Vali is a difficult god to know. He offers nothing and asks for nothing. He, almost alone of all of Loki’s family, seems to want nothing to do with anyone. He has been found to be unresponsive to human prayers for the most part. He lives in exile deep in the forests in the land of His father’s birth, far from His parents and far from the place of his own birth, alone with His madness. Only rarely since the events which led to Narvi’s death has Vali come forth from His self-imposed solitude, and only rarely – if ever – does He come into contact with human men and women.

So why should we care for Vali at all, if He cares not for us? Because the gods have feelings as we do, and in the tragic story of Loki and Sigyn’s family rest a great many of our unspoken – or all too real – fears and worries. In the name of the love Sigyn and Loki have for Their lost sons, remember Vali. In the name of the love between Narvi and Vali, who some said were as close as twins, remember Him. Remember Him as you remember all children torn too soon from their families. Remember Him in the name of all, who, like Vali himself, have suffered from the horrors that have befallen them.

Do not seek to praise Him or ask Him for favors. Vali just wants to be left alone. He may search you out on His own, but most probably, you will never hear from Him. He seeks only to forget the terrible things that were done to Him and to His family, and to live away from the schemes of gods or men.

If you would do good in Vali’s name, give of your own time, energies, and resources to some worthy cause that defends the victims of war and terror, or which seeks to reunite lost and missing people – especially children – with their loved ones. Light a candle in remembrance, and for the memory of all those who have suffered grief, loss, and madness at the hands of others. But most importantly, do not forget Him, even if His name never crosses your lips.