Editing Höðr (section)

===''Gesta Danorum''===
[[Image:Hotherus and wood maidens by Froelich.jpg|left|thumb|300px|In [[Saxo Grammaticus|Saxo]]'s version of the story Høtherus meets wood maidens who warn him that Balderus is a demi-god who can't be killed by normal means.]]

In ''[[Gesta Danorum]]'' by [[Saxo Grammaticus]], Hotherus is a human hero of the Danish and Swedish royal lines. He is the son of [[Hothbrodd]] (or Hodbrodd) and brother of [[Eadgils|Athisl]], both Kings of Sweden before him. Hotherus himself became ruler of both Sweden and Denmark after the death of the usurper [[Heoroweard|Hiartuar]], but most of the story about him as related in ''Gesta Danorum'' relates to his early life before becoming king.

Hotherus is gifted in swimming, archery, fighting and music and Nanna, daughter of King [[Gevarus]] falls in love with him. But at the same time Balderus, son of Othinus, has caught sight of Nanna bathing and fallen violently in love with her. He resolves to slay Hotherus, his rival.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=142-145}} Out hunting, Hotherus is led astray by a mist and meets wood-maidens who control the fortunes of war. They warn him that Balderus has designs on Nanna but also tell him that he shouldn't attack him in battle since he is a demigod. Hotherus goes to consult with King Gevarus and asks him for his daughter. The king replies that he would gladly favour him but that Balderus has already made a like request and he does not want to incur his wrath.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=144-147}} Gevarus tells Hotherus that Balderus is invincible but that he knows of one weapon which can defeat him, a sword kept by [[Mimingus]], the satyr of the woods. Mimingus also has another magical artifact, a bracelet that increases the wealth of its owner. Riding through a region of extraordinary cold in a carriage drawn by reindeer, Hotherus captures the satyr with a clever ruse and forces him to yield his artifacts.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=146-149}}

Hearing about Hotherus's artifacts, Gelderus, king of Saxony, equips a fleet to attack him. Gevarus warns Hotherus of this and tells him where to meet Gelderus in battle. When the battle is joined, Hotherus and his men save their missiles while defending themselves against those of the enemy with a [[testudo formation]]. With his missiles exhausted, Gelderus is forced to sue for peace. He is treated mercifully by Hotherus and becomes his ally. Hotherus then gains another ally with his eloquent oratory by helping King Helgo of [[Hålogaland]] win a bride.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=148-151}} Meanwhile, Balderus enters the country of King Gevarus armed and sues for Nanna. Gevarus tells him to learn Nanna's own mind. Balderus addresses her with cajoling words but is refused. Nanna tells him that because of the great difference in their nature and stature, since he is a demigod, they are not suitable for marriage.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=150-151}}

As news of Balderus's efforts reaches Hotherus, he and his allies resolve to attack Balderus. A great naval battle ensues where the gods fight on the side of Balderus. [[Thor]]o in particular shatters all opposition with his mighty club. When the battle seems lost, Hotherus manages to hew Thoro's club off at the haft and the gods are forced to retreat. Gelderus perishes in the battle and Hotherus arranges a funeral pyre of vessels for him. After this battle Hotherus finally marries Nanna.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=152-155}} Balderus is not completely defeated and shortly afterwards returns to defeat Hotherus in the field. But Balderus's victory is without fruit for he is still without Nanna. Lovesick, he is harassed by phantoms in Nanna's likeness and his health deteriorates so that he cannot walk but has himself drawn around in a cart.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=154-155}}

Hotherus learned of the death of [[Hrólfr Kraki|King Rolf Kraki]], whose father had slain Hotherus' father Hodbrodd. He took a fleet to Denmark and was appointed king. Shortly afterwards, he also heard of the death of his brother [[Eadgils|Athisl]], and also became king of Sweden.

After a while Hotherus and Balderus have their third battle and again Hotherus is forced to retreat. Weary of life because of his misfortunes, he plans to retire and wanders into the wilderness. In a cave he comes upon the same maidens he had met at the start of his career. Now they tell him that he can defeat Balderus if he gets a taste of some extraordinary food which had been devised to increase the strength of Balderus.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=158-159}} Encouraged by this, Hotherus returns from exile and once again meets Balderus in the field. After a day of inconclusive fighting, he goes out during the night to spy on the enemy. He finds where Balderus's magical food is prepared and plays the lyre for the maidens preparing it. While they don't want to give him the food, they bestow on him a belt and a girdle which secure victory.{{sfn|Friis-Jensen|Fisher|2015|loc=Book 3|pp=158-161}} Heading back to his camp, Hotherus meets Balderus and plunges his sword into his side. Despite realising that it was a mortal wound, Balderus insists on being carried back into battle on a litter. After three days, Balderus dies from his wound.

Many years later, Bous, the son of Othinus and Rinda, returns to avenge his brother by killing Hotherus. Hotherus foresees that he will die in the battle and asks the assembly of elders to pass the kingship to his son [[Hrœrekr Ringslinger|Rorik]], which they do. Hotherus faces Bous in battle and is killed, but Bous also dies the next day from his wounds.<ref>[https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1150/1150-h/1150-h.htm#book3  The Danish History, Books I-IX], Book 3, English translation by Oliver Elton</ref>