THE ASH TRUNK

Every legend has its hidden face and every myth is polished by the language of the poets who tell it. Ragnar Lodbrok's epic is therefore no exception.

Contrary to what is known from the story of the illustrious and legendary king and warrior; Ragnar Lodbrok did not come into the world with the common physical characteristics of the Vikings whom we know as strong, tall and combative.

He was born a hunchback: the bitter fruit of a second trick and a challenge that Loki gave to Hoder, the "blind god" of Asgard.

After leading him by cunning to kill his brother Baldur, Loki again convinced Hoder that he could win back the love of his peers and that of Odin, while alleviating his pain, if he created a Man to replace Baldur in Odin's heart. Still by cunning, Loki offered to bring Hoder the ash trunk that he would use to shape the new Baldur, the magnificent and beloved god.

Loki brought him a crooked trunk with a huge bump that he hid behind a veil of deception. Hoder spent moons molding a Man who would resemble his twin brother. And when finished, Loki led Hoder to the room where Odin was lying, after making him look like Frigg, Odin's wife. Hoder then put Odin's hand on his statue and it received the breath of life.

Then the happy Hoder invited all the Aesir to Idovall, the great central plain of Asgard. But great were the astonishment and disappointment of the gods when Hoder introduced the new Baldur. Several Aesir spoke of affront and disrespect to Baldur's memory, because the new Baldur was hideous and hunchbacked. Frigg and Odin's hearts were further hurt, and the latter condemned Hoder to exile, by promising him that his next born brother would come to claim justice for Baldur.

However, Mimir the "god of remembrance", Vidar the "god of revenge", Bragi the "god of poetry and the arts" and Thor the "god of lightning and war" took pity on Hoder and appreciated his efforts. .

Mimir gave the new Baldur the name Ragnar, but also a little knowledge and cunning.

Vidar gave him the love of blood, battles and rage. Several Aesir protested, saying that Vidar's gift would be useless. A diminished or crippled Viking cannot fight.

Bragi touched the tongue of the human with his finger so that he would console himself with the rune chants and poems he would be inspired by. If the outside is so sad, then the inside could at least be cheerful, he said.

Thor gave him some strength and physical skills so that he could defend himself a little bit.

And finally, Heimdall, the "Guardian of the Bifrost" agreed to send Ragnar, the rejected of Asgard, to Midgard. Heimdall warns Hoder, however, that his protégé, being a Man and not a god, would take thousands of moons to reach Midgard.