Bölþorn

"Evil thorn." A jötunn, possibly the son of Ymir's unnamed son and daughter. He is the father of the giantess Bestla, the mother of Odin, Vé, and Vili. According to Hávamál, he is also the father of a giant who taught Odin nine magic incantations or songs (galdrar):

Potent songs nine
from the famed son I learned
of Bölthorn, Bestla's sire.

This son is of Bölþorn is not named, but it has been suggested that this was Mímir, who was renowned for his wisdom.

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References

Sources

  • Gylfaginning, 6.
  • Hávamál, 142.