Býleistr

Býleistr is a minor figure in Norse mythology, appearing in the Poetic Edda. He is mentioned in the poem Vafþrúðnismál, a dialogue between Odin in disguise and the giant Vafþrúðnir. During the contest of wits, Vafþrúðnir asks Odin a question about Býleistr: "Tell me now, Odin, since hither thou hast fared, what is that steed which bears the wicked Loki over the wide world?" Odin replies that the steed is Býleistr.

The name Býleistr itself is not extensively explained within the text, but it is widely interpreted as meaning "fire-lief" or "fire-lover," suggesting a connection to fire or flame. This interpretation aligns with Loki's often fiery and destructive nature. Some scholars believe Býleistr might be a poetic epithet for Loki, or perhaps a distinct, yet closely associated, entity.

The reference to Býleistr is one of the few direct mentions of Loki's specific means of travel in mythology. It serves to illustrate Loki's mobility and his pervasive presence across the realms. The riddle posed by Vafþrúðnir and Odin's answer highlight the vast knowledge possessed by both figures, and the specific details, like the name of Loki's steed, contribute to the rich tapestry of Norse cosmology. Býleistr remains a somewhat enigmatic figure, a brief but evocative detail within the mythological landscape.