Heimdall (pronounced HAME-doll), also known as Heimdallr, is the protector of Asgard and the god of foreknowledge, protection, and commitment in Norse mythology. He is a son of Odin.
Biography[]
Heimdall is a god born of the Nine Mothers simultaneously. Heimdall keeps watch for invaders and the onset of Ragnarök from his home named Himinbjörg (meaning "sky cliffs" or "sky mountain"), where the burning rainbow bridge, known as the Bifröst, meets the sky. To make his job easier, the gods gave him incredibly acute senses. For example, he can "hear the wool growing on a sheep's back." One of his other roles is to welcome heroes to Valhalla, along with fellow god Bragi.
One saga tells how Heimdall wandered Midgard disguised as a man named Rig, impregnating woman, who would give birth to the three social classes: the serf, the peasant, and the warrior.
A famous saga about Heimdall is when he recovered Freyja's treasured necklace Brísingamen while doing battle in the shape of a seal with Loki. Heimdall and Loki are foretold to kill one another during Ragnarök.
In Vikings[]
Season 1[]
Lagertha refers to Heimdall when judging a case involving an illegitimate baby. She attests that one of Heimdall's alter egos was "Rig," which is also the name of the bastards' father, this allows Lagertha to rule that the child should be spared.
Season 5[]
When Floki is lost at sea and out of food and water, he begs Heimdall to vouch for him. Heimdall does, and the gods send a storm that ends up washing Floki onto a strange land with black shores, lush green fields, and smoking mountains.
Description[]
Heimdall has domain over foreknowledge, protection, surveillance, purpose, and commitment. He is symbolized by his horn known as Gjallarhorn (meaning "resounding horn" or "yelling horn"). His animals are the ram, seal, and the golden-maned horse known as Gulltoppr. Colors associated with him are gold, white, red, and silver. Offerings to Heimdall should be mead and good food.