86 Nature Myths and Stories

Hodder was not unhappy, but always cheered
and shouted as gaily as the others.

One day as he stood alone, Loki saw him.

Loki was a mischief maker.

His jokes were often cruel; indeed, most of the
unhappiness in Asgard was caused by Loki’s
unkindness.

“Hoder, why do you not do Belldler honore” asked
Loki.

“Tam blind,’ Héder answered, “and besides I
have nothing to throw.”

“Here is my arrow,” said Loki. “Take it; I will
guide your hands.”

Alas, the cruel Loki had made the arrow of mis~
tletoe.

He knew that this was the only way in which
Balder could be harmed.

He longed to see the surprise of the heroes when
Balder should at last be wounded.

Away flew the arrow.

Balder, the beautiful, fell lifeless to the ground.

Then all Asgard was dark with sorrow.

Strong heroes wept and would not be comforted.

The earth grew cold, white and still.

The water would not flow, and the secee refused
to grow.

The birds were silent. No flowers breathed their
perfumes into the air. :

There was not a smile in all the world.