PLEASE NOTE: This article contains MAJOR spoilers for God of War Ragnarok.
Proceed at your own risk.God of War Ragnarok marks the end of the Norse saga in the God of War series, unfolding the events of destruction that eventually leads to the death of the gods. However, the game does not closely follow the story told in Norse mythology, instead focusing on the Aesir gods as antagonists and giving Loki a very different role. Another major character that differs a lot from mythology is Heimdall, the guardian of Asgard in the myths, and Odin’s most trusted general following the death of Baldur in the God of War series.
Heimdall plays a vital role throughout the events of God of War Ragnarok. He is a direct threat to Atreus in Asgard and his death is one of the key events prophesied by the Norns. Along with his role, Heimdall’s powers, abilities, and even his origins are portrayed differently in the game. For example, in mythology, he has nine mothers, while in the game his the son of Blooughadda. In both Norse mythology and God of War Ragnarok, Heimdall is viewed as an extremely powerful figure and a key point at the start of the events of Ragnarok.
Heimdall in Norse Mythology
Heimdall guards the Bifrost in mythology using his extremely keen senses and powers of foreknowledge that allow him to observe things that are very far away. Using this, Heimdall sees the incoming Jotnar army led by Loki and blows on his horn, Gjallarhorn, to summon the other gods and make their final stand. This is one of the main differences between the game and mythology as the horn is used to gather the gods in mythology, but in God of War Ragnarok, it is used to summon the forces of the nine realms to Asgard.
Heimdall has always hated Loki, partly because he is part Jotnar, and partly because he is able to slip in and out of Asgard outside the watchful eye of the protector of the Bifrost. Once the battle starts, Heimdall comes face to face with Loki, and the pair battle by transforming into seals. After a heated battle, Heimdall is able to kill the trickster god. In the process though, Loki fatally injures Heimdall and brings down the protector of the Bifrost.
Heimdall in God of War Ragnarok
In God of War Ragnarok, Heimdall is one of the most dangerous gods that the player will be able to fight, requiring Kratos to gain a new weapon from Brok and Sindri, the Draupnir Spear. According to the Norns, Heimdall will be the one that kills Atreus unless Kratos kills him first, which is a key event of Ragnarok. Heimdall assists Odin in capturing the moon in the hopes that it will prevent Ragnarok by traveling to Hel and retrieving a special box.
Heimdall is considered to be impossible to kill due to his power of foresight and cunning intelligence; Freya even mentions that she has never seen anyone ever land a hit on him. During their mission to rescue Freyr in Vanaheim, Kratos encounters Heimdall and eventually defeats the Aesir, though the Ghost of Sparta spares his life at first. As with Baldur, Heimdall does not listen to Kratos’ warnings and swears to kill Atreus, forcing Kratos to take his life.
As in Norse mythology, Heimdall is both extremely powerful and a key figure in the events of God of War Ragnarok, both as an Aesir god and a rival to Kratos and Atreus. His powers of foresight in the game make him an extremely formidable foe and requires Kratos to use the Draupnir Spear, the newest weapon in his arsenal, to take him down. As a character in the game, Heimdall is brilliantly portrayed and his unique take forces Kratos to consider what type of god he wants to be and how he wants Atreus to live his life.
God of War Ragnarok is available now for PS4 and PS5.