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Bifröst

12 questions · Mythology

In Norse mythology, Bifröst is the shimmering rainbow bridge that links the world of the gods, Asgard, with the world of humans, Midgard. Built of three colours and blazing power, it is guarded by the ever-watchful god Heimdall, who notices any approach of enemies at once. At Ragnarök, however, the bridge will break under the onrushing giants. Bifröst is the shining link between the worlds. Its red hue was explained in the sagas as blazing fire meant to keep out the unworthy. Snorri describes Bifröst as a three-coloured bridge whose red band is burning fire: a flame barrier against the giants. The name probably means “the trembling way”, and the bridge is indeed the most fragile thing in the gods' world: every day the Aesir ride across it to their court at the Well of Urd; only Thor may not cross: his thunderous tread would be too much, so he wades through the rivers instead. At its end stands Himinbjörg, the “heaven-fortress” of the watchman Heimdall. He needs less sleep than a bird, sees a hundred leagues and hears the grass grow: the perfect border guard. His Gjallarhorn will sound Ragnarök when Muspell's sons storm the bridge and the “best of bridges”, as the Grímnismál calls it, shatters beneath their hooves.

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6 of 12 questions with answers

What is Bifröst?

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The rainbow bridge

It links Asgard and Midgard.

💡 Did you know? It shimmers in glowing colours.

Which god guards the bridge Bifröst?

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Heimdall

He sees and hears almost everything.

💡 Did you know? His horn Gjallarhorn announces Ragnarök.

What happens to Bifröst at Ragnarök?

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It breaks

It collapses under the onrushing giants.

💡 Did you know? Its breaking helps herald the end of the world.

Which two worlds does Bifröst connect?

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Asgard and Midgard

The world of gods and of humans.

💡 Did you know? Normally only gods may cross it.

What does the name Bifröst probably mean?

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The trembling way

Others read it as: the shimmering way.

💡 Did you know? Both suit a rainbow.

How many colours does Bifröst have according to Snorri?

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Three

The red band is burning fire.

💡 Did you know? The flames ward off the giants.

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