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    Heimdall

    Character » Heimdall appears in 630 issues.

    The Norse God of Vigilance, Protection and Light, and the guardian of the rainbow bridge Bifrost which links Asgard to the rest of the Nine Worlds.

    Short summary describing this character.

    Heimdall last edited by sergiovse on 06/06/22 02:34PM View full history

    Origin

    Heimdall
    Heimdall

    Heimdall was born gifted with senses so acute that they border on the extrasensory. An Asgardian, he proved himself an extraordinary warrior. With frequent invasion and war brought to Asgard from Storm Giants and Frost Giants among other threats Odin would seek a guard for the Bifrost bridge. Due to his natural gifts of vision, sight, and hearing, Heimdall was appointed as guardian of Asgard's Bifrost Bridge by Odin, after fierce competition from fellow Asgardian warriors Agnar the Fierce and Gotron the Agile. Both of whom were also interested for the duty of guarding the Bifrost. Heimdall is the brother of Sif and frequent ally and friend to Thor. He is a highly respected and standing Asgardian, occasionally even serving as temporary ruler of Asgard.

    Not only has Heimdall served as sentry of the Bifrost bridge, but he has also been active as an agent for Odin. Heimdall played a large role in locating and gathering several mortals who would go on to be a part of the Young Gods, new super beings that would be used to pacify the Celestials judgement of Earth. Heimdall would specifically gather Chi Lo, Carter Dylam and Jason Kimball otherwise known as Harvest, Bright Sword and Genii respectively. After the powerful entity Surtur defeated Heimdall and destroyed the Bifrost, Heimdall would even briefly romance Enchantress, but would eventually return to his stand as the guardian of Bifrost upon its reconstruction. Heimdall would also take part in a rescue mission to save his sister Sif, as well as stand in for Odin as ruler of Asgard when the All Father required rest.

    Creation

    "Tremble thou not! 't was only Heimdall... Matchless, grizzled, guardian of Bifrost, the Rainbow Bridge!" -- Thor.

    Heimdall was created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Larry Lieber in 1962 based on the Norse mythological deity Heimdallr. Heimdall first appeared in Journey into Mystery #85 released in 1962.

    Character Evolution

    Silver Age

    Heimdall was first introduced as a loyal servant of Odin and friend of Thor. He has a slightly more active role, and had a short-lived romance with the Enchantress.

    Modern Age

    Heimdall was thought to have died with the other Asgardians in Ragnarok, but was actually hiding in the body of a mortal man. He was resurrected by Thor and has since returned to watching over a Midgard-bound Asgard.

    Major Story Arcs

    Post Ragnarok

    Heimdall was the first Asgardian Thor found after he returned to life, post-Ragnarok. After reconstructing the golden realm of Asgard in Broxton Oklahoma, Thor would seek to resurrect his fellow Asgardians and find himself compelled to travel to New Orleans. It was here that Thor would encounter a young passionate man furious with the devastation that New Orleans had experienced and his failure and that of others to prevent it. Thor would realize that the spirit and essence of Heimdall was hiding in the body of this mortal man from New Orleans, who had been protecting a girl and keeping a watch over a bridge. Heimdall would then aid Thor as the latter continued his quest for the bringing back other Asgardians. With Heimdalls abilities Thor was able to return Asgardians to their proper place much faster.

    Siege

    Heimdall was unable to sense Norman Osborn's Siege coming, due to Loki's machinations and he was further entrapped by Loki. He would eventually break free of his imprisonment and joined other Asgardians in the battle to save his home, but he would be severely injured during the attack. Asgard would also suffer, falling to the Earth partially destroyed in the massive battle, but with time both Asgard and Heimdall would recover.

    Shattered Heroes

    During the events of Shattered Heroes Heimdall adopts one or Garm's puppies to watch Odin and The Serpent in another realm.

    Stronger Than Monsters

    Heimdall would be increasingly aware of his sister Sif's recently erratic behavior. She had sought out Aerndis the teacher as well as caused several fights, one with Fandral and two Palace servants. She would also carry around the decapitated head of Aerndis as well begin destroying parts of Asgard. Heimdall would confront Sif angry and frustrated with her actions behavior and attitude. A tense confrontation would occur with Heimdall holding up a bad carrying the decapitated head of Aerndis with his hand waiting for Sifs retort. After a minor physical scuffle Sif explains her motivation to become stronger and more fierce and explains how she visited Aerndis to learn the Berserker incantation. The two argue of peace versus security, strength versus risk. Again they come to blows with Sif proving the stronger of the two. Heimdall would teleport Sif away hoping that some time and distance may pacify her. Where ever Heimdall had sent Sif, he had sent her to a strangely location with warriors fleeing from what would appear to be a gigantic alien appearing self declaring ruler and despot.

    Other Versions

    Ultimate Universe (Earth-1060)

    In the Ultimate Marvel universe, Heimdall is killed by Loki, who had been posing as Baron Zemo.

    Thor: The Mighty Avenger

    Heimdall in The Mighty Avenger
    Heimdall in The Mighty Avenger

    In the Thor: The Mighty Avenger all-ages series, Heimdall is once again the defender of Asgard. He fights Thor after the god tries to force his way back into the kingdom, and displays a myriad of abilities. Like his film counterpart, this version of Heimdall is black.

    Powers and Abilities

    Guardian of The Bifrost Bridge
    Guardian of The Bifrost Bridge

    Heimdall possess the standard physical attributes of an Asgardian Male: Superhuman strength enabling him to lift at least 30 tons Asgardian Females 25 tons, superhuman speed far superior to that of the finest human athlete, stamina enabling them to perform at their absolute peak for at least 24 hours before even starting to tire, superhuman reflexes greater than a human's, superhuman durability that allows them to withstand powerful impact forces, extreme temperatures and pressures, falls from great heights, energy blasts and high caliber bullets without sustaining injury; and finally, Asgardians's agility is also superhuman. Asgardians also possess a regenerative healing factor, being capable of healing from injuries such as slashes and puncture wounds in a matter of hours, and mending broken bone within the day. They can't however, regenerate missing limbs or organs without magical assistance. The Gods of Asgard are also granted certain mystical abilities that in the past have shown to get them the power to change their appearance, transform matter and wield a numerous amount of different energies. Though many Asgardian Gods/Goddess' have not shown the ability to wield any type of energy or shown any mystic abilities these powers are inherent to all of their race. Like standard conventional Asgardian gods.

    Heimdall specifically has a number of abilities and powers not typical even among Asgardians. Possessing naturally advanced superhuman senses, Heimdall's sight is so extraordinary that he can see and hear anything occurring in Asgard, spot advancing armies from such distances that such armies would still be many days distance away. His eyesight allows him to see upwards of one hundred miles. Heimdall has been referenced to be able to look across time and space itself, though this is likely to be hyperbole. Heimdall's hearing is as exceptional as his sight, being described as allowing him to hear the very sap running within trees, butterflies wings flutter, grass itself growing and wool growing on sheep. Heimdall also possesses exceptional stamina and endurance, stoically standing as guard to Asgard with a minimum degree of sleep or rest, his attention and focus firmly on Asgards protection, days, weeks and even months on end. Heimdall also has the ability to sense and perceive the life forces of Asgardians, not just those in Asgard, but those located in the various Nine Worlds.

    Heimdall has been able to project his image across vast distances to deliver messages. Heimdall also has a degree of precognitive abilities, being able to sense certain future dangers and events. Heimdall is a superb swordsman and wields the Hofund, an enchanted Uru sword, and he also is known to keep on him the Gjallerhorn, a trumpet horn which he would use to signal Asgard of threats. Heimdall also possesses a golden maned horse known as Golltoppr (also known as Gulltopper and Gold Top)

    Physical Characteristics

    • Hair: Brown
    • Eyes: Gray
    • Height: 7'2"
    • Weight: 575 lbs.

    Status

    • Known Relatives: Sif (sister)
    • Citizenship: Asgardian
    • Place of Birth: Himinbjorg, Asgard
    • Marital Status: Single
    • Occupation: Sentry of Asgard, Guardian of the Rainbow Bridge
    • Education: Unrevealed

    Other Media

    Television

    Heimdall in Agents of S.M.A.S.H.
    Heimdall in Agents of S.M.A.S.H.

    Film

    Thor (2011)

    Heimdall in the first movie
    Heimdall in the first movie

    Heimdall was played by Idris Elba in the live-action film, Thor. Elba's casting has caused controversy amongst several white supremacist groups who had threatened to boycott the film, ostensibly because of Heimdall's reputation as 'The Whitest of the Gods'. In the film, Heimdall is the stoic guardian and operator of the Bifrost, the rainbow bridge that transports beings between Asgard and the rest of the 9 worlds. He also watches the goings on of the inhabitants of the 9 worlds. Heimdall is dedicated to his job and loyal to Odin, and as a result is frozen by Loki after he realizes the trickster's scheme. He manages to free himself and help Thor and the others before needing to be hospitalized due to his injures.

    Thor: The Dark World (2013)

    Heimdall in the sequel
    Heimdall in the sequel

    Idris Elba reprises his role in the sequel, Thor: The Dark World. He informs Thor that something is wrong with Jane Foster (who has accidentally absorbed part of the Aether, one of the Infinity Stones), and helps battle the Dark Elves when they invade Asgard.

    Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

    The vision of Heimdall
    The vision of Heimdall

    Idris Elba reprises his role in Avengers: Age of Ultron. After Scarlet Witch causes Thor to see a premonition of a possible future, a dead Heimdall is seen in Hel. He physically accosts Thor and blames him for the events of Ragnarok, which have resulted in the destruction of Asgard and the death of its citizens.

    Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

    Heimdall's new look in Ragnaork
    Heimdall's new look in Ragnaork

    Idris Elba once again reprises his role in Thor: Ragnarok, the third Thor movie. In the film, Heimdall has gone missing after being declared a criminal due to his actions in Thor: The Dark World. As a result, Skurge has replaced him as the Bifrost's guardian. When Hela takes over Asgard, Heimdall returns and steals the sword needed to operate the Bifrost, preventing her from spreading her dominion to other realms. Hela's forces pursue Heimdall and the surviving Asgardians, who are ultimately rescued by Thor and his allies. After Asgard's destruction, Heimdall continues traveling the universe with Thor and the other Asgardian refugees.

    Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

    Heimdall's death
    Heimdall's death

    Idris Elba reprios his role again in Avengers: Infinity War. Picking up immediately after the events of Ragnarok, the film opens with the Asgardian refugee vessel having been captured by Thanos and his Black Order, who are in search of the Space Stone (which, unbeknownst to Thor and Heimdall, had been stolen by Loki prior to Asgard's destruction). Badly wounded, Heimdall manages to use the last of his energy to teleport Bruce Banner to Earth in order to warn the Avengers that Thanos is coming. Thanos then kills Heimdall for this act of defiance, which causes Thor to swear vengeance for his old friend.

    Video Games

    Heimdall and Beta Ray Bill in Lego Avengers
    Heimdall and Beta Ray Bill in Lego Avengers
    • Heimdall appears in the video game Marvel: Ultimate Alliance. He is seen defeated due to the villain's super-soldier army and his frozen body is being guarded by Rhino and Shocker. After defeating them, the cages blocking the mirrors must be lifted to thaw him. After that happens, he will request to the heroes to find his horn.
    • Heimdall appears in the Marvel Super Hero Squad video game voiced by Steven Blum.
    • Heimdall makes a cameo in Thor's ending in the Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds video game. After winning, Thor instructs Heimdall to watch over the Capcom universe as well as the regular Marvel Universe.
    • Heimdall is a playable character in Lego Marvel's Avengers.

    Merchandise

    Marvel Legends
    Marvel Legends
    • A Heimdall action figure by Hasbro was released for the live-action Thor movie.
    • Funko released Heimdall bobbleheads in the Pop! line for both Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Ragnarok.
    • Heimdall was featured in The Marvel Movie Collection from Eaglemoss Publications.
    • Heimdall was featured in the HeroClix figure game in both his comic and movie incarnations.
    • Heimdall was featured as part of a Disney Store exclusive Thor: Ragnarok box set.
    • The movie version of Heimdall appeared in Hasbro's Marvel Legends line as part of the Thor Build-a-Figure wave.
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