Guardian of Bifrost, the rainbow bridge to Asgard. Holder of the Gjallarhorn.

Name(s): The origin of Heimdall’s name is uncertain.

Parents: Heimdall is the son of Odin and Nine Mothers.

The identity of the Nine Mothers is uncertain. Some believe that Heimdall’s nine mothers are the nine daughters of Aegir and Ran.

Ohers identify Heimdall with the young man in Hyndluljód who was born of nine jotun maids (giants) named Gjálp, Greip, Eistla, Eyrgjafa, Úlfrún, Angeyja, Imdr, Atla, and Járnsaxa.

Spouse: Unknown.

Children: According to the events in Rigsthula Heimdall can be said to be the father of humanity.

Affiliations: Heimdall is almost certainly one of the Aesir, as a son of Odin. However, in the Thrymskvida it states that “like other Vanir” Heimdall has the gift of seership.

Tales: In Thrymskvida it is Heimdall’s idea to disguise Thor as Freyja as part of the plan to regain his hammer from Thrym.

In Rigsthula Heimdall (known here as Rig) visits three households of different social classes and fathers children by each of the women, thus becoming an ancestor of humanity.

In Husdrapa (a lost piece, quoted in part by Snorri in the Prose Edda) a tale is referenced wherein Heimdall and Loki, both taking the form of seals, fight over Freyja’s necklace Brisingamen.

During Ragnarok, Heimdall will battle Loki, each killing the other.

Hall: Heimdall dwells in Himinbjörg, where he drinks mead and keeps watch for approaching enemies. In Gylfaginning it is said to be located at the point where Asgard is joined by the bridge Bifrost, surely an excellent spot for that purpose.

Other details: Heimdall is the holder of the Gjallarhorn, a very loud horn which he will blow when Ragnarok begins. He also made use of the Gjallarhorn to drink from Mimir’s well, thereby gaining great wisdom.

He has exceptionally keen senses of hearing and sight.

Heimdall’s horse is named Gultoppr or “golden mane.”