The Bifrost was one of the most beautiful images in Norse mythology. The Vikings believed it was a glowing rainbow bridge that stretched from the human world all the way up to Asgard, the home of the gods. The myths say it shimmered with red, blue, and green flames that burned anyone who tried to climb it without permission.
A god named Heimdall guarded the bridge night and day. According to the legend, he had super-senses: he could hear grass growing in the meadows, hear wool growing on sheep’s backs, and see for hundreds of miles in every direction. He needed less sleep than a bird. He carried a great horn called Gjallarhorn, which he would blow if enemies tried to attack.
The Vikings believed Heimdall would finally blow the horn at the start of Ragnarök, warning the gods that the end was coming. In the final battle, the bridge would shatter under the weight of the giants charging across it, and the rainbow would crash down into pieces.
