Heimdallr

In Norse mythology, Heimdall (from Old Norse Heimdallr; modern Icelandic Heimdallur) is a god and the son of Odin and nine mothers. Heimdall maintains vigilant watch for invaders and the onset of Ragnarök from his dwelling Himinbjörg, where the burning rainbow bridge Bifröst meets the sky. He possesses foreknowledge and extraordinarily keen senses, particularly exceptional eyesight and hearing. The god and his attributes are described in enigmatic terms: he is golden-toothed, "the head is called his sword," and he is known as "the whitest of the gods."

Heimdall owns the resounding horn Gjallarhorn and the golden-maned horse Gulltoppr, and keeps a store of mead at his dwelling. As the son of Nine Mothers, he is credited as the originator of social classes among humanity. Among his notable exploits is the recovery of Freyja's treasured Brísingamen while battling Loki in the form of a seal. The antagonistic relationship between Heimdall and Loki is significant, as they are destined to kill one another during Ragnarök. Heimdall is also known by several other names: Rig, Hallinskiði, Gullintanni, and Vindlér or Vindhlér.

Heimdall appears in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional material; in the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, also written in the 13th century; in skaldic poetry; and likely in a runic inscription on the Saltfleetby spindle-whorl discovered in England. Two lines of an otherwise lost poem about the god, Heimdalargaldr, survive. Due to the cryptic nature of these references, scholars have developed various theories about Heimdall's nature, including possible connections to sheep, borders, and waves.