Beyla (Old Norse:[ˈbœylɑ]) is one ofFreyr's servants along with her husband,Byggvir, inNorse mythology. Beyla is mentioned in stanzas 55, 66, and the prose introduction to thePoetic Edda poemLokasenna. Since this is the only mention of Beyla, scholars have turned to theetymology of Beyla's name for additional information about her.[1] However, the meaning of her name is unclear and her name has been proposed as related to "cow," "bean," or "bee."[1]
In the prose introduction toLokasenna, Beyla and Byggvir are cited as attending In stanza 55 ofLokasenna, after his verses withSif,Loki accuses Beyla of being filthy but the reason for this is unclear.[1]
Stanza 55:
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Stanza 56:
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In relation to Loki's comments inLokasenna, proposals have been made that Beyla and her husband are personifications ofagriculture associated with Freyr: Beyla as themanure that softens the earth and develops the seed, Byggvir as the refuse of the mill,chaff.[3]