The people in the North once believed that high above the clouds was the
beautiful plain of Asgard.
Odin, ruler of Asgard, mighty Thor, and many other heroes lived on the
plain.
Their homes were great castles, splendid with silver and gold.
In the middle of the plain, and apart from the other dwellings, stood a
pure white palace.
Nothing that was not fair and good had ever dared to enter it.
It was the home of Balder.
Because of his great beauty and wisdom, he was called "Balder the
beautiful," and "Balder the good."
Everything loved him.
The dull rocks and the gray old mountains met him with a smile.
The flowers opened, the birds sang and the water sparkled when they saw
his face.
One night he dreamed that he must soon leave Asgard and all the things
that he loved.
The next night he dreamed that he was living in the gloomy underground
world.
The third night, when the same terrible dream came to him, he was
greatly troubled.
He told Odin, his father, and Frigga, his mother, about it.
Odin, in great fear, called together his wisest heroes.
They shook their heads but could do nothing to help him.