-By Austin Che

Dear Abby,
	Recently, the most beloved of all the gods, Balder, was killed by 
Loki. If Like had only wept for Balder, Balder would have been allowed to 
return to Asgard. Since Loki refuses to weep, Balder is gone forever. Now 
we have to decide how to punish Loki. Please help.
	Gods in Need

Dear Gods in Need,
	I would normally say that kindness is needed. I believe that 
everyone is basically good and can change. Unfortunately, I have not 
come in contact with many gods. It seems that this Loki you speak of will 
not change unless something drastic is done. I am not aware of how to 
punish gods. I would recommend a method in which Loki would have to 
feel the grief that he has put you through. It might make Loki more 
understanding about your situation. I do not recommend being too harsh 
on Loki. I know how painful this is, but punishing Loki to get revenge will 
accomplish nothing. It is better to make Loki learn. There is plenty of time 
for a god to learn and improve himself.
	Abby


Dear Abby,
	I have a problem. I love someone but I can't tell him I love him. No, 
I'm not shy. I have tried to talk to him many times. The goddess Hera has 
cursed me. I'm doomed to repeat what others say but can't say anything 
else. The person I love is so beautiful that everyone longs to be with him. 
However, he doesn't seem to be affected at all by the girls chasing after 
him. He cares nothing for how we feel. What should I do?
	Last Word

Dear Last Word,
	Don't despair. There are other men out there. If the person you love 
isn't able to understand your feelings, he is probably not a good choice 
for you. As for the curse, I can't help you much. My advice is seldom 
more powerful than a goddess. I recommend you to learn to live with 
your condition. It is unlikely that anyone can reverse the effects of a 
goddess. The sooner you accept your condition, the sooner you can start 
living normal again. Talking isn't the only way to communicate. There are 
many other ways that you can "talk" with others. Do not dwell on your 
disability and it will not be a disability for you. You will find someone 
who will understand you better than anyone you have known.
	Abby


Dear Abby,
	I hate love. I hate marriage. I love hunting. Is there something wrong 
with this? Apollo, the god himself chased me, wanting me. But I ran, and 
ran, and finally my father turned me into a tree. Did I do something 
wrong? Am I selfish in refusing the love of others? Please help.
	Laurel

Dear Laurel,
	I don't think there is anything wrong with refusing love. However, 
refusing the love of a god might be much more difficult. Each individual 
has the right to choose who they love and who they marry. You have this 
right, and so you have the right to not love Apollo. Unfortunately, you 
can't control if others fall in love with you. Running from the problem is 
not the best way to solve your problem. You may disagree, but I think 
living in any condition is better than becoming a tree. If you could face 
your problems instead of running, the problems will become much more 
manageable. Running solves nothing. The problem will relentlessly pursue 
you until it catches you as it finally did. Facing the problem with courage 
and strength will stop the problem before it progresses too far.
	Abby


Dear Abby,
	I killed my wife and my three sons. The goddess, Hera, made me 
mad and in an instant I had killed the people I loved so much. I feel that I 
should avenge their death. Why should I spare my own life because I was 
mad? Is it not proper for me to die? With everyone trying to keep death 
away from me, I'm wondering if I should reconsider. What reason is there 
for me to live anymore? Help me please.
	Murderer

Dear Murderer,
	A murder is not horrible unless it was done intentionally and with 
purpose. In your case, it was Hera that made you commit murder. You 
had no control over it. There was no intent and so you should not die. No 
one can rightfully blame you for the death of your wife and children. 
However, I don't think you should just walk away from this and forget 
this incident. It is important that you understand exactly what happened. 
You took the lives of four people and this should not be taken lightly. If 
you are looking for a punishment for yourself, death is definitely the 
wrong choice. I'm sure your wife and children wouldn't want you to kill 
yourself. If you killed yourself, the death would be meaningless. Your 
death won't change what has already happened. You should remember 
what happened but you must continue living the life you have.
	Abby