Norsery Rhymes, Northern Mythology from A to Z Bestla, Protector of Odin’s family tree Well here we are another Thor’s Day and another 20 min sketch of a Norse (and Germanic, sometimes Celtic) mythological characters. This week it’s Bestla. The Mother and The Wife. A Frost Jotun (Jotnar/ Giant/ Giantess). Daughter of the Frost Giant Bolthorn. Her Brother (Possibly Mimir) teaches Odin 9 magic songs. Married to Borr, descendant of Buri. She is Mother to Vili, Ve and Odin. Possibly related to the Norns. Protector of the bark of the tree of Odin’s kinship. Bestla of the Birtch trees, the tall and White. The Mother of the Gods, or at least the Aesir.
Her name means either ‘Bark’ or ‘Bridle’ or possibly both. For Bark, from the rune Berkano and it’s association with Birch bark, and her role as Mother guardian of the Family tree is likely where it comes from. Bridle, from ‘besil’ could be arrived at from the the word or the theme. Possibly because the bridle was seen as symbol for guiding. Interestingly her brother is likely Mimir, and his name means to Bind as well. Possibly indicating they’re both involved in tying and leading their family through their fates. Because of her function, her name would come to mean ‘Wife’ as well.
