The Mistletoe That Made No Promise

Why had only the mistletoe made no promise?

Baldr told the gods about the terrible dreams that threatened his life. After talking it over, they decided to protect him from every danger. Frigg made fire, water, iron and other metals, stones, earth, trees, sicknesses, beasts, birds, poisons, and snakes swear never to harm him.

Afterward, the gods began a game at their gatherings, throwing things at Baldr. Some struck at him with blades; others hurled stones. Yet Baldr remained unharmed. The gods thought this was wonderful. Loki did not like it at all.

Loki took the shape of a woman and went to Frigg. He asked whether everything had sworn the oath. Frigg answered that only the mistletoe had made no promise. She had thought it too young. Loki left, pulled up the mistletoe, and went to the gathering of the gods.

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