Balder – a romantic play in three acts
Balder
The story of one god
Romantic play in three acts
with music by Richard Wagner
Persons:
Odin, Frigg, Balder, Nanna, Forseti, Módgud, Hödur, Hermód, Hel, Loki, Vídar, Fenrir, Squire
Act I.
- Picture
Hall of Gladsheim Castle in Asgard
Music: Parsifal overture (0 to 4:50).
Balder:
Mother, difficult dreams are gripping my soul. For several days in a row I have had the same dream: My life will be cut short in the prime of youth. I fear the hidden corners of an unfathomable fate.
Frigg:
Oh child, what say you? Not every dream is a prophecy of things to come. Yet your anxiety has touched me, I think I know what we will do. We will send our father, the great Odin, to ask in Helheim what fate is in store for our son. And behold, there he comes.
Odin:
Greetings! But what is this? Although I have only one eye that sees, I see restlessness in your faces. What is the matter? Why do not your cheeks, my lady, glow with the joy of life?
Frigg:
My noble husband, our dear son is experiencing moments of uncertainty and groping. He has strange dreams of the violent breaking of the thread of life. Can you dispel his fear? I know the strength and power of your inner vision, tell me, is there reason for concern?
Odin:
I know much, but not everything. The paths of fate are often veiled by the veil of the goddess Justice. Her power weighs on all, on us as well as on mortals. The people of the North call me the father of all families. They do not suspect that I myself am part of the only cosmic river, one of its currents, a strong and penetrating stream. However, there are more powerful currents than mine. I too am on the path to the One, and my journey is not free from obstacles and wanderings, I know the moments when twilight covers my divine consciousness, and the wisdom that usually accompanies me becomes cloudy. I do not see clearly the coming days of our dear Balder, but I can consult Mimi’s head, she has been a good advisor to me more than once.
Frigg:
I thought… Couldn’t you go… down there… ask the fortune teller…
Odin:
I don’t like going there, you know that well. Every time I immerse myself in those places, old wounds open up. It’s as if I were hanging from the tree of life again, the dawning memory begins to tear at me again with the tension of those outstretched arms. The atmosphere of the sharp flame is nothing for me. I am a pilgrim, but not all paths are pleasant to my step.
Balder:
Father, please help. I know this was not just a fleeting dream. If I am to leave my beloved wife and child, I want to be prepared. Remember that you yourself never set out on journeys without thought and a hidden goal.
Odin:
Oh, well, I’ll go down there, wake the sage, though a dead sleep weighs down her temples. She’ll surely reveal to me what mighty Fate has in store for my son. So be it.
Balder:
I am grateful to you, father. Tell me again, does the power of Fate overcome your will?
Odin:
The power of Fate is overseen by the goddess of Justice, Wara, and her cohorts. But it is not her will that directs the course of things. She merely weaves the tapestry of the world from the threads given to her by all beings. Each creature spins its own thread of life, and is thus the architect of its own destiny. You, boy, also have your fate in your hands. Wara creates a web of truth. That web is strong and durable. It will catch you from falling into the abyss, but it can also bind you, if necessary. Fate is the work of all of us. Those who seek the workings of truth outside their souls are ignorant.
But enough talking, I’m going on a journey, equip Sleipnir!
Frigg:
Thank you, dear! I believed that you would hear our prayers. Be careful, the undercurrents of the world hide beings who do not see the light. However, your blazing eye will illuminate even the deepest pools. Take care of yourself and see you soon.
Odin:
Every journey is an enrichment of the soul, whether pleasant or thorny. We will see what awaits me there in the valley of the world.
2nd picture
The Shadows of Helheim
Music: Overture to Act 2 of Parsifal (0-2:00)
Odin:
The further I go, the darker it gets. I don’t like it here, but what can I do, this is the way. Look, Sleipnir, there’s the silhouette of the golden bridge over the river Gjöll, and here’s a cave, so Garm, the guardian of the underworld, will show himself before long. Come on, Garm, where are you?
The fierce bark of the guardian of Helen’s realm is heard
Wild as ever. Your eyes are burning with fierce passion, your mouth is wide open, you do your job well. But I won’t stray from the path. Not even your bloody chest will stop me, although, I admit, it’s not a pleasant sight. I know what the blood means. I’m getting to places where tension and strife open old wounds. Down here, all the weaknesses are exposed. It’s as if every muscle in my body is strained to the point of bursting.
He stretches and shakes his arms, then turns to Garm.
And now, get back to the cave, or I’ll teach you obedience, you ugly dog!
Something catches his eye in the distance, he points in that direction with his finger.
Sleipni, look, we must cross the golden bridge of Gjallarbru, my friend, you know what awaits us. The guard Módgud is certainly in her place.
Modgud:
Who is this approaching the bridge over Gjöll? Ah, you famous pilgrim again? Are you going as usual to lead unfortunate souls out of the swamp of pain?
Odin:
Greetings, Modgud, I am glad to see you, but that cannot be said of all the others who are waiting for me here. No, this time I will not help the people of the muddy lake, I am looking for the sleeping wise woman Walu, I want to ask her about the fate of my son. Will you tell me where to find her?
Modgud:
Cross the golden bridge and descend to the north. Around the sorrows of the swamp, through the land of eternal ice to Helen’s castle. The dead witch sleeps in a mound in the east of Helen’s precinct. Try to wake her, but don’t expect a pleasant smile.
Odin:
Thank you, Modgud. I always hate to step onto your bridge. I know what awaits me there. A sharp bull’s horn, a poisonous snake, and wolf’s teeth. It is not an easy entrance to your realm. And then there are the thorns on the bridge. Every time I come to lend a helping hand to a soul drowning in the dark mud, the thorns tear me to pieces before they let me go further. Maybe this is how I pay for disturbing the cosmic balance, but the gratitude in the eyes of those unfortunates is worth it.
Leaving
Do you hear Sleipni, that wail coming from the mire of misery? It breaks my heart every time. But today we must move on. Ahead of us are the ice fields, areas where time has frozen. Nothing flows there, the rivers are trapped in the embrace of ice and snow. I always feel as if my own blood has frozen here.
Well, finally, there I see our destination, a mounded mound in the east of Helen’s precinct. That will be Wala’s resting place. Let’s go there.
When they arrive at the site, Odin begins an evocation ritual, the purpose of which is to awaken the ancient wisdom. He emits a kind of red light from his hands towards the mound.
Arise, Walo, I call you, I call you, cast off the gray shroud of sleep, awake from the gloom of death! Come forth from the cold mound, arise from the grave of oblivion, Walo, Walo, show yourself in the name of the mighty gods!
Wala:
Who dares to awaken the wise man from the embrace of black sleep? My temple is cold stone, sprinkled with rain and dew, a canopy of snow protects my reverie. But now a kind of heat penetrates my body, as if the whole mound were burning with the heat of a fiery will. What is happening, is this your work, stranger? Is it your will, unknown to the wanderer, that has dissolved the numbness of my soul and the icy breath of this place? Who are you? Why do you disturb my sacred peace?
Odin:
I am Wegtam, son of Waltam. I come from the upper world to gain knowledge. A feast is being prepared in Helen’s hall, the tables are bowed under the weight of food, mead flows into parched cups. For whom is all this?
Wala:
The mighty Aesir will lose the star of their lineage. A full cup awaits Balder, Odin’s son. He will come down to us in the prime of his youth. I behold Balder, Odin’s son, in the flame of a bloody sacrifice.
Odin:
Tell me, woman, who would raise a hand against Balder to send him on the path to the underworld?
Wala:
His brother Hödur will be the cause of Balder’s downfall. He will raise his hand against the blood of his own blood, thus severing Odin’s soul in two.
Odin:
Hödur is blind and good. A strange prophecy.
Wala:
The cunning cunning of the dark fire will guide Hödur’s hand. That is all I can tell you.
Odin:
Thank you, Wala, for your prophetic words. And forgive the pilgrim for his rash actions.
Wala:
You are not Wegtam, son of Waltam. You are Odin, father of the clans. Know that Balder’s fall will unleash an avalanche that will sweep away your heavenly world. But there is no need to mourn, plant this secret in your soul, for at the end of time a new plain of the world will be born, fresh and green, and your sons Balder and Hödur will hand in hand manage this youthful work.
3rd picture
Hall of Breidablik Castle in Asgard
Nanna:
We are experiencing restless days. I can’t even concentrate on spinning anymore. Has Odin returned from his journey to the underworld yet? What do you think, my dearest, will his mission be successful?
Balder:
I don’t know, I still feel the dark clouds gathering around my soul. We have to wait. Hopefully we’ll know more soon.
Forseti:
Dad, are you going to die?
Balder:
Everyone dies someday, my little hero. But let me tell you something. There is no death.
Forseti:
What do you mean? I heard you tell your mom that you might die.
Balder:
I may have to go somewhere, yes. And the thought of leaving you here alone makes my heart ache. I want to see you grow up, play with you, teach you how to shoot a bow, read you fairy tales. Men and gods are like butterflies, flying from flower to flower, sucking the nectar of life, now here, now there, and so slowly returning to the One who sent us on this wonderful journey. The only thing that really dies is our ignorance.
Forseti:
I don’t understand this. I don’t want you to die.
Balder:
No matter what happens, I will always be with you, my little one. You may not see me, but I will always stand guard to keep you safe. I will never leave you, I promise.
Forseti:
No, I still want to see you.
Nanna:
You know you’ll see daddy, little one. Don’t worry about anything.
Forseti:
I’m not afraid of anything! When I grow up, I’ll be a famous warrior like Uncle Thor! I just don’t know if I can carry his hammer.
Nanna:
Well, you’d have to really work hard, because that hammer is really heavy. Would you like some soup?
Forseti:
No, I don’t want soup, couldn’t it be done without it?
Balder:
You can’t lift a hammer without soup. Unless you learn to do magic, Aunt Freia is good at that, you can ask her to teach you something. But watch out for her cats, when they don’t like something, they scratch like crazy.
Forseti:
That would be fine. Grandpa Odin could teach me something too. Grandma says he’s always flying somewhere and doing magic. This is how I’ll do it, I’ll go to my grandpa’s apprenticeship and I won’t have to eat soup.
Balder:
I’ll tell you a secret, do you want?
Forseti:
Yeah, I love secrets.
Balder:
You know my noble horse, we call him Horar. I’ll tell you something about him that you don’t know yet. He’s no ordinary horse, he’s magical. Your grandfather Odin once rode him. One day he rode into a deep forest, where Horar injured his ankle. The injury was serious. At that time, Odin was accompanied by his grandmother Frigg and her sister Fulla. Together, the three of them managed to heal Horar’s leg with magical chants called galdrar. It was amazing. Since then, wherever Horar stops and taps the ground with his hoof, a spring of pure water bursts out of the ground. He opens wells. The old magic of divine chanting still lingers in him. He is good and faithful. If anything happens to me, he is yours. You must take good care of him.
Forseti:
Thank you, Dad, that’s wonderful! But I’d still rather you didn’t die. … Look, Grandma’s here!
Frigg is coming
Frigg:
Greetings, children. Odin has returned, but I bring bad news!
Nanna:
Forseti, honey, go play in your room.
Forseti is running away
Balder:
Sit down, mother, and tell me, the expression on your face does not bode well.
Frigg:
Oh, how I would like to calm your agitated souls, but I fear I am unable to do so. Odin has awakened the old sorceress, who has revealed to him the things to come. In Hel’s realm they are already preparing for Balder’s arrival. Your brother Hödur, who would not harm a fly, will send you down to the shadows! Who is to understand this? What strange tricks of fate are these? I am confused by this, perhaps Wala’s too long sleep has obscured her clairvoyant eye. I see no meaning in such a course of events. True, things sometimes happen as if devoid of meaning, but in the end it always turns out that some invisible force was the hidden mover of external events. But here I am at a loss. For one of my sons to raise a hand against his own brother is truly beyond all comprehension. Can you think of anything, my dears?
Longer silence
Nanna:
You bring bad news, Frigga, my heart bleeds. My husband is young and full of strength, I cannot bear the thought of his death. Help us, please, your Odin is the father of all gods, there must be a way to defy cruel fate.
Balder (darkly):
Fighting fate is difficult, even the highest valor becomes a breeze, swept away by the fierceness of a winter storm.
Nanna:
No, by God, not! Everything is spinning around me, I am losing control of my body, what in the world can be more powerful than my love? Frigga, goddess, mother! I beg you, help us, don’t let your child die prematurely! There must be some way!
Frigg:
One thing comes to mind. That would be possible… I will go around all the beings and things of the world, and make them swear not to harm Balder in any way. Fire, water, ice, metals, stones, trees, animals, poisonous insects… we will see if the power of fate is truly invincible, as they say. I am a mother, I will do everything for my son, I promise. I will go right away. (Gets up)
Nanna:
Frigga, you have my whole life in your hands, I will pray that everything will work out. Thank you for your visit, and for the little light of hope you have lit in my soul. And thank you also to your husband for the journey to the underworld.
Balder:
Thank you, mother, for everything, and good luck!
Act II
1st picture
Hall of Gladsheim Castle in Asgard
Odin sits on the throne, Frigg arrives
Odin:
Frigga, my lady, how glad I am to see you, was your mission successful?
Frigg:
I have traveled the whole world, all the dangerous things have sworn to me that they will not harm Balder. Everywhere I have met with understanding and sympathy. I think we can sleep peacefully.
Odin:
That’s good, I’m glad to hear that. Still, I have an ominous feeling. And I’m not thinking only of our son now. It seems to me as if a dark veil is beginning to close over us, which will bring the end of our generation. Something in my soul is igniting a mighty fire. Everything evolves, you know. Everything goes through a cycle of birth and death. Things, people, even we gods. I feel that a turning point is coming. I see a river that will have to be crossed, a mighty river whose waves are as sharp as flames. We will be faced with a fundamental challenge: to cross the threshold of consciousness into the higher worlds.
Frigg:
Perhaps you are just troubled by Balder’s fate. You are a ruler, but also a loving father.
Odin:
You know, I’ll tell you something I’ve never spoken of. It’s strange, Mímir once read it from the cosmic memory. I remember that when he initiated me into these secrets, I was very surprised, and I’m used to a lot of things. The point is that the older gods can be in relation to the younger divine generation something like parents to their children. Our race has not been here since eternity. The entire race of the Æsir is the result of the creative imagination of the higher gods. The older gods create in their consciousness not only the lower worlds, but also gods in their own image. Now the conviction begins to grow in me that the current cycle of our existence is coming to an end. I think the flame of rebirth is approaching.
Frigg:
I don’t know if I understand you correctly, dear. Are you saying that I am just someone else’s idea? That doesn’t sound very encouraging.
Odin:
Well… actually yes, everything is just a thought. But you are not someone else’s thought, you are just your own thought.
Frigg:
I’m completely lost in this now. Are you trying to question our very existence? Our lives? Our children?
Odin:
Absolutely not. The question of creative imagination is related to the beginning of our life. Further, each being develops according to its own creative plan, we all tend to return to the lake of birth enriched by the wonderful experience of life. To complete the entire cosmic cycle of wandering to where it all began.
Frigg:
You said I was another god’s imagination. Will I ever die and return to his head?
Odin:
Yes…, maybe…, it seems like every ending really does involve a return and reunion.
Frigg:
What is our creative plan?
Odin:
Part of the creative plan of all beings with free will is the mystery of rebirth. From time to time, everyone must cross a certain inner threshold for the purpose of total renewal. But before this crossing over the river of divine consciousness occurs, the being withdraws into its center, becomes silent, is like a dying star. Then the mighty light of the flash of rebirth pierces through it. It breathes in the power of new life. It gains a new dose of inner strength and innocence. I think that this principle of rebirth applies not only to beings, but also to entire generations of gods and the worlds associated with them.
He pauses.
I am convinced that the race of the Aesir is facing this very experience, that we are looking at the beginning of a fundamental essential transformation.
Frigg:
But this rebirth, it’s far from over, right?
Odin:
That’s right… it’s just another step on the way back home.
Frigg:
But if our voices were silenced, what would happen to the people down there?
Odin:
Yes… people… You know very well that we and people are like connected vessels. We help them in the management of earthly affairs, they send us a stream of prayers and cult practices. This strengthens us greatly. If our voice were to fall silent, it would mean that human consciousness must also undergo a profound metamorphosis. It must also rise along with us. When the old gods depart, new images take their place in human consciousness, man opens himself to a higher form of understanding reality. Rebirth is not the end, it is a new beginning. My soul is filled with the light of hope by the suspicion that our son Balder will play a significant role in this transformation of the human spirit. He will lead humanity across the threshold to the future… his significance for man will be invaluable.
He pauses, speaking quietly now more to himself than to Friction.
Now it’s starting to make sense to me… that’s why Balder will have to go first… because he is the cornerstone of the future events… he has to prepare… for the future…
Knocking on the door, the squire arrives
Squire:
Hello, there is a woman here, she wishes to speak to our lady.
Frigg:
Okay, boy, keep going.
Odin gets up and leaves.
Odin:
I’ll leave you alone, I’m going to get some rest.
Loki arrives disguised as a woman
Hello, distinguished lady, could you please spare me a few minutes of your precious time?
Frigg:
Just come in, sit down, and say what’s on your mind.
Loki:
I was down at the thinglatz and there’s a lot of strange things going on there. I didn’t like it at all, so I thought I’d come and complain to you. Do you know what the gods are doing there right now?
Frigg:
Yes, I know what’s going on there. Those young people are acting like little children. They’ve come up with a really inappropriate game – they’re throwing everything they can at my son Balder and they’re amused by the fact that no weapon can hurt him. I don’t like it either, but you know the young people, as soon as they’re out of sight of us older people, they start doing stupid things.
Loki:
How is it possible that nothing will harm him?
Frigg:
We were somewhat concerned about our son, so I went around asking all things to swear that they would not harm him. Fire, water, metal, stone, or wood will not hurt him. And now, as you see, the young people have turned it into a joke and a tasteless pastime. But let them have their fun!
Loki:
Did all things swear to protect Balder?
Frigg:
All but one. In the west of Valhalla grows a strange plant from ancient times. It needs a tree to support it for its life. It constantly sheds silvery moon tears, as if remembering its past glory. It is so simple and innocent in its sorrow that I felt sorry for it, and I did not even ask it to swear an oath. It is called mistletoe.
Loki:
Hm, I understand that. I know mistletoe well, it’s really harmless, insignificant, tearful. Well, I’ll go now, it was a great honor, thank you very much for the welcome.
Frigg:
You’re welcome, dear lady, it was nice to meet you. Goodbye.
2nd picture
Thingplatz in Ásgard, an open-air public assembly site
Several young gods and goddesses are having fun throwing objects at Balder, blind Hödur stands in the background, Loki approaches him
Loki:
Why don’t you also throw at Balder?
Hodur:
I’m blind, you know, and besides that, I have nothing.
Loki:
Try this spear, throw it at Balder, I’ll guide you.
He hands him a sprig of mistletoe and points his hand in the direction, Hödur throws a spear
Hödur, struck, falls to the ground, kneeling and clutching his chest, sudden silence, everyone is shocked
Balder:
Hödur, brother, what is it…? Oh, the pain… That’s right… the dream… fate always wins… I can’t breathe…
Hermod:
Hödur, what have you done?
Hodur:
What’s going on? I don’t understand anything, Loki has tricked me into throwing the rod at Balder too!
Everyone turns to Loki
Loki:
What are you looking at? I just gave him the mistletoe stick, he wanted to play too. You always leave him out!
The gods take a few steps towards Loki
Do you want to tear me apart? We are on sacred ground, here are court cases decided. You cannot lay a hand on me, your eyes are blazing… I’d rather go away…
Before anyone can guess what has actually happened, Loki hastily disappears.
Balder:
Nanna, my love… call my wife and my son… have them come right away… while there is still time.
Hermod leaves to fulfill Balder’s will
I thought I could escape a powerful fate… how foolish! Dear friends, the goddess Hel is calling me, what plans does she have for me? Prepare my ship Hringhorni, level the pyre, let it be my last bed, a fiery arrow will light the fire that will light my way to the underworld. Bring my horse, I want him to accompany me, but… I promised him to Forset…, well, promises must be kept, but bring him anyway, my dear friend, so that I can say goodbye to him, he gave me so much joy.
Hödur comes to him, takes his hand
Hodur:
Brother, my heart is bleeding, my hand has sent you on your last journey, can one even ask for the grace of forgiveness at such a moment? I have been living in darkness for a long time, now everything will be even blacker. I am cursed, rejected by everyone, the goddess of Justice hates me, instead of consolation she has prepared a potion of bitter hell for me. Beloved brother, please forgive me, I do not want to live any longer, I cannot…, I want to go with you!
Balder:
There is nothing to forgive, Hödur. Not your hand, but Loki’s hand sends me away from this world. Actually… Loki is just a tool of fate, we are all pieces on one great chessboard of the world. I will go in peace, do not worry, brother. I love you, just stay here until your time is up, then we will meet again.
Nanna and Forseti arrive, bringing Balder’s horses with them.
Nanna throws herself on the ground towards Balder
Nanna:
No! My love, what happened? There’s blood everywhere! You can’t leave me, I can’t live without you. You’re so young… we have a small child, no, that can’t be true! Don’t leave me here alone, please, I’m your wife, we belong together, I won’t let you go anywhere! I love you so much…
Balder:
Nanno… my poor lady… pain tears at my soul when I see your despair. Nothing can separate us… we are like one flesh. I live in you and you in me. Nothing will change. You must take care of our son, he needs a mother, he needs love. Nanno…
Forseti bends down and strokes Balder’s head.
Forseti:
Dad, are you going to die after all?
Balder:
It looks like it, my little prince. You have to be very brave and take care of your mother. Can you do it?
Forseti:
I’ll take care of mom, grandma, and grandpa, but I told you I don’t want you to die.
Balder:
I know, honey, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to either. Sometimes things happen that we don’t want. I’m so proud of you, in a few years you’ll be a young man who won’t get lost in life. I’m giving you my horse, as I promised, be good to him. Bring him here so I can pet him one last time.
Forseti runs away and brings Horar, the horse kneels down next to Balder, who tries to pet him
So, my faithful friend, we will have to say goodbye, thank you for all the times we have spent together exploring new worlds. I thought I would take you with me to Hringhorn, so that we could be together on this journey, but I will leave you here. You will be a support for my son… and…
He is running out of strength.
Nanna, I have to go now… my morning star… I love you…
Balder breathes his last, Nanna screams in horror, then complete silence
Music: Götterdämmerung, Trauermarsch, 8:20
3rd picture
Seashore, on the stage is a ship with a pile of wood, in front of the ship lies Balder’s body on a stretcher
Odin:
Gods and goddesses, famous giants, noble elves, spirits of the forest, waters and earth! We have gathered today to bid farewell to my beloved son Balder. He was sent to the land of shadows to prepare for the things to come. I believe that one day he will sit on the heavenly throne of light and radiance. The gateway to this height is the lower throne woven from the dark threads of the goddess Hel. There is no other path to the highest light than through the deepest night. We know it well – no one finds the strength of courage without experiencing timidity, no heart is warmed by the light of love, if it has not passed through the valley of the shadows of fear. Day is born from the deep night.
I stand before you today, my heart torn. I am your king, but I am also a father who has lost a son. A part of my soul went down with Balder. Perhaps his departure is a sign of the great changes that lie ahead. No tree grows to the heavens, and our world too will one day collapse into the darkness of oblivion. But until that happens, we are here, living and weaving the fabric of reality that is of fundamental importance to human beings. You know well that without us there would be no physical world. And as long as man walks the thorny path of earthly experience, we will stand guard for his present and future good.
My son Balder was different from our other children. He did not excel in the art of fighting, he was not attracted by beautiful armor and shiny weapons. He was gentle and friendly to all living things. He loved his family above all, as well as the sun, clean water, and playing in nature. With his horse Horar, he traveled to countless countries, in this he was like his father, he loved to explore unknown places and make new friends. All of you who knew him, you will surely agree with me that quarrels and strife were foreign to his warm heart.
And in one thing in particular he differed from his young peers. He was constantly mindful of the healthy development of the human race. He often entered human consciousness to soothe them with the power of his harmony. He blunted the edges, leveled the extremes, had the gift of calming the roar of the human heart, just as he settled our own tensions and quarrels. His soul seemed not of this world. It is immensely wide, and I am sure that wherever he finds himself in the universe, he will shine like a torch through that place. Perhaps they are already wondering in Helheim what kind of bright comet has visited their underground realm.
Our Balder has left us, not yet, but I feel he is here with us.
He turns directly to Balder
My son, I know you can hear me, I want you to know that your father is immensely proud of you, the entire realm of Odin will be with you in your thoughts, wherever your steps may lead. On the way down I will give you my ring Draupnir, and as I say goodbye I will whisper a secret that is meant for your ears only.
He steps up to Balder and whispers something in his ear, then places the ring Draupnir on Balder’s chest, finally returning to his place
Launch the boat!
Several men try to free the ship, but they are unable to do so. Their gestures indicate that it is beyond their capabilities.
Call Hyrrokin! If she doesn’t move the ship, then no one will.
The mighty giantess Hyrrokin arrives, leans against the ship with such force that the ship jerks violently, and a flame erupts from under the cylinders on which she lies .
Thank you Hyrrokin! I knew you could do it. The strength of Riesenheim is always reliable. Lift Balder onto the ship!
Nanna cannot bear this sight, her heart breaks with grief, she collapses with a painful cry, those standing around bend over her and try to revive her, in vain.
Odin:
Nanna, our son’s wife, is leaving with her husband. They have always been one soul, not even death could separate them. May the love of the cosmos accompany them on all their future journeys.
Little Forseti throws himself on Nanny’s lying body and tries to fight her off.
Forseti:
Mommy, what’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you saying anything? I don’t want to be all alone!
Frigg:
No, this is unacceptable, come here, boy, I’ll try to bring your mom and dad back, I promise, we have to do something about it, or at least try.
Odin:
Place the goddess Nanna on the ship with her husband!
Several men carry Nanna to the ship and lay her next to Balder.
Let the Hringhorns fly into the sea! Let the fiery arrows ignite a conflagration in whose arms Balder and Nanna will rest.
Everyone watches the burning ship with emotion, the god Thor blesses this image with his mighty hammer
Odin speaks to himself
This fire is a harbinger of the great conflagration of Valhalla. Just as Balder is now leaving for the land of shadows, the rest of us will also leave one day, I begin to feel an inner exhaustion…
Frigg:
Hermode, my son, come here!
Hermode:
Yes, mother?
Hermod, I would have you travel to Helheim to the goddess Hel and find out under what conditions she would be willing to release Balder and his wife back up. Any ransom is paid in advance, my husband and I are ready for any sacrifice so that our son’s light may return to Asgard. Will you do it for your brother? Will you do it for us?
Hermode:
There is nothing I would not do for my brother. I will set out immediately, I will only ask my father to lend me Sleipnir, he knows the way well and can be relied on.
Act III
1st picture
The Shadows of Helheim
Music: Overture to Act 2 of Parsifal (0-2:00)
Hermode:
I have been on the road for nine days and nights. What am I saying? I have almost forgotten what day looks like. It is pitch black night everywhere, even though Sleipnir guides me safely and confidently. But it is a strange world. It is as if there is no other option than to dive into my own inner self. And my old wounds burn me like a flame, even those I have long forgotten. It is strange. I see all the battles I have ever fought, the weapons that have penetrated my body, the beginnings of my long-standing pain. Why am I seeing this now? Why is this place of old wounds burning? I am not at all surprised that my father does not like to come here.
But look, there’s something shining in the distance. Ah, the golden bridge over the Gjöll River, at least some clue in this darkness… Well, that’s where my path leads.
He arrives at the bridge guarded by the maiden Modgud.
Modgud:
Greetings, pilgrim, where do your steps lead? Tell me your name and origin.
Hermode:
I am Hermod, son of Odin, I am going to the goddess Hel. Will you let me cross to the other side?
Modgud:
You don’t have the color of a dead person, so why are you in such a hurry to Helen’s realm?
Hermode:
The glorious Æsir sent me to your land with a request to free my brother Balder from Hel’s power. Have you seen him? Did he cross your bridge?
Modgud:
Yes, young Balder and his wife crossed the Gjöll River yesterday. They were very excited, but also happy to be together.
Hermode:
Will you show me the way to Helina’s castle?
Modgud:
Travel north down into the valley, past the dark swamp, through the realm of ice and snow, and you will find what you seek.
Hermode:
Thank you, I’ll see you tomorrow when I get back.
- 2nd image
He crosses the bridge and arrives at the castle of the goddess Hel. Hel, Balder and Nanna are sitting in the hall. He kneels before Hel and addresses her.
Hermode:
Noble ruler of the realm of the dead, I come as a messenger of the god Odin, I beg you earnestly, release Balder from your power, everyone loves him, they mourn his untimely departure, we also pray for his wife Nanna, release her too, they have a small son up there, grant them the light of the higher worlds.
Godess Hel:
A remarkable request, young man. Although beings leave our world upwards, usually after mastering certain inner tasks that create the essence of the purifying power of my realm. Here, a simple came and went does not apply. As you certainly know, each essential plane plays an important role in weaving the tapestry of reality. Our lower world is not only fear and darkness. The beings who come to us are forced to undertake a journey into their inner selves with us, to look into the face of their own fear. This will allow them to understand the mistakes and bonds that hold their souls together. Our realm will allow them to get rid of some ancient bonds and addictions. It is not always pleasant, but everything happens for the good of each newcomer. We do not punish anyone, we only set up a mirror. But that mirror sometimes hurts. We do not punish anyone, we only create conditions for everyone to restore their own harmony. If something happens to us that you above could call punishment, then it is always just a kind of insight – a newly born perspective of someone who has until now lived in the deceptive illusion of his own perfection.
She pauses.
Our work is important… and now you come and just ask me to let Balder and Nanna back up… Well, let’s say I do it… But I have a condition. You say that everyone loves Balder, well, let’s check it out. Hear my decision: If all things and all beings mourn Balder, then I will let him and his wife back to the Æsir. But if there is anyone, even just one, who refuses to mourn, Balder and his wife will stay here.
Hel gestures that the hearing is over, Hermod leaves, Balder accompanies him.
Balder:
Thank you brother, I know how hard the journey down here is. I will never forget what you have done for us.
Hermode:
Don’t thank me, I’m glad I could be of use. I look forward to seeing you in Asgard, so may everything go well!
Balder:
We have to hope that Helen’s condition doesn’t trap us here forever.
Taking off her ring, Draupnir hands it to Hermod.
Give my father his ring back, … even though… I guess I know why he gave it to me on my journey. When I lay in the arms of death there on the ship, my father whispered to me: One day you will be king of a new land, throw the ring back into Sindri’s furnace! Down here, everything is tighter, more closed, less free. The ring is a force of bondage, that is why it is at home in the valley of the world … after all, it was forged by the dwarf Sindri in the realm of the black elves. I think I understand it, my father is sending the ring to where it was born, and he wanted me to destroy it. But I cannot, something tells me that the time for the ring’s destruction has not yet come. Of course, one day it will end its life in the fire of birth, no doubt … but now I hear a clear voice that tells me: The next world will not be free from strife and tension, your task will be to overcome the power of the ring! Thanks to the ring of power, a person can grow and overcome himself. I do not know where this voice comes from, but I will listen to it. I’m sending the ring back up.
Have a safe journey!
Hermod takes one last look back, waves and leaves.
3rd picture
Hall of Gladsheim Castle in Asgard, Odin and Frigg sitting on the throne
Frigg:
Hermod has been gone for several days, I can’t think of anything else, he should have been here a long time ago.
Odin:
He will come soon, you will see, I can already feel his footsteps…
Hermod arrives, Frigg jumps off her throne with relief and goes to meet him.
Frigg:
Finally! Are you okay?! I was so scared. Come on, sit down and talk, we’re burning with anticipation!
Hermod:
Dear parents, I am so glad to be home. I now understand why my father does not like to go down there so much. It is not an easy journey. Everything seems denser there, darkness everywhere, the weaknesses of the body come to life, hidden pains burst to the surface. You cannot sweep soot under the carpet down there. At times I felt as if a cloud of some huge press was pressing down on me. On the bridge over the Gjöll River, I was threatened by a bull’s horn, a dog or a wolf tried to bite me, I also saw a large snake with flaming eyes. Will you tell me, father, what does it mean?
Odin:
Who knows? Every human soul leaving Earth must pass through this. Perhaps the bull’s horn reflects human intransigence and stubbornness, the soul finds its own bloodthirstiness and belligerence in the eyes of the wolf, the blazing serpent’s gaze reminds us of the power of wisdom, which must, however, be carried by the heart, otherwise it can be destructive.
Hermode:
Only now can I appreciate the work of those who bring light to the lower worlds to lead wandering souls to the higher levels of the world.
Odin:
Did you find Balder, did you talk to Hel?
Hermode:
Yes, I crossed the golden bridge of Gjallarbru, past the muddy lake, from which came such a terrible wail that I tremble even now. Father, tell me, what is this strange place?
Odin:
It is a painful belt around the earth, where all the pain of humanity is concentrated. Every person who experiences strong negative emotions adds strength to this dark field. The lake is born of human ignorance and lack of compassion. As long as people continue to enforce their will without regard for the needs of others, the swamp of pain will continue to fulfill its cosmic function. The image of the mud leads consciousness to understand its own inner impurity, and this allows it to change its fixed attitude. What happened next?
Hermode:
I continued across the ice fields until I reached the palace of Eljudnir. There, on the throne in the middle, sat the goddess Hel, with Balder and Nanna sitting on either side. I asked Hel to release Balder and Nanna from her power, and she…
Frigg:
So tell me, do we have hope?
Hermode:
Yes, Hel is willing to release them both, but she has a condition.
Odin:
Don’t stress us out, what does Hel want?
Hermode:
She said she wanted to see if everyone really loved Balder as I had claimed. She said that if all beings mourned their brother’s death, she would release Balder and Nanna back into the light of day. She added, however, that if only one being showed no compassion, the couple would remain in the underworld.
Frigg:
Well done! We can do it! Hermode, send messengers throughout the world, let them go around every being, let everyone with their tears redeem Balder from Helen’s power. I believe it will succeed, it must succeed!
Hermode:
Yes, mother, that’s a good idea. I’m running now, I’ll be back soon with a report on how the mission went. … So that I don’t forget … (Goes to father and hands him the ring) Balder sends you this, they say the time for his destruction has not yet come.
Odin (mostly to himself, holding the ring in his hand):
Oh, that youth… he didn’t understand anything… I whispered to him what to do. Or maybe… he could see further than I did?
Hermod leaves, a moment of silence, then Odin takes the floor, speaking slowly and carefully.
Frigga, I have something to tell you. When I was down in Helheim, Wala revealed to me in a clairvoyant trance the fate of Balder…, you know that already… but it’s not just about Balder. She told me things that concern our entire family. I didn’t want to talk about it, but it’s gone too far. Wala literally told me that Balder’s fall would trigger an avalanche that would sweep away our entire celestial world.
Frigg:
What do you mean… sweep away our world. We are gods, we can’t just disappear from the stage of history.
Odin:
No, we can’t. But we can move to another stage.
Frigg:
Does that mean we’ll have to leave Asgard, Gladsheim Castle, our home?
Odin:
I fear so. There will be a great battle that will end our stay on this plane of existence.
Frigg:
You’re scaring me. That doesn’t make sense. Our world isn’t just a sandcastle that can be trampled down and rebuilt at any time. What would that mean for us?
Odin:
I have no idea where the universe will take us. But I know very well what it will mean for human consciousness. It will be the end of our work in the human soul. Other gods will come to take our place.
Frigg:
No, that can’t be true! It’s like a bad dream! Admit it, you’re just testing the limits of my imagination.
Odin:
Our rule over human consciousness is limited in time, everything is now moving steadily towards self-destruction, towards the conflagration of Valhalla. Ragnarök, as this battle of all battles will one day be called, will become for man the threshold to a higher form of perception of reality. You know that our stories live in the human mind. These images resemble the berries of a grape – in order for it to give its best, it must be crushed, trampled, the juices of the individual berries must merge into a single flow of delicious drink, which will be born from the turbulent ferment of the old world.
Frigg:
Not a word more! You’ve gone mad! What kind of leaven are you talking about? We are here and now, people worship us, bring us sacrifices, tell us our stories. And so it will be forever!
Odin:
I spoke to Mímir.
Frigg:
That’s where the wind blows! I always wondered what you saw in that old bald head. And now it’s clear, you’ve lost your mind. Mímir was always a queer, even when he had a body. Then, as soon as he lost everything from the neck down, he lost his mind too. It’s only you, old fool, who wish to hear a talking head that really isn’t right in its head!
Odin:
Come on, Frigga, calm down…
Frigg:
No! This is a completely crazy conversation. Just a moment more and I won’t need any Ragnarök, or whatever you call it, and I’ll be hit with a slag even without your „stormy old world leaven“!
He calms down a bit, looks at Odin with a hostile look, then shakes his head and continues more calmly.
Okay, I admit that besides scaring me to death, you also managed to pique my curiosity. So get out of here with whatever that moldy head was telling you.
Odin:
Mímir is clairvoyant, he reads the cosmic chronicle well. He understands the meaning of past events and sees future ones as if they were in the palm of his hand. He confirmed Wali’s words to me. The end of our world order is approaching.
Frigg ( gazing absently into the distance) :
So what will happen?
Odin:
At the beginning, Heimdall’s horn, Gjallarhorn, will sound. The cosmic tree Yggdrasil will tremble at its very foundations. I saw the whole earth tremble, rocks crack, trees uproot, all bonds and shackles crack and break free. This powerful liberating force will be transferred to human consciousness.
Frigg:
You keep talking about man, for men it may be a liberating force, but it’s also about us, we will be thrown into destruction, don’t you get it? I’m dying of horror at the thought, and you sit here and act as if it were a game of chess…
Odin:
Who knows, maybe it really is a chess game. I just don’t know who is moving the pieces on the chessboard.
Frigg:
What will happen then?
Odin:
The wolf Fenrir will be freed, the sea will rise with the whirlwind of the Midgard Serpent and will overflow its banks, the ship of the dead Naglfar will set in motion. Loki will be at the helm. In this turmoil, the sky will burst and the sons of fiery Múspellheim will ride out on horses. They will be led by the ruler Surt himself with a flaming sword, from which the sun of the gods shines. When they cross the Bifröst, the bridge will collapse, and the Múspellites will enter the plain called Vígríd. There the future fate of the world will be decided. Surt will meet Frey and defeat him. After this duel, he will scatter fire in all directions with his sword Surtalogim, causing the world to conflagrate. That will be the end.
Frigg ( clearly shaken, almost speechless ):
Tell Odin, what will happen to you?
Odin:
With me…? ( He smiles softly and bitterly ) On the back of Sleipnir, in a golden helmet, and with the spear Gungni, I will lead the Æsir into war. A clash with the dark Fenrir awaits me. The wolf’s strength will strangle me… such is the power of fate… but the wolf will not rejoice for long, the strong Vídar will avenge his father, piercing the wolf’s heart.
Frigg ( tears in her eyes, tenderly ):
I would never have believed that after everything we have been through together, you could still surprise me with something. So many lives… and yet now I feel as if I am seeing you for the first time. I know you like no one else. I know your exploits, your wartime cruelty, I have often admired the power of your magic. But I also know how gentle and gentle you can be like the breeze, how magical your poetic work with words and rhyme is. Until this moment, I was convinced that I knew everything about your broad soul. But suddenly it seems to me as if a strange man is standing in front of me… whom I love infinitely. I will never have anyone else in my heart, I will always be only yours, no matter what happens…
Odin:
My love… We have come a long way together, and not even Fate itself will separate us. What would I be without you? A desert that knows no rain, a candle that has never known a flame. You are my soul, my consciousness. This part of the story may end, but our bond will endure. I love you as much as I did at the beginning of time.
Odin gets up, comes to Frikke, kneels next to her and puts his head on her lap, music starts playing, end of Götterdämmerung, last 3 minutes, when the music ends, a knock is heard
Frigg:
Yes?
Hermod is coming
Hermode:
Hello, I’m here.
Odin:
We see, you’re in a hurry, so what do the messengers report?
Hermode:
The messengers went around all the beings, all of them expressed their sympathy for Balder by weeping. When they returned home, they found a giantess sitting in a cave. She said her name was Thökk. They also asked her to cry and ransom Balder from Helheim. However, she told them that she would not shed tears over Balder’s death, that Hel should keep what was hers!
Odin:
I thought so. The giantess is Loki in disguise. This is his way of working, the sharp flame of his mind trying to harm in any way it can, but… perhaps he is only unknowingly accelerating the sequence of events. Perhaps it is meant to be, Balder is to experience the great clash on the other side, without direct participation in the turmoil of battle. His time has yet to come. Well, we all have a certain part that is given to us. But who can see the meaning of Loki’s role? Intuition tells me that he is the power that accelerates the entire process leading to the conflagration of the world. He does not suspect that all his cunning and falsehood lead to one thing: He is accelerating the arrival of the One who will take our place. As if some invisible force were guiding Loki’s steps. It looks like the scenario of a grand cosmic play: the cosmos is using Loki’s opposing forces, using the fiery god to effect the most fundamental change in the nature of the world through his intrigues. Loki and his children will destroy us, destroy the old world, but in doing so will allow the birth of the new. That’s how I see it in this hour of truth.
But now it is necessary to put aside words and take up the sword. The time has come!
4th picture
Ragnarök, lightning flashes, thunder roars
Music: Overture to Act 1 of Die Walküre, 0 – 2:20
Odin:
Come then, you grey creature! Where are you, Fenrir? Has Loki prepared you well? Show yourself, wolf’s mouth, Odin, the father of the clans, awaits you!
Fenrir:
I am here, Odin! Finally, the time has come for me to pay back all the wrongs I have suffered at the hands of the Aesir. That orcish chain Gleipni has been destroying my dignity for years. Did you think I would be bound forever? You whose wisdom touches the heavens? Remember how I bit off Tyr’s hand? That was a good bite! But today will be much sweeter! The mightiest Fenrir will devour the great Odin! A thousand years from now, it will be told in the tales of the end of the world. Are you ready, cruel god? Does your soul and limbs tremble with fear? The hour of doom has come!
Odin:
I know what awaits me, Fenrir, son of Loki. You need not boast. You are nothing but a tool of a higher power. My story ends here, but the red-black flame of your eyes will not be a flame for much longer. My son Vidar will plunge his sword into your heart, extinguish the heat of your sight, stifle your sense of victory!
Fenrir:
Horror has darkened your mind, you do not know what you are saying. The wolf power that will destroy Odin will rule forever! You have understood nothing! Your death will be like a balm to my soul, a balm that no one will erase. It is wonderful that the gods of fate have placed your life in my hands. It is a mighty satisfaction that I will savor right now!
Fenrir throws himself at Odin, who collapses under his pressure, the victorious Fenrir steps on Odin’s body with one foot
So you see, you invincible, father of all families! You crawl before me like a worthless worm. Where is all your power? Where has the power of your sorcery gone? You are nothing! A mere memory of bygone times, which will soon fade. Farewell, great Odin, the age of the sword and axe has come!
Vidar is coming
Vidar:
Shut up, you monster!
Fenrir:
Who are you, green warrior? Do you want to be another bite at my feast?
Vidar:
I am Vidar, your destiny. I will tear open your insatiable mouth, I will insert my sword into your hardened heart. Prepare, wolf, your time has just come!
Vidar stabs the wolf
For ages I have been silent, now my sword has spoken for me. When I plunged it into your heart, Fenrir, I drew upon myself the heat of your fiery gaze. Now not only the power of Father Odin flows in my blood, but also your ancient clairvoyant power. This gift of inner vision will transform in me into the clairvoyant gaze of mature consciousness, thanks to which humanity will one day behold the One who will take charge of the body and soul of the Earth. Return to the shadows, Fenrir, your sister Hel awaits you.
He comes to Odin’s body, kneels, and kisses his head.
Safe journey, father, wherever your steps lead, the love of your family will accompany you. Thank you for all your gifts, glorious traveler. Farewell Odin, you have written a great story that will live forever.
Epilogue
New Green World, scene lit in light green and pink, Balder and Nanna with a pregnant belly in a meadow full of flowers
Music: Overture to Lohengrin
Nanna, daughter of the Norwegian king:
I am so happy, my love. When I first saw you, it seemed to me that we had known each other forever. But even if we had lived a thousand lives together, what does it matter? Everything past is like a mere dream. I enjoy this moment, here and now, and I am grateful to the entire universe for bringing me here, to this place where everything blooms, smells, here one feels as if there is only joy and happiness in the world.
Balder:
It is beautiful here, and the most beautiful flower is you, my dear. I also remember our first meeting. It was at the court of your father, King Gewar. It is as vivid as if it were yesterday. When I saw you, it was as if some strange power within me killed all my desires, except for one thing – to be with you always. You are nectar for my soul, bringing all the happiness in the world.
Nanna:
We don’t have a name for our son yet.
Balder:
How do you know it’s going to be a son?
Nanna:
Since she kicks like a mad horse, a girl would definitely be gentler, right?
Balder:
Well, I don’t know if you mean… But just to be safe, let’s come up with a name for both a son and a daughter.
Nanna:
Okay, so what about Michael and Michaela?
Balder:
Michael… Quis ut Deus, who is like God? I have often asked myself this question of the famous archangel, can you answer it?
Nanna:
I think so. He who loves is like a god.
Balder:
So in that case, we are not people of flesh and blood, but gods who have visited this earth.
Nanna:
That sounds nice.
Balder:
Perhaps it is true, my beautiful goddess. Michael is a good name, perhaps its great bearer himself breathed it into you. … How I wish I could stop time now…
Nanna:
So let’s do it, let’s seal this special moment of our lives forever.
They kneel and kiss, the curtain falls
Music: Tristan Liebestod, Celibidache Prelude und Liebestod, 12:30 – 9:40 p.m., https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtDNKBvZjOU
Image: https://nordicwiccan.blogspot.com/2014/05/balder.html
It is an AI translation, if you find an error, let me please know, thank you very much.
I wish everyone Happy days.
Jan Provazník, Sušice, Czech republic.