ORIGIN: Nordic [Icelandic] and Germanic
TYPE: Of uncertain status but probably a guardian deity.
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP: Viking Period (circa CE 700) and earlier to Christianization (circa CE 1100)
SYNONYMS: Mardall; possibly Rig; "the white god"
ART REFERENCES: None known but probably the subject of anonymous carvings.
LITERARY SOURCES: Icelandic codices; Prose Edda (Snorri); Place names.
INFORMATION: Heimdall is an enigmatic deity to whom there is considerable reference in the codices. He is drawn as the sentry or guardian, a tireless watcher over Asgard, needing no sleep and able to see in the darkest of nights. According to mythology, he lives besides the rainbow bridge connecting Asgard with the other realms. His symbol is the Gjallarhorn which is used to alert the gods to the onset of Ragnarok (doom). He came also to be associated with guardianship of the world tree (Yggdrasil). Said to be born of nine giantesses, the waves of the sea (See Aegir) and in some legends he is the father of mankind. The Voluspa (Codex Regius) begins with the words: "Hear me, all ye hallowed beings, both high and low of Heimdall's children." Heimdall has close links with Freyja and his synonym Mardall parallels Mardoll (See Freyja). He may even have been a Vanir god. Said to have fought a sea battle with Loki.