Mythical Beginnings Heimdall is among the most loved of the Norse gods He is known by many names including the Bright God Gullintani the golden-toothed Vindhler wind shelter and Riger Heimdall possessed as many talents as he did names Heimdall was given the important task of guarding Asgard the home of the gods With his sword his trumpet and his horse Heimdall kept out the Frost Giants 4
Heimdall had a most unusual childhood even for a Norse god His father was Odin Odin was the father of all the gods 5
Stranger still Heimdall had nine mothers They were Gialp Greip Egia Augeia Ulfrun Aurigiafa Sindur Atla and Iarnsaxa 6
Heimdall’s mothers fed him unusual meals He drank from the sea He ate the heat of the sun and the strength of the earth Heimdall was fully grown by the time he was one 7
