Höðr

Höðr, also known as the loveable buffoon of Norse mythology, was the god of winter, hunting, and clumsiness.

Legend has it that when his mother Frigg, the goddess of love, was visiting every element of the universe in order to secure her son’s invincibility, she made the grave mistake of overlooking the modest piece of mistletoe. This flaw in the plan would then come to be Höðr’s undoing.

One day, while out for a hunting trip, Höðr’s brother Baldr began to boast of his invincibility, which by now everyone knew was a sure thing. Wanting to join in the fun, Höðr offered to take a shot at Baldr with his trusty mistletoe arrow. To everyone’s surprise, the arrow hit its target, and Baldr was instantly killed.

Needless to say, this did not make Höðr very popular amongst his fellow gods. As punishment for his clumsiness, Höðr was cast into the darkness of winter and tasked with making snowflakes all day long.

Despite this, Höðr remained a beloved character in Norse mythology, with his klutzy antics often providing the other gods with some much-needed comic relief. He was also known for his impressive hunting skills, with many a Norseman seeking his guidance and patronage in the hopes of a successful hunt.

In modern times, Höðr’s legacy lives on in Hodor, the lovable giant from Game of Thrones who shares his namesake’s love of clumsiness and simplemindedness. Truly, Höðr has left an indelible mark on both myth and pop culture alike.