Býleistr

Býleistr (also Byleist) is the brother of Loki in Norse mythology.[1]

Name

The meaning of the Old Norse name Býleistr is uncertain.[1] The most popular propositions are compounds formed with the word bylr ('storm'), either as byl-leystr ('storm-relieving'), byl-leiptr ('storm-flasher'), or byl-heistr ('violent storm').[2]

Various forms are attested in the manuscripts of the Prose Edda: 'Býleistr' (Codices Regius and Wormianus), 'Blýleistr' (Codex Trajectinus), or 'Býleiptr' (Codex Upsaliensis).

Attestations

Although there is no action involving Býleistr in the original sources, Loki is frequently called by the kenning 'Byleist’s brother' (bróðir Býleists), like in Völuspá (51), Hyndluljóð, (40), or Skáldskaparmál (16).[1]

In both Gylfaginning (34) and Skáldskaparmál, Snorri Sturluson states directly that Byleist is, along with Helblindi, one of Loki's two brothers.[1]

Based on this relation, a number of scholars have considered Býleistr to be a son of Fárbauti and his consort Laufey.[3] However, his exact role in the ancient mythic complex surrounding Loki's family remains unclear.[4]

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References
  1. Lindow 2002, p. 91.
  2. de Vries 1962, p. 67.
  3. Rydberg (2003:24); Sykes (2002:85); Guelpa (2009:123-124).
  4. Simek 1996, p. 174; Kock (1899:100-102).

Bibliography
  • de Vries, Jan (1962). Altnordisches Etymologisches Worterbuch (1977 ed.). Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-05436-3.
  • Lindow, John (2002). Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-983969-8.
  • Simek, Rudolf (1996). Dictionary of Northern Mythology. D.S. Brewer. ISBN 978-0-85991-513-7.
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