Ann Kopfhammer, age 16, of Barre, Vt., for her question:

WHAT IS THE MYTH OF BALDER?

According to an old Norse myth, the god of spring and sunlight, named Balder the Beautiful, lived in the Milky Way. He was the son of Odin and Frigga, king and queen of heaven. Everyone except wicked Loki loved him.

One day Balder dreamed he was about to die. Upset by the idea, his mother traveled over the world asking all living things and fire, water, sticks and stones not to hurt Balder. All willingly agreed.

Since apparently no harm could come to Balder, the gods amused themselves by tossing darts and stones at him.

Soon the evil Loki discovered that Frigga didn't ask the mistletoe plant because it looked so frail and grew so far away. He made a dart from a mistletoe sprig and gave it to blind Hoder, the god of darkness who was also Balcer's twin. Loki directed Hoder's aim, and Balder died.

Hermod the Swift went to the god of the dead and begged that Balder's spirit be allowed to return. "Fine, if all living things mourn for him," the god said. All mourned except Loki, who thus prevented Balder's return.