Also called Hod, Hoder, Hotherus (Saxo).
Their story
Höðr is a son of Odin, blind and very strong. When the gods made sport of throwing things at Baldr, who could be hurt by nothing that had sworn not to harm him, Loki put a mistletoe dart in Höðr's hand and guided his aim, and Baldr fell dead. Höðr was slain in turn by Váli. After Ragnarök, Völuspá says Höðr and Baldr return together and dwell in peace in Odin's old hall.
Best times to give to them
- midwinter
- when making peace after harm
- in the dark of the year
What they like being given
- a candle lit in the dark
- a word of forgiveness, spoken aloud
- water or dark ale, or blackcurrant juice
How to honour them
- Reflect on harm done without meaning to, and make amends where you can.
- Sit for a while in darkness and listen rather than look.
How they can help you
- facing unintended harm
- reconciliation
- finding the way in the dark
Symbols
- a sprig of mistletoe
- a dart or arrow
- a blindfold
Snorri says the gods would rather his name were not spoken; Saxo makes Hotherus a hero and rival for Nanna.
Sources
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 28 and 49
- Poetic Edda, Völuspá
- Poetic Edda, Baldrs draumar
- Saxo Grammaticus, Gesta Danorum, Book 3
More Norse gods
- Odin The Allfather, seeker of wisdom
- Thor The Thunderer, protector of gods and people
- Freyr Lord of the harvest, giver of peace and plenty
- Njörðr Lord of the harbour, the wind and the sea
- Tyr The one-handed god of justice and oaths
- Heimdall Watchman of the gods at the rainbow bridge
- Baldr The shining one, beloved of all
- Bragi God of poetry, skald of Valhalla