The sound of a crying baby filled the small hut, echoing through the quiet village. The baby's eyes darted around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. He could hear voices speaking around him, but the words were strange, a language he didn't recognize. Confusion washed over him, but then a memory surged to the forefront of his mind. A single thought dominated his consciousness: I succeeded!! I am alive again! But how long has it passed?
The baby's cries subsided as he processed this realization. He had done it. His plan of splitting his soul had worked. He was reborn, his spirit guided back to life by the connection to his tomb. But the world around him was different, and he had no way of knowing how much time had passed since his death.
___________
Three springs passed, and the baby grew into a curious and intelligent child. He learned the language of his new people, a tongue that felt foreign and strange. He was Odin, the son of Borr, the chief of the tribe. Unlike his first life, he had no siblings, but he didn't mind that. His focus was on understanding this new world and the magic within it.
In this era, the magical people were called wizards, while the non-magical were referred to as men or simply people. Odin found this distinction fascinating. The wizards here performed magic in a way he had never seen before. Instead of relying solely on focus and willpower, they invoked words to cast spells. Some even carried marbles and other objects extracted from magical beings to channel their magic.
Odin's curiosity and excitement knew no bounds. He would pester his father, Borr, to show him all the spells he knew. Borr, proud of his son's intelligence and eagerness to learn, indulged him. Odin was unlike any child Borr had ever known, he was too smart for his age and showed an innate ability to perform magic without words. Borr was certain that his son would grow to become a great wizard, perhaps the greatest their tribe had ever seen.
Odin, for his part, was thrilled by the new possibilities. The world had changed, and magic had evolved in ways he could never have imagined. Spells, enchanted objects, and the division between wizards and men, it was all so different from what he had known in his first life. But it was also exciting. There was so much to learn, so many mysteries to unravel.
As Odin grew, he began to experiment with the magic of this era, blending it with the knowledge he had carried over from his past life. He was determined to master this new form of magic and uncover its secrets. The world was vast, and his journey had only just begun. The rebirth of Odin marked the start of a new chapter, one filled with endless possibilities and the promise of greatness.
___________
Time continued to pass, and Odin grew into a remarkable young man. At just fifteen springs of age, he had already become the strongest and most skilled wizard in the entire tribe. Even his father, Borr, the chief of the tribe, couldn't keep up with him. Odin's talent and wisdom made him the pride of the tribe, and many sought his help and guidance. He was a beacon of strength and wisdom, a symbol of what their people could achieve.
But Odin's interests extended far beyond magic. He often ventured out into the world, exploring forests, mountains, and rivers in search of magical creatures and plants. He studied them closely, noting their behaviors and attempting to replicate their abilities through magic. Whatever he learned, he shared with his tribe, believing that knowledge should be spread freely. In his past life, he had spent nearly a century fighting and killing, and the magic they developed had been solely for destruction. Now, in this new era, he wanted to create something better—a world where magic could be used to build, heal, and grow.
However, Odin's belief in a peaceful world was shattered not long after his fifteenth spring. An unknown tribe arrived on their land, and Odin was surprised to see his father rallying their people for battle. Confused, Odin approached Borr. "Why are we going to fight another tribe? They are just like us—people."
Borr's expression was grim. "We must protect our land from thieves and defend our people. It is our duty."
Odin was deeply troubled. In his past life, humans had never attacked each other and in the end they united to fight against the elvenkind, their common enemy. But now, without a shared threat, they were turning on each other. He wondered if the absence of an enemy had made people divided and hateful. The thought filled him with indescribable sadness.
He tried to convince his father to speak with the other tribe before resorting to violence. But for the first time, Borr grew angry with him. "As a man, you should defend your tribe and your pride, not act so weakly!" he shouted.
Odin was taken aback by his father's reaction. Even the other tribe members, young and old, looked at him with disdain. Despite his misgivings, Odin accompanied the tribe to the battlefield, walking silently at the back, his heart heavy with dread.
At noon, when the sun hung high in the sky, the tribe reached a clearing where the invaders were camped. Odin considered trying to persuade his father again, but before he could speak, the other tribe's wizard attacked. Fire erupted from the enemy's hands, hurtling toward Borr's tribe. Borr raised a shield to block the attack, and both sides prepared for battle.
Odin clenched his jaw, his frustration boiling over. With a sigh, he apparated into the midst of the enemy. Ice erupted around him, freezing everyone nearby in place. Before anyone could react, he unleashed a wide-range lightning spell, carefully controlling its strength to incapacitate rather than kill.
The battle was over in an instant. Odin's tribe stood in stunned silence, their weapons still raised. One moment, they had been preparing for a deadly fight; the next, their enemies lay defeated, frozen or stunned by Odin's magic. They cheered, their voices filled with awe and admiration.
Borr stepped forward, his face glowing with pride. "My son, you've killed them all so quickly!"
Odin shook his head. "They're not dead. I didn't want anyone to die. They're the same as us. It's too pitiful for us to kill each other."
Borr's proud expression twisted into anger. "Only cowards think like that!"
Odin's face turned serious. "Killing your own kind is not courage. Talking and understanding is."
Borr didn't reply. Instead, he conjured fire and hurled it at the nearest unconscious enemy. The man screamed as the flames engulfed him. Borr turned to his men. "Kill them all!"
Odin watched in horror, his heart breaking. He looked at his father, his eyes filled with sadness. "You and this entire tribe are a disappointment!" he declared.
Borr's anger flared, and he attacked his son, conjuring fire to teach him a lesson. But Odin blocked the attack with ease, his magic far superior to his father's. The two stood facing each other, the tension between them palpable.
In the end, Odin turned away. He didn't want to become like the elves, killing other people, this is not why fought so hard. He didn't want to fight his own blood. With a heavy heart, he disapparated, leaving his tribe behind.
He apparated far away from his tribe, his heart heavy with disappointment and sorrow. He sighed deeply, he felt sadness for losing his tribe a second time. He couldn't bring himself to accept their actions—killing others over land and pride without even as much as a word. To do so would be a betrayal of everything he had fought for in his first life. The cycle of violence and hatred was something he refused to perpetuate.
After leaving his tribe, Odin wandered aimlessly, moving from one place to the next. He decided to distract himself from his troubled thoughts by exploring the world and searching for the unknown. Days turned into weeks as he traveled, his mind focused on discovery rather than the pain of his past.
One day, while walking through a dense forest, Odin heard faint screams coming from behind the trees. He immediately moved toward the sound, his instincts sharp and ready. When he reached a clearing, he saw a group of women and children screaming as a massive troll attacked them. Without hesitation, Odin apparated near the troll and sent a sharp ice shard piercing through its head, killing it instantly.
The screams of the women and children subsided as they watched the monster fall. Odin approached them, his voice calm and reassuring. "Are you alright?" he asked.
But the group didn't answer. Instead, they backed away, their eyes filled with fear. All except one, a young girl with fair golden hair and bright silver eyes. She stepped forward, smiling at Odin. Despite her young age, Odin thought she was the most beautiful child he had ever seen.
The girl thanked him, her voice soft but confident. "Thank you, Odin."
Odin froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "How do you know my name?"
The girl smiled. "I saw that you would come to save us. I saw that you are a good person."
Odin was intrigued. "You saw it? How?"
She explained. "Sometimes, I see things that are going to happen soon. I don't control it, and I don't always see how things reach that conclusion."
Odin nodded, marveling at her ability. He could feel the magic within her, a spark of potential that could grow into something extraordinary. "What's your name?" he asked.
"I'm Frigg," she replied. "The daughter of Fjorgyn."
Before Odin could say more, the sound of shouts and footsteps reached his ears. He turned to see a group of men approaching, their faces filled with concern. They were carrying dead animals, clearly returning from a hunt. The leader of the group, a tall and stern-looking man, stepped forward. "What happened here? And who are you?" he demanded, his eyes narrowing at Odin with suspicion.
Frigg stepped forward, her voice clear and confident. "We were attacked by the giant, and Odin came to save us."
The men looked at the dead troll, their expressions shifting from concern to awe. The leader's wariness of Odin only grew, but one man stepped forward, his demeanor calm and grateful. He introduced himself as Fjorgyn, Frigg's father. "Thank you for saving our people," he said, his voice sincere.
Odin nodded. "There's no need for thanks."
Fjorgyn studied Odin curiously. "Which tribe do you come from?"
Odin hesitated before answering. "I was born in a tribe to the west, led by Borr. But I had a conflict with them and left."
Fjorgyn raised an eyebrow. "What kind of conflict makes a young, powerful wizard leave his own tribe?"
The other men and even Frigg leaned in, eager to hear Odin's story. Odin sighed, his voice heavy with regret. "My tribe wanted to kill another tribe for simply walking onto our land. I helped them defeat the invaders but refused to kill anyone. Instead of trying to talk with the defeated people and come to an agreement, my tribe chose to kill them while they were unconscious. So, I left."
Fjorgyn was surprised by Odin's reasoning, but the other men began to laugh, some calling him a coward. Odin's expression remained calm, but his eyes hardened. Without a word, he raised his hand, freezing the laughing men in place. His voice was cold and steady. "If killing others is true courage, should I kill all of you?"
The laughter stopped, replaced by fear as the men realized they couldn't move. Frigg grabbed Odin's arm, her eyes pleading. "Please, don't kill them."
Odin looked at her for a moment, then back at the frozen men. "Life is fragile. Anything can end it. Learn to appreciate it." With that, he released them.
Fjorgyn let out a sigh of relief and said. "Join us for our feast tonight," he offered. "Rest with us. It's the least we can do to thank you for your help."
Odin hesitated, then nodded. "I'll stay."
As night fell, the tribe gathered around a roaring fire, feasting and sharing stories. The atmosphere was warm and lively, a stark contrast to the tension Odin had felt earlier. Farbauti, the leader of the tribe, approached Odin with a proposition. "Before you refuse," he began, his tone respectful but firm, "I want to offer you a place in our tribe. In return for your help in protecting us and hunting, we won't ask you to attack or kill others."
Odin considered the offer silently, his mind weighing the possibilities. After a moment, he nodded. "I'll join you."
The tribe erupted in cheers, celebrating the addition of such a powerful wizard to their ranks. Odin quickly became a valued member, joining the men on hunts and defending the tribe against the trolls that roamed the area. His presence brought a sense of security and strength to the tribe.
Aside from Odin, the tribe had four other wizards: Farbauti, his son Loki, the vice chief Fjorgyn, and Frigg. Odin didn't hesitate to share his knowledge of magic with them, teaching them spells and techniques he had mastered over his long life. In return, they shared their own unique spells, which fascinated Odin. But it was Frigg who captured his attention the most. Her silver eyes, which could see glimpses of the future, intrigued him, and he spent countless days trying to understand how her ability worked.
Loki, Farbauti's son, became Odin's closest friend. The two often hunted and trained together, their bond reminding Odin of his past life and his brother Solomon. Time flew by, and two springs passed in relative peace.
___________
One day, while out hunting, the tribe unexpectedly encountered Borr and his men. Both sides raised their weapons immediately, tension crackling in the air. Odin stepped forward, his voice ringing out. "Stop! Both of you, stop!"
Borr's eyes widened as he recognized his son. Surprise quickly turned to anger. "You traitor!" he shouted. "You are my son, the next chief, how could you refuse to kill for the tribe and then run away!"
Farbauti and the others were slightly surprised to learn that Odin was the next chief of his birth tribe, but they didn't care. To them, Odin was one of their own now. Odin replied calmly, "It was clear that I didn't fit among you, so I left. I don't want to fight you. Please, just leave."
Borr's face darkened, but he turned to his men. "We're leaving," he growled.
Odin sighed in relief, turning to Farbauti and the others. "It's okay. There's no need for violence."
But before anyone could react, Fjorgyn suddenly jumped in front of Odin, pushing him to the ground. Odin was confused for a moment, but then he saw the arrow lodged in Fjorgyn's neck. Farbauti and the others screamed, charging toward Borr and his tribe.
Odin held Fjorgyn, feeling the man's spirit slipping away. He tried desperately to push it back, to save him, but it was no use. In moments, Fjorgyn was dead. Odin's shock turned to grief, then to pure anger and hatred. He looked toward the fighting men then joined the fray without hesitation.
Spears of ice erupted from the ground, killing Borr's men one by one. The efficient killer who had once slaughtered elves for a century was back. In moments, everyone from Borr's tribe was dead. Borr, the last one standing, screamed for his son to stop. But Odin's eyes were cold, and without hesitation, he killed his own father.
The rest of the tribe watched in stunned silence. Odin turned to them, his voice filled with sorrow. "Fjorgyn is dead, and it's my fault."
Farbauti looked at his old friend's lifeless body, then at Odin. "What's done is done," he said heavily. "Remember this: to show mercy to others is to be ruthless to your people."
The tribe turned and began carrying Fjorgyn's body back to the village. Loki walked over to Odin, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We need to get back," he said quietly.
Odin nodded, walking side by side with Loki. His voice was low, filled with worry. "I'm worried for Frigg."
Loki only sighed, his expression grim. The weight of the day's events hung heavily over them as they made their way back to the village. Odin's heart was filled with grief and guilt, he killed a human for the first time today, he killed people called his own and his birth father. The truth he refused to accept now came back to haunt him, to live and protect he had to kill others. It filled him with pain and disappointment.
___________
When Odin and the tribe returned to the village, they were met with the heart-wrenching sight of Frigg crying uncontrollably. She had foreseen her father's death before their arrival. Odin watched her, his heart heavy with guilt. He knew Fjorgyn's death was his fault. If he hadn't intervened, if he hadn't tried to stop the fight, Fjorgyn might still be alive.
Fjorgyn had been everything to Frigg. Her mother had died giving birth to her, and now, with her father gone, Frigg was alone in the world. Odin felt an unbearable weight of responsibility. As they burned Fjorgyn's body in a solemn ceremony, Odin made a silent oath to himself. He would take care of Frigg in Fjorgyn's place. He would protect her, help her, and defend her, even if it meant putting his own life on the line.
From that day forward, Odin went out of his way to support Frigg. He checked on her constantly, ensuring she had everything she needed or wanted. As time passed, Frigg grew into a brilliant wizard. She discovered that magic coursing through cracked rocks and other materials could produce different effects. With Odin and Loki's help, she began carving and experimenting, eventually developing a new form of magic she called runes.
Springs continued to pass, and the tribe flourished. Loki became the new chief after his father's passing, and Odin took on the role of vice chief. His magical prowess and skills grew exponentially, and he became a pillar of strength for the tribe. Frigg, now a stunning woman with a dignified air, was second only to Odin in terms of power.
Over time, Odin and Frigg grew closer. They found comfort in each other's company, their bond deepening with each passing day. Eventually, their relationship blossomed into love, and they were married in a joyous celebration that brought the entire tribe together.
After their marriage, Odin decided it was time to check on his tomb. One day, he brought up the topic with Frigg. "I need to leave for a while," he said. "There's something I must do."
Frigg replied, "I want to come with you."
Odin hesitated but eventually agreed. The two informed the tribe of their plans, promising to return as soon as possible. Frigg didn't know where Odin was going or why, but she trusted him completely. She would follow him wherever he led.
Odin didn't know the exact location of his tomb, but he could read the stars to get a general idea. He estimated that it was to the southeast and prayed that the stars' positions hadn't changed too much over the centuries.
Their journey took them through forests, mountains, and valleys. They encountered other tribes and people along the way. Some meetings were peaceful, while others ended in bloodshed. But Odin was determined to find his tomb, no matter the obstacles.
After two weeks of travel, they came across a group of people speaking in the language of Odin's first life. Odin was thrilled to hear it again, thinking he would never encounter it in this era. He spoke to them excitedly, but their words filled him with anger. They spoke of Solomon, the great wizard who, over 3,000 springs ago, had summoned the power of gods and declared war against the world, forcing everyone to submit to him.
The concept of "gods" was foreign to Odin, but hearing his brother's sacrifices and efforts twisted into a tale of conquest enraged him. He tried to explain the true story, but his words were met with laughter and disbelief. No one believed him. Disheartened, Odin left the group, feeling sorrow and disappointment at how the world had changed for the worse. Three thousand springs had passed since his first life, and the truth had been twisted completely.
Another day passed, and Odin finally found the lake he had been searching for. Frigg, who had followed him faithfully, looked at him with a questioning gaze. Odin led her to his tomb, now overgrown with plants and hidden by time. He turned to her, his expression serious. "I want to tell you a story," he said.
Frigg listened intently as Odin recounted the tale of his first life—how he had lived as Hogwarts, fought against the elves, and ultimately split his soul to cheat death. He explained that the tomb before them was his first resting place, the anchor that had brought him back to life.
Frigg's eyes widened with wonder as she absorbed the story. She had always known Odin was extraordinary, and different from others, but only now she understood how great he truly was.
Odin began removing the plants and vines that had grown over it, revealing the weathered stone beneath. Frigg watched him, her silver eyes filled with curiosity and concern.
"I believe," Odin said, his voice steady, "that if I absorb my soul fragment back, along with the magical power stored in this tomb, I should be able to overcome death and break the chains of my mortality."
Frigg's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you going to be safe?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Odin smiled reassuringly. "I know what I'm doing."
He placed his hand on the tomb, closing his eyes as he reached out to communicate with the soul fragment stored within. The fragment was still there, just as he had left it, and it had grown stronger over the centuries, nourished by the magic leylines that flowed through the valley. As Odin connected with it, a silver light began to spread in all directions, illuminating the area with an otherworldly glow.
Frigg watched in awe and fear as the oppressive power radiating from the tomb grew stronger. It was unlike anything she had ever felt, a force that seemed to bend the very fabric of reality. Her heart raced as she began to fear the worst, but just as the tension became unbearable, the light faded. Odin opened his eyes, a deep frown etched on his face.
"What's wrong?" Frigg asked, her voice trembling.
Odin sighed, his expression troubled. "I can't control the magic properly. It's as if my mind can't manage the power. I must strengthen my mind if I want to complete the merger."
Frigg's brow furrowed. "How do you do that?"
Odin looked at her helplessly. "I don't know. I need to understand what makes the mind stronger first, then figure out how to improve mine." He paused, his gaze shifting to the horizon. "For now, we need to go back to the tribe. We've been away for quite some time."
Frigg nodded, though her worry for Odin lingered. The two prepared to leave, their journey back to the tribe made swift thanks to their mastery of apparation and their familiarity with the land. In less than a day, they arrived at the tribe's village. As they stepped into the village, the tribe members greeted them warmly, relieved to see their vice chief and his wife return safely.
___________
Three more years passed since Odin and Frigg had visited the tomb. During that time, Odin split his days between his responsibilities to the tribe, his relentless experimentation with magic, and the precious moments he spent with Frigg. His life was a delicate balance of duty, discovery, and love.
Through his experiments, Odin came to believe that the mind grew stronger through experiences and memories. The more unique and varied the experiences, the more powerful the mind became. This realization fueled his determination to seek out new knowledge and push the boundaries of magic.
At the end of the three years, Frigg gave birth to a boy named Baldr. The couple was overcome with joy at the sight of their child, and the entire tribe celebrated his birth. Baldr's arrival brought a new sense of purpose and happiness to Odin's life. He doted on his son, eagerly anticipating the day he could begin teaching him magic. If not for Frigg's gentle reminders to let Baldr grow at his own pace, Odin might have started teaching him as soon as he began talking.
As Baldr grew, Odin continued his experiments and studies, but a significant portion of his time was now devoted to his son. By the time Baldr turned ten springs old, Odin had finally unlocked the secret to Frigg's natural magical ability. He opened what he called the 'mind's eye' a powerful ability that allowed him to see glimpses of the near future at will. With the help of a listener, he could also prophesy the distant future.
One evening, Odin and Frigg sat together, their bond stronger than ever. Odin decided to use his newfound ability to prophesy whether he would achieve his goal of breaking the chains of mortality. Frigg listened intently as Odin's eyes turned white, his voice taking on an otherworldly tone:
Through time's veil, he lingers in sleep,
A seeker unbound by fate's decree.
Through death's embrace, he walks anew,
Endless cycles, a path only he sees.
Mortality binds, yet yields in the end,
Each life a thread in a fate he must weave.
He shall outlive empires, outlast the stars,
Eternal he stands, though all else must leave.
When the final hour tolls, all he was shall return,
In his will, the forgotten shall rise as one.
When the last dawn fades and silence remains,
He endures—the witness of all that wanes.
When Odin finished, his eyes returned to their normal color, and he looked at Frigg, clearly wanting her to share what she had heard. Frigg, who had been listening closely, felt a shiver run down her spine. The prophecy was cryptic, but its implications were clear.
"I didn't understand it fully," Frigg said, her voice soft, "but it seems you will live and die many times before you succeed at the end."
Odin asked her to repeat every word she had heard, and she obliged. When she was done, Odin sighed, his mind racing to interpret the words. "It seems my journey is far from over. The prophecy speaks of a promised life, a rebirth, and an eternal existence. But in the end, I will succeed and live to see the end of the world."
Frigg placed a hand on his arm, her touch reassuring. "Odin, you should let go of that goal. It's not worth it. You heard it—everything will die, and you will be all alone. Neither I nor Baldr will be there."
Odin smiled and held her hand. "I will decide when the time comes. And who knows? Maybe I will be able to keep you both by my side."
Frigg had a bad feeling about this, but in the end, she decided not to press further. Instead, she said, "Why not try to make a prophecy for Baldr?"
Odin smiled and nodded. He closed his eyes and focused on his son. When he opened them again, they were white, and he spoke in the same otherworldly voice:
A child was born, with fate to spare.
In love he grew, in light he stood,
The world was his, the path was good.
The winds of time sang sweet and true,
Endless doors, a future new.
Yet fate's kind hands would turn to flame,
A whispered name, a fleeting claim.
When fifteen springs had graced his soul,
The fire called—its hunger stole.
Ashen winds now mark his place,
A life so bright, lost without trace.
When Odin finished, his eyes returned to normal, and he looked at Frigg, his expression turned to concern the moment he saw her face. Frigg's face had turned pale, her hands trembling as she processed the prophecy. "Odin," she whispered, her voice breaking, "Baldr will die when he completes his 15th spring!!"
Odin's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the prophecy. "It seems Baldr's fate is tied to fire," she continued slowly, tears welling in her eyes, her voice heavy with dread. "When he turns fifteen, something terrible will happen. We must do everything in our power to protect him."
Odin nodded. "We'll keep him safe. No matter what it takes."
___________
After the prophecy, Frigg became overly protective of Baldr, her actions drawing the attention of the entire tribe. Odin explained the situation to the others, revealing that they believed Baldr would face a deadly threat in five springs. While Frigg focused on shielding their son from every possible danger, Odin turned to magic, becoming obsessed with defensive and healing spells. In his mind, Baldr had five years of safety before the true danger arrived, and Odin was determined to use every moment of that time to prepare.
Over the next five years, Odin's dedication to magic reached new heights. He developed his skills more in those five years than he had in the past two decades. He set new types of protections throughout the tribe, specifically designed to counter fire, preparing for the worst-case scenario. His days were filled with relentless study and experimentation, his nights spent refining spells and strengthening his magic.
As the prophesied day approached, Odin felt a growing sense of unease. He had done everything in his power to protect Baldr, but the weight of the prophecy still loomed over him. One day, as he was reviewing his latest enchantments, Baldr came running toward him, his face pale and filled with panic. "Father!" he screamed. "Mother is dying!"
Odin's heart sank, and he rushed to Frigg's side. He found her lying in bed, her once-beautiful golden hair now white, her body aged and shriveled. Odin's voice trembled as he screamed, "What happened here?"
Frigg weakly turned her head to look at him, her voice barely a whisper. "You were not the only one thinking of how to protect Baldr."
Odin's eyes widened as Frigg explained. She had been working on a spell to sacrifice her life in exchange for protection against anything that could harm Baldr. She described the magic in detail, her voice growing weaker with each word. Odin's heart broke as he realized the extent of her sacrifice. He checked her life force and found it nearly depleted.
"Did it work?" Frigg asked, her voice filled with hope.
Odin turned to Baldr and asked him to extend his hand. With a flick of his wrist, Odin conjured a small flame and touched it to Baldr's skin. The fire licked at his hand, but it didn't burn or hurt him. Odin increased the intensity of the flame, but Baldr remained unharmed.
Odin looked back at Frigg, his voice choked with emotion. "You succeeded. Baldr is immune to fire now."
Frigg smiled weakly, her eyes filled with relief. "Promise me," she whispered, "that you will protect him as long as you live."
Odin's eyes turned red with tears as he took her hand. "I will always protect him. And I will find a way to save you."
Frigg shook her head gently. "I don't have much time left."
Odin's voice was firm. "Rest now. Don't worry about anything." Frigg closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep.
Odin and Baldr stepped outside, Odin's eyes were blazing with determination to save his wife. He led his son to Loki, his trusted friend and the tribe's chief. He explained what had happened, his voice filled with urgency. "Loki, I need you to keep an eye on Baldr. I have to go somewhere. I will find a way to save Frigg."
Loki nodded solemnly, placing a hand on Odin's shoulder. "Baldr will be safe by my side. Go, and do what you must."
Odin trusted Loki implicitly. With one last look at his son, he turned and left, his mind racing with possibilities. Frigg's life was depleted to empower magic, so can it be transferred back? or exchange magic for life. He was determined to find the answer.
Odin disapparated, his mind consumed by a single goal: to save Frigg. He headed toward the nearest tribe he knew of, his heart heavy with desperation. When he arrived, the people of the tribe looked at him with wariness, their eyes narrowing as they noticed the cold, gleaming intensity in his gaze. Odin didn't care. He needed people to experiment on, to find a way to save his wife. These people would serve his purpose.
For the first time in both of his lives, Odin attacked others unprovoked and out of sheer selfishness. He struck them down with ruthless efficiency, imprisoning them for his experiments. Over the next few days, the tribe suffered horribly at his hands. Old and young alike were subjected to his relentless experimentation. Odin didn't care who died or who suffered. He needed results, and he needed them fast.
In the end, Odin discovered that the life force that binds the body and soul could be transferred from one person to another. With this newfound knowledge, he selected a young woman, her life force vibrant and strong, and took her with him back to his tribe. He planned to transfer her life force to Frigg, saving his wife at any cost.
But when Odin arrived at his tribe, he was met with somber faces and guilty looks. Loki stepped forward, his expression filled with remorse. "Odin," he began, his voice trembling, "there was an accident. Baldr passed away. Frigg found out and… she died of grief."
Odin's face turned completely pale. He grabbed Loki by the shoulders, his grip crushing. "This isn't funny," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "What are you saying?"
Loki lowered his head, unable to meet Odin's gaze. "I took Baldr with us to hunt so I could teach him. But we were ambushed by a troll. Baldr didn't make it. We buried him and Frigg near the ice mountain."
Odin's world shattered. He cried out, his anguish echoing through the village. For the first time since his childhood in his first life, he lost control over his magic. An enormous wave of ice erupted from his body, expanding outward in all directions. The village froze in an instant, every person, every structure encased in ice. The only one left standing was Odin himself.
When the ice settled, Odin looked around in horror. He had destroyed everything—his tribe, his home, the people he had sworn to protect. He dropped to his knees, his hands trembling as he realized the magnitude of what he had done.
After what felt like an eternity, Odin stood up, his heart heavy with grief and guilt. He made his way to the ice mountain, where Loki had said Baldr and Frigg were buried. As he approached the graves, he saw something that stopped him in his tracks.
Floating above the grave was the translucent silver form of Frigg, her ethereal body glowing faintly in the dim light. Her eyes, once filled with love, now burned with anger and hate. Odin's breath caught in his throat. "Frigg?" he called, his voice trembling.
She didn't respond, her gaze piercing through him like a blade. Odin took a step closer, his heart breaking all over again. The woman he had loved, the mother of his child, now stood before him in this strange form, it overwhelmed him.
Odin walked weakly forward as he asked "What happened to you?"
Frigg's translucent form hovered above the grave, her silver eyes burning with a cold, unrelenting fury. "I didn't want to die," she said, her voice echoing with a haunting resonance. "I have too much grief to let go of this world. Somehow, it turned me into this… this form."
Her gaze locked onto Odin, and her voice grew sharper, cutting through him like a blade. "Why did you leave Baldr with Loki? You promised me just a few days ago that you would always protect him!"
Odin froze, his heart pounding in his chest. He had left to save her, to find a way to transfer life force and bring her back. But he couldn't bring himself to say that. He couldn't admit that he had slaughtered an entire tribe, subjected innocent people to horrific experiments, all in a desperate attempt to save her—only to return and find that his actions had been in vain. He couldn't tell her that his selfishness had led to the deaths of both her and Baldr.
Instead, Odin lowered his head, his voice trembling with guilt. "I went back to my tomb to check on my progress. I thought a few days would be okay. I thought Baldr would be safe with Loki. Loki would teach him, guide him. I didn't want to pamper him too much."
Frigg's form shimmered, her anger boiling over. "You thought?!" she screamed, her voice echoing like a thunderclap. "You thought it would be okay? You thought Loki could protect him better than you? You promised me, Odin! You promised!"
Her words struck him like a physical blow, each one a reminder of his failure. Odin looked at her, his face filled with pain and guilt. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I didn't know this would happen. I didn't know…"
But Frigg wasn't listening. Her anger was too great, her grief too raw. "You left him!" she shouted, her voice filled with anguish. "You left him, and now he's gone! Our son is gone, and it's your fault!"
Odin's shoulders slumped, the weight of her words crushing him. He had no defense, no excuse. He had failed them both, and now he was paying the price. Frigg's form flickered, her anger giving way to sorrow. "I trusted you," she said, her voice softer now but no less painful. "I trusted you to protect him. To protect us."
Odin couldn't meet her gaze. His family was gone, and he had no one to blame but himself. The ghost of his wife, the woman he had loved more than anything, now stood before him as a reminder of his failures. Her anger, her grief, her pain—it was all his doing.
Frigg's voice became colder as she continued. "You can't stay here," she said. "I don't want to see you. Not after this."
Odin fell to his knees, his voice choked with emotion. "Frigg, I'm sorry," he whispered. "I failed you. I failed Baldr."
But she didn't respond, her ethereal form turned to look at the grave, ignoring Odin. Odin kept kneeling before the graves and his wife, the weight of his guilt and grief pressing down on him like a mountain.
The wind howled around him, carrying the echoes of Frigg's anger and the memory of Baldr's laughter. Odin sat there, his heart shattered, his soul broken. He had lost everything… his family, his tribe, only he remained.
___________
Odin remained in a state of silent grief for days, staring at the ghost of his wife, Frigg, as she floated above the graves of their son and herself. Her cold, filled hated gaze destroyed him, it was a constant reminder of his failures. But eventually, Odin stood up, his resolve hardening. He decided to transform the surrounding area into a place of eternal beauty, a resting place worthy of his family. It was his way of dealing with the overwhelming grief that consumed him.
Using his immense magical power, Odin reshaped part of the mountain, carving out a mesmerizing cave to cover the graves. The walls were made of strange, shimmering crystals and reflective stones, their surfaces glinting in the dim light. The ceiling was adorned with massive glowing rocks that illuminated the entire space, casting an ethereal glow over everything. The hall inside the mountain was unlike anything ever created—a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty and tranquility.
Throughout the process, Frigg's ghost remained silent, her gaze fixed on some distant point. The world around her changed under the might of Odin's magic, but she didn't care. Her anger and grief were too deep, her connection to the world too fractured.
When Odin finished, he stood before her, his heart heavy with regret. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I won't let you see this face again."
With a final, lingering look, Odin walked out of the hall and sealed its door, hiding it from the world. He hoped that Frigg would find peace within its walls and finally let go of the world that had caused her so much pain.
Now, without a family or tribe to bind him, Odin began a solitary journey, wandering from one place to another. He swore to himself that one day, once he became the master of death, he would bring them back. He would fix his mistakes and undo the pain he had caused.
The first step in his quest was to address the weakness of his mind. He spent years developing a new form of magic, a spell that allowed him to read and absorb the memories of others. Gaining experiences on his own was too slow, but devouring the memories of others made the process faster and more efficient. With each memory he absorbed, his mind grew stronger, his understanding of the world deepening.
As he traveled, Odin spread the story of Frigg and her great magic and sacrifice. He wanted the world to remember her, to honor her memory. He shared the spells and runes they had worked on together, attributing all the work to her. In every village, every tribe, he left behind a piece of her legacy, ensuring that her name would live on.
Decades passed, and Odin's journey led him to create his second Horcrux—a gemstone imbued with a fragment of his soul. This Horcrux had a unique purpose: it would take memories from those who used it, creating projections of the dead, similar to Frigg's ghostly form. Odin wanted to give others who suffered as he did a chance to apologize, to find closure, and to let go. At the same time, the Horcrux collected the memories and experiences of those who used it, further strengthening Odin's mind.
At the age of 150 springs, Odin's journey came to an end. He passed away, his body finally succumbing to the weight of time. But his legacy lived on, in the mesmerizing hall he had created inside the mountain, in the stories of Frigg's sacrifice, and in the Horcrux that continued to collect memories and offer solace to the grieving.
Odin's quest for immortality had not ended, his impact on the world would endure and only grow with time.