In Norse mythology, Billingr (or Billing) is known as the father of a maiden whose name is not specified. Odin, the chief god, desired this maiden. According to stanzas 96-102 of the poem Hávamál from the Poetic Edda, the maiden instructed Odin to meet her after nightfall for their rendezvous, promising to give herself to him. However, when Odin returned as instructed, he found the path blocked by armed warriors carrying swords and burning torches. When he returned at daybreak, he discovered that the maiden had disappeared, leaving a female dog tied to the bed in her place. This incident frustrated Odin's attempts to possess the maiden. Odin narrates this episode in the first person and uses it as an example to illustrate what he perceived as the fickleness and deceit of women. He laments the foolishness of desiring that which is unattainable.
Billingr is presumed to be either a giant or a dwarf. John Lindow, in "Norse Mythology" (2001), presents arguments for both possibilities. For instance, Billing is listed as a dwarf name in the Hauksbók manuscript version of Völuspá and is used in a kenning (poetic metaphor) for poetry: "cup of the son of Billing." This kenning applies whether Billing is a dwarf or a giant because both dwarves and giants were associated with the Mead of Poetry before Odin obtained it. However, if Billing is a dwarf, his daughter would be one of the very few female dwarves mentioned in Norse mythology, whereas Odin's relationships with giantesses are well-documented in the Eddas.