Heimdall facts for kids

Heimdall and Freyja

Heimdall (also called Heimdallr) is a very important god in Norse mythology. He is known as the watchful guardian of the Bifröst Bridge, which is the rainbow bridge connecting Asgard (the home of the gods) to the human world. He was said to be the son of nine different mothers and was sometimes called the White God.

Heimdall is the special protector of the gods. He has incredible senses that allow him to hear the grass grow and see to the very ends of the world. He can even hear a leaf fall! Unlike other gods, Heimdall never needs to sleep.

Heimdall's Special Horn

Heimdall owns a powerful horn called the Gjallarhorn. If Asgard is ever in danger, he will blow this horn to warn all the gods. This warning will let them know that a great battle is about to begin.

Heimdall at Ragnarok

At the very end of the world, known as Ragnarok, Heimdall is said to be one of the last gods to fall. During this huge event, he will face off against the trickster god Loki. They are fated to fight each other until both are defeated.

Images for kids

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  Heimdallr brings forth the gift of the gods to humanity (1907) by Nils Asplund

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  Heimdall blows Gjallarhorn in an 1895 illustration by Lorenz Frølich

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  Rig in Great-grandfather's Cottage (1908) by W. G. Collingwood

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  The cock Gullinkambi atop his head and the burning rainbow bridge Bifröst in the background, Heimdall blows into Gjallarhorn while holding a sword with a man's face on it (a reference to the "man's head" kenning). Illustration (1907) by J. T. Lundbye.

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  The Gosforth Cross panel often held to depict Heimdall with Gjallarhorn

See also

In Spanish: Heimdal para niños