Also called Vali, Ali, Bous (Saxo).
Their story
Váli is a son of Odin and Rindr, born for one purpose: to avenge Baldr. The Baldrs draumar says that at one night old he neither washed his hands nor combed his hair until he had brought Baldr's slayer Höðr to the funeral pyre. He is a bold warrior and a good shot, and he survives Ragnarök alongside Vidar.
Best times to give to them
- in late winter as the days lengthen
- when a wrong needs righting
- at the end of mourning
What they like being given
- a candle lit for someone wronged
- a bow-shaped twig or an arrow token
- water or ale, or apple juice
How to honour them
- Write down a wrong you want set right, then take one fair, lawful step towards it.
- Honour him by finishing something promptly rather than letting it fester.
How they can help you
- seeing justice done
- decisive action
- closing a period of grief
Symbols
- a bow
- uncombed hair
- unwashed hands
Saxo Grammaticus tells a very different, euhemerised version in which the son is called Bous.
Sources
- Poetic Edda, Baldrs draumar 11
- Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 30 and 53
- Poetic Edda, Völuspá
- 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