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31.10.2019

Billingr

In Norse mythology, Billingr (or Billing) is known as the father of a maiden whose name is not explicitly mentioned. Odin desired this maiden, and according to stanzas 96-102 of the poem Hávamál from the Poetic Edda, the maiden instructed Odin to meet her after nightfall, assuring him that it would be the safest time for their encounter. She promised to give herself to him. However, when Odin returned to meet her as instructed, he found the path blocked by warriors armed with swords and burning torches. Disheartened, he left and returned at daybreak, only to discover that the maiden had vanished, leaving a female dog tied to the bed in her place. Odin interpreted this as a thwarting of his attempts to possess the maiden.

This episode is narrated in the first person by Odin himself and serves as an example to illustrate his perception of the supposed fickleness and deception of women. It leads him to lament the folly of longing for something that is unattainable.

Billingr's true nature is subject to debate, as he could have been either a giant or a dwarf. John Lindow, in his work "Norse Mythology" (2001), presents arguments for both possibilities. For instance, Billing is listed as a dwarf name in the Hauksbók manuscript version of Völuspá and is used in a kenning (poetic metaphor) for poetry: "cup of the son of Billing." This kenning applies whether Billing is a dwarf or a giant, as both dwarves and giants possessed the Mead of Poetry before Odin acquired it. 

On the other hand, if Billing is considered a dwarf, his daughter would be one of the very few female dwarves in Norse mythology. In contrast, Odin's interactions with giantesses are well-documented throughout the Eddas, suggesting that Billing might be more likely to be a giant if one considers the broader context of the mythology.

Billingr

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