Farbauti

Storm Giant and Father of Loki in Norse Myth

Farbauti storm giant father of Loki

Who Is Farbauti

Farbauti is a giant in Norse tradition best known as the father of Loki. His name can be understood as cruel striker or fierce hitter suggesting a link with powerful sudden blows such as lightning strikes or violent storms.

In the surviving sources Farbauti is not given long stories or detailed adventures. Instead he appears in the background as a figure whose nature reflects wild destructive forces of the natural world. Through him Loki inherits a connection to chaos danger and sudden change.

Together with Laufey also called Nal Farbauti stands at the root of Lokis family line linking the trickster god to the ancient clans of the giants.

Character and Nature

Storm Linked Giant

Farbautis name points to strikes and blows often understood as an echo of lightning and sudden storms.

Father of Loki

As Lokis father Farbauti stands at the start of a line that leads to many of the most dramatic events in the myths.

Force of Destruction

He represents harsh and dangerous aspects of nature which can destroy as quickly as they appear.

Quick Facts

TypeGiant
Known ForFather of Loki
Name MeaningCruel striker or fierce hitter

Symbolism

Farbauti symbolises raw untamed forces such as storm and lightning. Through him the myths suggest that Lokis restless and disruptive nature has roots in powers that stand outside ordered divine society.