Bestla

Their story

Bestla, daughter of the giant Bölþorn, married Borr and bore Odin, Vili and Vé, so that the ruling gods are half of jötunn blood. In the Hávamál Odin says he learned nine mighty songs from Bestla's brother, the famous son of Bölþorn, who may be Mímir.

Best times to give to them

• Mothers' Night at Yule
• at ancestral rites

What they like being given

• a candle for the mothers of your line
• bread

How to honour them

1. Honour her on Mothers' Night alongside your own foremothers.
2. Reflect that the gods themselves are of mixed giant and divine descent.

How they can help you

• honouring mothers
• mixed heritage
• ancestral work

Symbols

• the brother who taught Odin nine songs

Sources

• Prose Edda, Gylfaginning 6
• Poetic Edda, Hávamál 140

More Norse beings

• Skaði Huntress of the snowy mountains
• Máni The Moon, who counts the years
• Sól The Sun, who drives her bright horses
• Nótt Night, mother of Day
• Dagr Day, the bright son of Night
• Jörð The Earth, mother of Thor
• Rán Mistress of the deep, who gathers the drowned
• Ægir Lord of the sea and brewer for the gods