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, , 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.

References

Sources

  • Gylfaginning, 6.
  • Hávamál, 142.