Hod: Norse God

Hodr is the blind god of winter and warriors. He is often depicted with his bow and arrow, or the spear that Loki used to trick him.

Hodr

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Hodr has very little appearances in Norse mythology, but he does play a vital role in one tale. Hodr was the son of Frigg and Odin, and he was blind. Baldur, his brother whom everyone loved, began to have dreams of his impending death. Frigg, in a panic, went out into the world and to get assurances from everyone and everything that they will not hurt her son - everything except for mistletoe. When Loki found out, he fashioned a spear from mistletoe. He brought it to Asgard where other gods were having fun throwing objects and weapons at Baldur and watching them bounce off of him. Loki brought the spear to Hodr, and tricked him into joining in the fun. The spear Hodr launched at Baldur killed him instantly.

While Frigg tried to find a way to convince Hel to send Baldur back to the land of the living, Odin conceived a child with the giantess Rindr named Váli. Váli grew quickly into a formidable giant and killed Hodr the following day. He seemed to have been conceived exactly for the purpose of killing Baldur’s unwitting murderer.

Another tale which is less well-known but somewhat similar, pitted Baldur and Hodr against one another over a maiden named Nanna. Hodr went to Hel to ask for a magical weapon that would defeat Baldur, who had been eating magical food of invincibility. Hodr was able to murder his brother, but he was killed by a god named Bous a day later in retaliation. At some point, Baldur and Nanna did have a child together named Forseti.

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Hodr Quick Reference

Parents

Odin and Frigg

Domain / Power

Winter and warriors

Symbols

• bow and arrow
• mistletoe spear

Notable Myths

• Baldur vs. Hodr
• Death of Baldur
• Conception of Váli

Frequently Asked Questions about Hod: Norse God

What is a hod used for in construction?

A hod is a simple tool used in construction to carry bricks, mortar, or other building materials. It typically has three sides and a long handle, allowing workers to transport materials easily on their shoulders.

How does a brick hod work?

A brick hod works by holding bricks or mortar in its trough, which is balanced on a worker's shoulder. This frees up their hands and helps move heavy loads efficiently across a construction site.

What materials are hods made from?

Hods are usually made from sturdy materials like metal, wood, or plastic. The choice of material helps ensure they are strong enough to carry heavy loads while being light enough for workers to use comfortably.

Why are hods important for bricklayers?

Hods are important for bricklayers because they make it easier and faster to transport bricks and mortar, reducing the time and effort needed to build walls and structures.

What is the difference between a hod and a wheelbarrow?

The main difference is that a hod is carried on the shoulder and used mainly for bricks and mortar, while a wheelbarrow is pushed on a wheel and can carry a wider variety of materials.