the Week of Proper 25 / Ordinary 30
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Bible Encyclopedias
Heimdal
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or in Norse mythology, is the son of Odin, born of nine Jote-maidens, so that all were mothers of this god. From them he inherited beauty and greatness, from his father wisdom and power, and Odin placed him as guard of the Bifrbst bridge, where he lives in a beautiful palace, Himminbiorg (heavenly castle), and gazes about to see whether mountain giants or other enemies come near the bridge. When he is awake the gods can safely slumber, for no one can approach without his knowledge. At night he can see a distance of one hundred miles, he hears the grass and hairs grow, and sleeps as little as an eagle. When enemies approach he takes his horn and makes a great noise, and the Asas and the Einheriar, and the heroes in Walhalla assemble for combat. This takes place especially at the destruction of the world. He has a surname, Gullintani (gold-tooth), from the fact that his teeth are made of gold.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Heimdal'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/h/heimdal.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
