessary tears, preventing his resurrection.21