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Heimdal

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

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Encyclopedias
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Heimdal
McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Heimdal

or Heimdall, in Scandinavian mythology, the keeper of the gates of Heaven and the guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifrost. He is the son of Odin by nine virgins, all sisters. He is called "the god with the golden teeth." He lives in the stronghold of Himinsbiorg at the end of Bifrost. His chief attribute is a vigilance which nothing can escape. He sleeps less than a bird; sees at night and even in his sleep; can hear the grass, and even the wool on a lamb's back grow. He is armed with Gjallar, the magic horn, with which he will summon the gods on the day of judgment.