Balder Dead (version 2)

"Balder Dead (version 2)" by Matthew Arnold is a poem that tells the story of Balder, a beloved god in Norse mythology. Balder, who was believed to be invulnerable, tragically dies at the hands of another god named Hoder during a game. Loki, the deceitful god responsible for this catastrophe, is punished with exile. In order to rescue his son, Balder, Odin, Balder's father, initiates a heroic quest into the land of the dead. Surprisingly, they achieve a partial success when an agreement is made to release Balder if everyone in the land of the living mourns his death. However, amidst these efforts, there is a looming threat of the ultimate end of the reign of the Norse gods. Despite this, the mother of the gods suggests that there is still much to be attempted, even if some endeavors are destined to fail.