In Norse mythology’s Ragnarok, what does the god Vali avenge by killing Höðr?

In Norse mythology’s Ragnarok tradition, Vali avenges Baldr’s death by killing Höðr. Vali is a son of Odin and the giantess Rind, born specifically to take revenge after Höðr unintentionally kills Baldr.

The revenge occurs before Ragnarok in the better-known mythic sequence. Loki tricks the blind Höðr into throwing mistletoe at Baldr, the only substance not bound by Frigg’s protective promise. Baldr dies, and Vali grows rapidly and kills Höðr the following day.

Vali is distinct from Vidar, who avenges Odin by killing Fenrir during Ragnarok. Both are sons of Odin and both survive the catastrophe, which makes them frequent sources of confusion. Baldr and Höðr later return in the renewed world in accounts connected with Ragnarok.