Balder (or Baldr) is the beloved Norse god of light, purity, beauty, joy, and peace, son of Odin and Frigg, known for his golden hair, wisdom, and inherent goodness, living in the shining hall Breidablik, whose tragic death by Loki's trickery (using mistletoe) signals the beginning of Ragnarok, though he's destined to return in the rebirth of the world. He is a central figure of light and hope, whose demise brings immense sorrow, symbolizing the ultimate downfall before renewal.

Key Characteristics & Roles
God of Light & Purity: He embodies goodness, beauty, and shining light, so radiant that even flowers bowed before him. Beloved by All: He is the most cherished of the Æsir (gods), with no malice in his heart, leading to universal love for him. Wisdom & Justice: Balder possessed great wisdom, and his judgments were always sound; his son, Forseti, carried on the mantle of justice. Family: Husband to Nanna (goddess of joy/peace), father of Forseti, son of Odin & Frigg, and half-brother to Thor. Home: Lived in Breidablik, a hall where nothing impure could enter.

The Myth of His Death
Dreams & Fear: Balder had dreams of his impending death, alarming the gods. Universal Oath: His mother, Frigg, secured oaths from all things—plants, animals, metals, diseases—swearing they wouldn't harm Balder, making him invulnerable. Loki's Deception: The trickster Loki discovered the one thing missed: the harmless mistletoe. The Fatal Blow: Loki tricked the blind god Höðr (Balder's brother) into throwing a mistletoe dart at Balder, killing him instantly. Ragnarok: His death was a pivotal event, a sign of the world's coming doom (Ragnarok) but also foreshadowing rebirth.

Symbolism & Worship
Symbol: Sometimes associated with the mayweed flower and the rune Dagaz (?) for hope. Worship: While central in myth, historical evidence for Viking worship is debated, though later texts mention temples dedicated to beauty and renewal.

In Summary: Balder is the epitome of divine beauty, goodness, and joy in Norse mythology, whose tragic death by Loki's cunning sets the stage for the world's end and subsequent rebirth, making him a powerful symbol of hope and purity in the face of darkness.