Beyla - Goddess of Norse Mythology

Norse goddess Beyla with a serious expression on her face.
© Copyright HistoryLists.org
Beyla, the Norse goddess of agriculture, is depicted with a serious expression on her face in this image.

Beyla (pronounced: "BEY-lah") is a minor character in Norse mythology, mentioned in the Poetic Edda in the Lokasenna poem. She was one of Freyr's servants, and her husband was Byggvir. Some scholars believe that they might have been an elf, as Freyr was the lord of Alfheim, the home of the elves.

The etymology of Beyla's name is unclear, but it has been proposed that it might be related to "cow," "bean," or "bee." In Germanic mythology, Beyla is associated with bees and mead.

The name "Beyla" in Old Norse runes is written as:

ᛒᛁᛅᛚᛅ

In Lokasenna, Beyla and Byggvir were attending a banquet held in Ægir's abode, where both gods and elves were gathered. Loki, who was known for his mischievous behavior, insulted the gods and their servants, including Beyla. In stanza 55, Beyla warned Loki that the ruler Hlorrid, who was returning from his quests, would silence him if he continued to insult the gods and people. In stanza 56, Loki insulted Beyla and accused her of being deeply steeped in sin and filth.

Some scholars have suggested that Beyla and her husband might be personifications of agriculture associated with Freyr. Beyla might represent the manure that softens the earth and develops the seed, while Byggvir might represent the refuse of the mill, chaff.

In modern times, Beyla is worshiped by some pagans as the goddess of bees and mead, reflecting her association with the bee in her name. She is seen as a protector of bees and honey, and as a provider of mead, a fermented honey drink.

Despite her minor role in Norse mythology, Beyla has captured the imagination of some people, who see her as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the sweetness of life. She represents the vital connection between nature and humans, and the importance of caring for the earth and its creatures.


Please note that the information provided about Beyla and Norse mythology is complex and may be subject to interpretation and debate. The myths and stories of Norse mythology have evolved and been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts, and there may be variations in the way they are told and understood. This information should be used as a general reference and not as a definitive source on the subject.


If you notice an error on this web page, please email us at contact@historylists.org and let us know about it. Please be sure to include a brief description of the mistake you have noticed, along with the location of the mistake on the web page (e.g., the specific section or paragraph where it appears). We appreciate your help in keeping our website accurate and will use the information you provide to make necessary updates as soon as possible. Thank you for your assistance!


Other Norse Gods and Goddesses


We use cookies to personalize content and ads and to analyze traffic on our website. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our Privacy Policy for more information.