Baugi (Old Norse:[ˈbɔuɣe]; "ring-shaped") is ajötunn inNorse mythology. He is brother ofSuttungr, the giant from whomOdin obtained themead of poetry.[1][2]
TheOld Norse nameBaugi has been translated as 'ring-shaped'.[2]
The name of thejötunn Baugi is only mentioned inSkáldskaparmál (The Language of Poetry) and in theþulur, and is not attested in other poetic texts. It is notably absent fromHávamál (Words of the High One), whichSnorri Sturluson used as a source for the story of themead of poetry.[2] Some scholars have argued that Baugi may have been an invention or a misunderstanding ofHávamál by Snorri.[2]
InSkáldskaparmál,Odin causes Baugi's nine slaves to kill each other in his quest to obtain themead of poetry, possessed at that time by Baugi's brother,Suttungr. Calling himselfBölverk ('Evil-deed' or 'Evil worker'), Odin then offers to do the labour of all nine men for Baugi as a reparation for his wrongdoings, in exchange of a wage of one drink of the mead of poetry. Baugi accepts to help him acquire it from his brother.[1][2]
After the summer of work is over, Bölverk (Odin) asks for his payment, but Suttungr refuses to give him a single drop of the mead. Bölverk then enlists Baugi's help to dig a hole into theHnitbjörg mountain with Baugi's drill,Rati, in order to reach the chamber where the mead was kept and watched over byGunnlöð, Suttung’s daughter.[1][2] When Baugi announces to him that the tunnel is finished, Bölverk blows into the hole but realizes that the other end is still blocked. As he understands that Baugi is trying to deceive him, Bölverk turns himself into a snake and slips into the hole. Baugi tries to strike at him with his auger but misses.[1][2]