Býleistr (Old Norse:[ˈbyːlˌɛistz̠]; alsoByleist) is the brother ofLoki inNorse mythology.[1]
The meaning of theOld Norse nameBýleistr is uncertain.[1] The most popular propositions arecompounds formed with the wordbylr ('storm'), either asbyl-leystr ('storm-relieving'),byl-leiptr ('storm-flasher'), orbyl-heistr ('violent storm').[2]
Various forms are attested in the manuscripts of theProse Edda: 'Býleistr' (CodicesRegius andWormianus), 'Blýleistr' (Codex Trajectinus), or 'Býleiptr' (Codex Upsaliensis).[citation needed]
Although there is no action involving Býleistr in the original sources, Loki is frequently called by thekenning 'Byleist's brother' (bróðir Býleists), such as inVöluspá(51),Hyndluljóð(40), orSkáldskaparmál(16).[1]
In bothGylfaginning(34) andSkáldskaparmál,Snorri Sturluson explicitly states that Byleist is, along withHelblindi, one of Loki's two brothers.[1]
Based on this relation, a number of scholars have considered Býleistr to be a son ofFárbauti and his consortLaufey.[3] However, his exact role in the ancient mythic complex surrounding Loki's family remains unclear.[4]
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