The etymology of the name is obscure, but 'the one who illuminates the world' has been proposed. 2.1 Saltfleetby spindle whorl inscription.

Due to the enigmatic nature of these attestations, scholars have produced various theories about the nature of the god, including his relation to sheep, borders, and waves. Two lines of an otherwise lost poem about the god, Heimdalargaldr, survive. Heimdall is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional material in the Prose Edda and Heimskringla, both written in the 13th century in the poetry of skalds and on an Old Norse runic inscription found in England. Heimdallr is also known as Rig, Hallinskiði, Gullintanni, and Vindlér or Vindhlér. The antagonistic relationship between Heimdall and Loki is notable, as they are foretold to kill one another during the events of Ragnarök. Other notable stories include the recovery of Freyja's treasured possession Brísingamen while doing battle in the shape of a seal with Loki. He is the son of Odin and the Nine Mothers, and he is said to be the originator of social classes among humanity. Heimdall possesses the resounding horn Gjallarhorn and the golden-maned horse Gulltoppr, along with a store of mead at his dwelling. For example, Heimdall is gold-toothed, 'the head is called his sword,' and he is 'the whitest of the gods.' The god and his possessions are described in enigmatic manners. He is attested as possessing foreknowledge and keen senses, particularly eyesight and hearing. In Norse mythology, Heimdall (from Old Norse Heimdallr, ) is a god who keeps watch for invaders and the onset of Ragnarök from his dwelling Himinbjörg, where the burning rainbow bridge Bifröst meets the sky. Heimdallr brings forth the gift of the gods to humanity (1907) by Nils Asplund

Heimdallr smite