Balder Dead: A Poetic Exploration of Norse Mythology and Philosophy
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Matthew Arnold's 'Balder Dead' delves into the Norse myth of Balder, the god of light, whose death and the Aesir gods' quest for his resurrection are central themes. The poem reflects on fate, death, and the hope for renewal, drawing parallels to Christian eschatology and the mid-19th century societal changes.
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Exploring Matthew Arnold's "Balder Dead"
"Balder Dead" is a significant work by the English poet Matthew Arnold, published in 1855. This narrative poem explores the Norse myth of Balder, the god of light and purity, whose death is mourned by all creation. Arnold structures the poem into three parts—'Sending,' 'Journey to the Dead,' and 'Funeral'—each depicting a phase of the mythological events. The poem is composed in blank verse, utilizing unrhymed iambic pentameter, a style that reflects Arnold's classical influences, particularly the work of Virgil, whose epic poetry was known for its formal elegance and expressive simplicity.The Mythological Context of Balder's Demise
The story within "Balder Dead" is based on the sorrowful Norse myth of Balder's death. Balder, the benevolent son of Odin and Frigg, is treasured by the Aesir gods for his goodness and beauty. His death is precipitated by the malevolent trickery of Loki, who discovers Balder's singular weakness: a weapon made of mistletoe. Despite Frigg's precautions to protect her son by extracting promises from all entities not to harm him, the mistletoe remains an exception. Loki cunningly guides the blind god Hoder, Balder's brother, to strike Balder with a mistletoe projectile, resulting in Balder's tragic demise.The Aesir's Efforts to Resurrect Balder
Following Balder's death, the Aesir gods are engulfed in despair, but Odin, the patriarch of the gods, insists on seeking justice for Loki's betrayal and arranging Balder's funeral rites. Arnold's poem portrays Hoder's remorse and his consultation with Frea (Frigg), who proposes a daunting quest to Hell to entreat Hela, the queen of the underworld and Loki's daughter, for Balder's release. Frea advises Hoder to delegate this perilous mission to the first deity he encounters. Hermod, the swift messenger of the gods and Odin's son, unwittingly takes on this quest. Concurrently, Balder's spouse, Nanna, is visited by Balder's spirit and chooses to join him in death after Frea severs her life thread.Hermod's Perilous Journey and Hela's Condition
The poem's second part, "Journey to the Dead," chronicles Hermod's grueling nine-night ride to Hell on Sleipner, Odin's eight-legged steed. Upon arrival, Hermod implores Hela to allow Balder's return to the living. Hela, recognizing her own ostracism as Loki's progeny, agrees to release Balder on one condition: all beings in the world must weep for him. Hermod conveys the respectful treatment Balder receives in Hell and Hela's stipulation to the Aesir during the funeral proceedings.The Lamentation for Balder and the Thwarted Resurrection
In the concluding part, "Funeral," the gods and mythic figures pay tribute to Balder, extolling his virtues and lamenting his loss. As Balder's ship is set aflame in a ceremonial pyre, Odin seeks insight from Mimir's well regarding Hela's sincerity and contemplates a forceful recovery of Balder. However, Frea dissuades him from defying the decrees of destiny. The cosmos grieves for Balder, but Loki, in the guise of an old woman, withholds his tears, thereby sabotaging Hela's offer. Hermod's return to Hell reveals Balder reconciled to his fate, in the company of Nanna and Hoder, as they await the foretold rebirth of the heavens following Ragnarok.Analyzing the Themes in "Balder Dead"
"Balder Dead" is imbued with profound themes such as the inexorability of fate, the finality of death, and the aspiration for rebirth. Arnold's poem serves as a contemplation on the disillusionment prevalent in the mid-19th century, drawing analogies between the Norse deities' ordeal and the societal upheavals of his era. The narrative also functions as an allegory for Christian beliefs, with Balder's parallels to Christ and the anticipation of a renewed existence after Ragnarok echoing Christian eschatological concepts. Arnold's restrained diction and the poem's measured cadence emphasize these themes, inviting readers to consider the deeper philosophical implications of Balder's story.
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The Poem "Balder Dead"
Structure and Style
The poem is composed in blank verse, utilizing unrhymed iambic pentameter, reflecting the classical influences of the poet
Themes and Symbolism
Fate and Death
The poem explores the themes of fate and death through the tragic demise of Balder and the inevitability of Ragnarok
Rebirth and Renewal
The poem also touches upon the concept of rebirth and renewal, as seen in the anticipation of a new existence after Ragnarok
Allegory and Critique
The narrative serves as an allegory for Christian beliefs and a commentary on the societal disillusionment of the mid-19th century
The Myth of Balder
Balder's Character and Importance
Balder, the god of light and purity, is treasured by the Aesir gods for his goodness and beauty
Loki's Betrayal and Balder's Death
Balder's tragic demise is caused by the malevolent trickery of Loki, who discovers his singular weakness
Funeral and Afterlife
The funeral rites of Balder and his journey to the underworld, as well as the anticipation of his rebirth, are depicted in the poem
The Quest for Balder's Return
Hoder's Remorse and Frea's Plan
Hoder's regret and Frea's proposal of a daunting quest to Hell to entreat for Balder's release are crucial events in the poem
Hermod's Journey to the Dead
Hermod's nine-night ride to Hell on Sleipner and his plea to Hela for Balder's return are depicted in the second part of the poem
The Gods' Response and Balder's Fate
The gods' reactions to Hela's condition for Balder's release and the final fate of Balder are portrayed in the concluding part of the poem
Balder Dead: A Poetic Exploration of Norse Mythology and Philosophy
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Publication year of 'Balder Dead'
1855
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Central myth in 'Balder Dead'
Norse myth of Balder, god of light and purity
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Influence on Arnold's style in 'Balder Dead'
Classical, particularly Virgil's epic poetry
