The most loved of all the Aesir was balder, the beautiful son of Odin and Frigga. As his brother Hodur was the god of darkness, so he was the god of radiance and light. His hair fell about his innocent face like beams of golden sunlight. His very appearance brought gladness to the hearts of all who saw him. He had a great knowledge of magic and was practised in the lore of runes, which Odin had engraved upon his tongue.