Heimdall Blows Gjallarhorn

Heimdall Blows Gjallarhorn

Heimdall Blows Gjallarhorn - History

Hejmdal Listens at Bifröst
1861 Constantin Hansen

Heimdall as Rig
1882 Carl Emil Doepler, Sr.

Heimdall Pleads with Hel for Idun's Release
1882 Carl Emil Doepler, Sr.

Heimdall on his horse Gulltopp leads the Gods
over Bifrost as Thor wades.

Heimdall (center) with Loki and Bragi
plead with Idun

Heimdall as Rig

Heimdall visits Fadir and Modir

Heimdall Instructs Jarl

1998 Christopher Appel

Artist Unknown


Heimdallr also appears as Heimdalr and Heimdali. The etymology of the name is obscure, but 'the one who illuminates the world' has been proposed. Heimdallr may be connected to Mardöll, one of Freyja's names. Ώ] Heimdallr and its variants are sometimes modernly anglicized as Heimdall (with the nominative -r dropped) or Heimdal.



Befitting his status as a watchman, Heimdall possessed the keenest senses of sight and hearing among all the gods. In the Gylfaginning, a book of the Prose Edda by the thirteenth-century Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson, it was claimed that Heimdall required less sleep than a bird, could see in the night as though it were day, and could spot a target from a hundred leagues away. Additionally, his sense of hearing was said to be so acute that he could hear grass grow and wool sprout from sheep.

Depiction of Heimdall blowing the Gjallarhorn from the SÁM 66, an Icelandic illuminated manuscript of the sixteenth century. Public Domain

Heimdall carried a horn called the Gjallarhorn, meaning “shrieking horn” or “loudest horn.” According to prophecies, when Heimdall spied the events signaling the beginning of Ragnarök, he will blow the horn with a resounding shriek so penetrating it would be heard in all worlds, bringing the Norse gods together for the final battle.

The divine sentinel rode a golden-maned horse called Gulltoppr (appropriately “the golden-maned”) and lived in a castle in the clouds called Himinbjörg (“the castle of the heavens,” or “sky castle”). Himinbjörg stood at the Asgardian end of the Bifrost, the rainbow bridge that connected Asgard, the world of the gods, to Midgard, the world of humans. In the Grímnismál of the Poetic Edda, Odin described Himinbjörg as one of the most wondrous of all places in Asgard:

Himingbjorg is the eight, and Heimdall there
O’er men hold sway, it is said
In his well-built house does the warder of heaven
The good mead gladly drink. 2

The Horn That Blasts Through All the Worlds

Heimdall possesses a horn known as Gjallarhorn, which is the object this god is most commonly associated with. This horn is said to be so powerful that a blast from it can be heard in all the worlds. When Heimdall spots the enemies of the Norse gods gathering on the plains of Vigrid, he will blow Gjallarhorn to assemble the gods to prepare for the final battle. During the events of Ragnarok, Heindall is destined to face Loki in battle, during which the two gods will slay each other.

A part of the Gosforth Cross, possibly 10 th century, showing a double-monster and a figure with a spear and a horn, believed to be Heimdallr ( public domain )

The watchman of the gods also has several smaller appearances in the Norse myths. As an example, the Skaldskaparmal, another book in the Prose Edda , begins with the visit of Aegir, a jotunn, to Asgard. Odin prepares a banquet for his guest, and a number of the Norse gods attend it. Heimdall is said to be one of them. In the same book, Heimdall is also mentioned to have been one of the gods who attended the funeral procession of Baldur, during which he rides his steed Gulltoppr.

Blowing the Gjallarhorn

The Gjallarhorn appears in Snorri Sturluson’s 13th century collection of Norse legends, the Prose Edda.

The horn is well-known for the role it plays in the prophecies of Ragnarök.

According to the Prose Edda, Gjallarhorn is in the possession of the god Heimdall.

Before Ragnarök officially begins, many things will happen in Midgard, the world of men. Three years of bitter winter will grip the land, killing most men and making the rest turn to theft and murder to survive.

As this long winter ends, the various bound monsters of legend will all break free. Loki and his son Fenrir will break their chains, Nidhogg will escape from Hel, and Jörmundgandr will pull itself out of the sea.

Midgard will then be invaded by enemies from other worlds Loki will bring frost giants and Hel will march forth with her wolf, Garmr, and legions of the dead.

The fire giants, or jötnar, will also come out of Muspelheim. They will burn the world behind them as they march to the Bifröst bridge under the leadership of Surt.

The rainbow bridge that connects Asgard, the home of the Aesir gods, and Midgard will buckle under the weight of the fire giants. As they reach the top, it will crumble.

Heimdall, guarding the bridge, will see this. When the fire giants march on the Bifröst, Heimdall will blow Gjallarhorn.

The horn is so loud that it can be heard across all the worlds. This will alter both the gods and their enemies that Ragnarök has officially begun.

While the Gjallarhorn is only named in later sources, at least two images from the archaeological record seem to attest to its existence.

Two stone crosses, one in England and one on the Isle of Man, show a large figure with a horn at its side. Both are theorized to be Heimdall in possession of the Gjallarhorn.

On the Gosford Cross in Cumbria, the figure holds a sword in addition to the horn and faces down two snake-like beasts with open mouths. Many historians interpret this as a depiction of Heimdall during Ragnarök.

Before Heimdall blows the Gjallarhorn to announce Ragnarök, however, it serves a much different purpose.

Far from the Bifröst bridge, at the roots of Yggdrasil, sits the disembodied head of Mímir.

The god of knowledge was beheaded by the Vanir as they and the Aesir ended the war between the gods. His body was not found, but his head was found and resurrected by Odin.

Mímir sits beside a well that has water imbued with his power. A single drink of this water has the power to reveal untold knowledge and make a person wiser than any man who has ever lived.

Odin sacrificed an eye to drink from this well just once. Mímir, however, drinks from it every day.

According to another passage in the Prose Edda, Mímir uses Gjallarhorn to drink from the Mímisbrunnr well each morning. The horn that will one day announce Ragnarök until then enables Mímir to give Odin wise advice whenever he is in need of it.

My Modern Interpretation

The Prose Edda never provides an explanation for why the same horn is used by both Mímir and Heimdall for very different purposes. No rationale is ever given for how Heimdall receives the horn or, for that matter, how Mímir uses it without a body.

Some scholars believe, however, that the appearance of the same horn in both contexts is not entirely unusual.

In early Germanic culture, both musical instruments and drinking vessels were made of the same material – horns.

Horns were blown during certain rituals and celebrations in honor of the gods. Toasts and libations were often given, so it is possible that the same horn would have been used for both purposes.

An example of this may be in a pair of well-known Danish artifacts, the Golden Horns of Gallehus. These ornate 5th century horns are believed by some to have been used in rituals, although their exact purpose remains unknown.

Another example is seen later in history, in the Old French Song of Roland. In this medieval work, the hero’s horn Olifont similarly serves as both a warhorn and a drinking horn.

If such horns were used in religious ceremonies, it is possible that Gjallarhorn represents a horn that was sacred to Odin.

In its use as a drinking horn, it is one of the sources of the god’s famous wisdom. Mímir gives Odin wise advice throughout his life, but Odin’s single drink from the well, presumably with the use of Gjallarhorn, is a major event in his development.

As a warhorn, however, Gjallarhorn is blown just once. It sounds doom for Odin and the rest of the world.

When Odin drank from Mímisbrunnr, he gained knowledge that helped him understand his fate. When the Gjallarhorn is blown, however, that fate comes to fruition.

The Gjallarhorn represents two aspects of Odin and his worship. The first is his pursuit of knowledge, the second is his status as a warrior. The knowledge gained in one act of the ritual, however, does not offset the fate that the other aspect announces.

A horn would logically be included in both stories, that of Ragnarök and that of the Well of Knowledge, because of the practical purposes horns served in Germanic culture. A horn would have been used both to drink from a well and to announce the beginning of a battle.

By naming them both as the same item, however, Snorri Sturluson opened up a new interpretation. The Gjallarhorn is not a simple, practical device, but is instead a ritual item that encompasses both aspects of Odin’s worship and the highs and lows of his story.

In Summary

In Norse mythology, the Gjallarhorn is best known as the instrument that will announce the beginning of Ragnarök. According to the Prose Edda, Heimdall will blow the powerful horn when Surt’s fire giants overrun the bridge that connects Midgard to the world of the gods.

God Idea: Heimdall, watcher of the Bifrost (Norse)


Heimdall (or Heimdallr) is the guardian of the Bifrost, and is know as "The whitest of all gods" in Norse mythology. He has the ability to see and hear from very far distances. He owns the horn called Gjallarhorn, which he will use to sound Ragnarok. He also owns a sword called "The Head" or Hufud, and the golden-maned horse called, Gulltoppr, he also has golden teeth. While he waits for Ragnarok, he sits in his dwelling called, Himinbjorg, drinking fine mead.

Heimdall will be a physical support tank
Pros: High defense
cons: low damage

Health: 460 (+38)
Mana: 140 (+28)
attack per sec: 0.8 (+0.04)
range: 14 (melee)
speed: 345
physical power: 34 (+2.5)
magical power: 0
physical protection: 28 (+1)
magical protection: 16 (+0.8)
health regen: 8 (+0.55)
mana regen: 5 (+0.40)

Passive: Guardian of the Bifrost:
- each time Heimdall prevent enemy minions from entering the range of a tower, phoenix, or minotaur he gets a stack up to 3 that increase his physical and magical defense
Protection increase: +8

Move #1: Eyes of Heimdall
- whenever Heimdall activates this he is able to see and hear enemy gods in a very large radius. When Heimdall activates it he can toggle it on and off but it costs mana
Sight Increase: 80%
Mana cost:

Move #2: Hofud's Strike:
- Heimdall strike in front front on him with his sword in a stabbing motion. This will do physical damage to enemy. This will also dash Heimdall forward a little bit
Physical damage: (+28% of your physical power)
Mana cost:
cool down time: 10 secs
range: 8

Move #3: Mead of Himinbjorg:
- Heimdall heals himself and alliea in a small radius with fine mead.
Heal amount: (+26% of your physical power)
Mana cost:
cool down time: 12 secs

Ultimate: Sounding Gjallarhorn:
- Heimdall take of Gjallarhorn from his back and blows it loudly 2 times. This does physical damage to the enemy gods for each time he blows the horn. This also stuns enemy gods for a certain amount of time. Heimdall can move while doing this, but is slowed.
Physical power: (x2)
Mana cost:
cool down time: 75 secs
stun duration: 2 secs
self slow: 15%? (tell me if it needs to be higher)

The Gjallarhorn

The Gjallarhorn (Old Norse “Resounding Horn”) is one of the most prized treasures of the gods. Heimdall, the gods’ ever-vigilant sentry, keeps watch over their celestial stronghold Asgard day and night with the Gjallarhorn in his hand. During Ragnarok, the final battle in which the cosmos will be destroyed, the giants will march upon Asgard. When Heimdall spots them heading for the gods’ sanctuary, he will let out such a huge blast from the Gjallarhorn that it will be heard throughout all the cosmos. [1] Then all of the gods – and, indeed, all living beings – will know that their doom has arrived.

The Gjallarhorn seems to have been seen as both a blowing horn and a drinking horn, since passages in Old Norse literature describe Mimir and possibly Heimdall himself drinking from it. [2]

Unfortunately, the Gjallarhorn’s appearance is never described in the sources, so we’re left to guess. However, it seems safe to assume that, being one of the gods’ most cherished possessions, it would have been imagined to be more exquisitely wrought and carved than the finest horn used among humans.

Horns were one of the oldest Germanic musical instruments, and are well-attested in the archaeological record. Some of these horns seem to have possessed religious significance – might they have been the earthly counterparts of the mythical Gjallarhorn? [3]


[1] Davidson, H.R. Ellis. 1964. Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. p. 29.

[2] Simek, Rudolf. 1993. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Translated by Angela Hall. p. 111.

GOD CONCEPT - Heimdall, Guardian of the Gods

EDIT: Please note, the numbers I provided in the concept are not final. I am not sure what values would be overpowered or not. But if there are any that are ridiculous, please let me know.

“In Norse mythology, Heimdall is a god who possesses the resounding horn Gjallarhorn, owns the golden-maned horse Gulltoppr, has gold teeth, and is the son of Nine Mothers. Heimdall is attested as possessing foreknowledge, keen eyesight and hearing, is described as "the whitest of the gods" and keeps watch for the onset of Ragnarök while drinking fine mead in his dwelling Himinbjörg, located where the burning rainbow bridge Bifröst meets heaven. Heimdall requires less sleep than a bird, can see at night just as well as if it were day, and for over a hundred leagues. Heimdall's hearing is also quite keen he can hear grass as it grows on the earth, wool as it grows on sheep, and anything louder. Heimdall possesses a trumpet, Gjallarhorn, that, when blown, can be heard in all worlds. He is the son of nine mothers, guardian of the gods, Loki’s enemy, and recoverer of Freya’s necklace.” (all of this information was taken from Wikipedia)

Pantheon: Norse
Class: Warrior, Physical
Subclass: Support
Appearance: Traditional Norse appearance, wielding a sword in his right hand and the Gjallarhorn in his left.

Every 4 minutes and at the start of the game, Heimdall receives one sentry ward added to an item slot. If no consumable slots are available, it will be added the next time he is at the fountain with an available slot. He gains 4 protections for every ward your team have placed. Heimdall may have an additional ward placed at all times (still only one sentry at a time).

Possible bug could be The Morrigan turning into Heimdall and then an issue with the ward.

Heimdall blows the Gjallarhorn, affecting all allies and enemies (even minions) in a 40 ft radius. Enemies are slowed 10% and have reduced physical protections. Enemy gods take a percentage of their max health in damage. Allies gain additional movement speed.
Physical protection reduction: 5/10/15/20/25 for 3 seconds
Minion damage: 60/120/180/240/300 (+40% physical power)
God damage: Not sure what percentage would be right here.
Movement speed increase: 5/5/5/10/10% for 5 seconds

Heimdall spots a threat and dashes into action, sweeping his sword 360° in front of him as he does so. Gods hit by this dash are stunned, gods hit by his sword are slowed and are revealed on the map for 5 seconds. Gods hit by both take extra damage.
Dash: 50/70/90/120/150 (+40% physical power)
Sword: 80/130/190/260/330 (+40% physical power)
Bonus damage: 30% physical power

For the damage on this ability, the dash will have a line hit box and the sword sort of spins while he's dashing so it will be in front of him the first half of the dash and behind him the second half. Gods hit with both take the extra damage. It also applies both effects of the ability, so it encourages precision while also being able to have a larger range effect.

Heimdall can predict incoming attacks and warn his allies. While this ability is activated, Heimdal and all allies in 30 ft radius gain mitigations for 6s.
5/5/10/10/15% mitigations.

For this ability, I based it off of Ares's 2, however his gives protections. I don't know how many mitigations is too much so I lowered them from my original numbers. Let me know if they're still too high.

Heimdall sees the coming of Ragnarok, and calls his allies to his aid. He opens the Bifrost at every ward placed the wards are revealed but can not be destroyed. Allies who step on an open Bifrost will be teleported to Heimdall’s location after 2s. Heimdall, and anyone being teleported are CC immune and rooted. This ultimate lasts for 10 seconds or until all of your allies have teleported through. The duration will extend if someone is being teleported in the last seconds. Heimdall can also cancel the ability, but only if none of his allies are trying to teleport to him.

I decided to have it be 10 seconds so if your teammate is being chased through the jungle, they will have time to run to the nearest ward and be carried to safety. Maybe the extending the time is too strong but that can be changed easily since the teleport relic cancels if your structure is destroyed. Same could happen if the time runs out.

Heimdall is an interesting god and there are so many ways you could take this god in terms of his kit. I wanted to make him act like someone who would rally his allies to fight. I'm not very sure about the damage numbers because I obviously have no experience with god balancing, but Iɽ like for him to be a high damage bully with decent sustain. His kit's lack of hard cc is his biggest weakness but I hope that the rest of his abilities can make up for that.

Please only constructive criticism. This is my first concept and I put a lot of time into it. Thanks.


Falun Gong Is Vindicated In 2017?

We have added yet another crucial component to understanding this unique year of 2017 when all prophecies seem to converge around the topic of judgment and truth being presented to mankind concerning the existence of Gods and the truth about Falun Gong as a righteous way for future people to reach enlightenment. Furthermore the ”Beast Of The East” is prophecied to die this year by Ragno Nero – indicating the demise of former CCP tyrant Jiang Zemin who started the persecution of 100 million Chinese Falun Gong practitioners. Finally, the persecution of Falun Gong has been ongoing for 18 years in 2017(6+6+6 = 18 – the Devil´s number) giving yet another sign of the importance of this year.

Watch the video: Destiny - Gjallarhorn of Heimdall The White Received!!! ;-