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proper shape, Loki cut off the mistletoe, and 
hurried back to the plains of Asgard. 
He found the gods still at their somewhat 
singular amusement. The god Hodur, who 
was blind, was standing a little apart and 
not sharing in it. 
Loki, approaching him, asked,— 
‘Why dost not thou also throw something 
at Baldur ?” 
“ Because I am blind,” answered Hodur, 
“and see not where Baldur is, and have, 
moreover, nothing to throw.” 
« Come, then,” said Loki, “do as the rest 
do, and show honour to Baldur by throwing 
this twig at him. I will direct thine arm to 
the place where he stands.” 
Hodur took the mistletoe, and, under the 
guidance of Loki, darted it at Baldur, who, 
pierced at once by the dart, fell down lifeless. 
The grief and rage of the gods were 
intense at this cruel termination to their 
homage. They at once detected Loki in the 
deed, and would have avenged it on him at 
once, had they not been restrained in their 
