Last Updated on October 4, 2024
Bestla, sometimes spelled Besla or Bestlá, plays a crucial role in the divine lineage of the gods. She is a frost giantess, the daughter of the ancient giant Bölthorn. Bestla’s marriage to Borr, son of the primordial god Búri, marks a significant union between the divine Æsir gods and the ancient race of giants. This bond not only signifies the balance between creation and chaos but also laid the foundation for the birth of Odin, Vili, and Ve, three of the most powerful gods in existence.
As the mother of these three brothers, Bestla’s importance cannot be overstated. Her union with Borr produced gods who would go on to shape the world. Odin will become the Allfather and supreme ruler of Asgard. Vili and Ve, while not as prominent in most stories, are equally significant. They helped Odin in the act of creation and in forming the first humans, Ask and Embla. Bestla’s giant heritage brought strength and wisdom into the divine bloodline, which her sons would use as leaders and creators.
Bestla herself embodies the duality of life—she connects the powerful yet chaotic force of the giants with the ordered divine rule of the Æsir. Her presence in the divine lineage reinforces the idea that balance between different forces is necessary for creation and stability.
Bestla: Symbolism and Importance in Asatru
In Asatru, Bestla’s role as a mother and a link between two powerful realms—giants and gods—makes her a figure of reverence. Although she is not as commonly honored as individual gods like Odin or Thor, her influence is felt through her children. Bestla’s existence highlights the importance of familial ties and the necessity of unity between opposing forces.
The Elder Futhark rune associated with Bestla could be Isaz (ᛁ), which symbolizes ice, stasis, and primal forces. Isaz’s cold and unyielding nature reflects Bestla’s connection to the ancient frost giants and the elemental forces they control. It represents the power of stillness and potential within chaos, much like Bestla herself, whose giant heritage brought forth gods.
In modern Asatru practice, Bestla serves as a reminder of the balance of forces that create life. Her importance lies not in her direct worship but in her contribution to the divine lineage. Bestla represents the unbroken connection between chaos and divine order, both of which must exist for the world to thrive. Honoring her connects Asatruar to the elemental roots of creation and the importance of family in shaping the future.
