Bifrost
The gods' rainbow bridge
Norse mythology
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Introduction
Bifröst, Bilröst or Ásbrú as it is also called, and anglicized as Bifrost, is a rainbow bridge in Norse mythology that the gods made to ease their travel between the heavenly realm Asgard (Old Norse: Ásgarðr), and earth, or Midgard (Old Norse: Miðgarðr) as it is also referred to.
Rainbows have long intrigued and puzzled humanity. The way that the northern culture made sense of it was to create an explanation, a story, assign a purpose to the phenomenon, and associate it with the divine. Perhaps their logic was that something this awe-inspiring could only have been made by the gods.
In this article, we will study the existing sources in detail and examine all references in that material to understand how they became the basis of what is known today. Additionally, we will discuss intriguing gaps, loose ends, or contradictory details in the sources. By the end of this article, you should know everything there is to be known about Bifrost.
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Bridge of the gods
According to the sources, the bridge was made by the gods themselves. It’s not detailed exactly how they did so, but we are told in one of the literary sources on Norse mythology, the Prose Edda:
“Then spoke Gangleri: “What is the way to heaven from Earth?” Then Hárr answers, laughing: “That is a foolish question. Has no one told you that the gods made a bridge from Earth to the sky called Bifrost? It may be that you call it a rainbow. It is made of three colors, it is very strong and made with more skill and knowledge than any other construction.” 1
“Þá mælti Gangleri: „Hver er leið til himins af jörðu?“
Þá svarar Hárr ok hló við: „Eigi er nú fróðliga spurt. Er þér eigi sagt þat, er goðin gerðu brú af jörðu til himins, er heitir Bifröst?” Kann vera, at þat kallir þú regnboga. Hon er með þrimr litum ok mjök sterk ok ger með list ok kunnáttu meiri en aðrar smíðir.” 2
It is from this text that we know Bifrost is the rainbow in the sky, and that it was crafted with the unparalleled skills of the gods. However, this is not the only time the bridge is mentioned for its greatness in the sources.
Because, in one of the stanzas of the Old Norse poem Grímnismál, we find a list of some of the most excellent things in Norse mythology. There, Bilrost is described as the greatest of all bridges.
There it says:
This same stanza from Grímnismál is also directly quoted in the Prose Edda source, only Bilröst is there written Bifröst.
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Bifrost's defense
The bridge is defended so that it is not accessible for everyone to walk up to the heavens. According to the myth, the red color seen in the rainbow is a burning fire that acts as a deterrent and hinders access to the bridge—protecting Bifrost from unwanted crossings, from those who may otherwise attempt to do so.
In the story Gylfaginning, in the Prose Edda, this is told about Bifrost’s defense:
“Then spoke Gangleri: “Does fire rage over Bifrost?
Harr says: “That, which you see red in the bow, is a burning fire. Frost giants and rock giants would walk up to the sky if Bifrost would be accessible to everyone who would wish to cross it.” 5
Now, Bifrost is not only defended by its burning flames. A part of its defense is also the guardian who protects it.
The Aesir god Heimdall is said to guard the bridge at its end, at a place called Himinbjörg (e. Heaven’s Cliff).
As told in the 27th chapter of Gylfaginning, in the Prose Edda:
“Of Heimdallr.
He lives there, at the place named Himinbjörg [Heaven-Cliffs] by Bifrost. He is the gods’ guardian and sits at heaven’s end, guarding the bridge from rock giants.” 7
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On the different names Bifröst and Bilröst
Fáfnir
“Oskopnir it is called;
there shall the gods
with lances play;
Bilröst shall be broken,
when they go forth,
and their steed in the river swim.”
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Even though Bifröst is the more widely used name in our time, it may not be the correct name. Because in an arguably older source than the Prose Edda, the Poetic Edda the name Bilröst is used. Yet, for some reason, the name Bifröst has been ingrained in popular culture.
It could be that Snorri Sturluson, who is considered the author of the Prose Edda, quoted the Poetic Edda poems as his source on numerous occasions in his book and may have misread the name in the Poetic Edda. Or, since the Prose Edda lives on in large part in copies of the original, a copying error may have been made along the way which created these two versions of the name.
The difference does affect the meaning somewhat, as we will see next.
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Meaning of the names
Let’s start with Bifröst and break it down. The “Bif” part could derive from the Old Norse verb “Bifa”, which means to move, tremble, or shake; and “röst” means a line, road, or stripe; it’s also the name of the Old Norse mile which was about 12 km long.11 When put together it can be translated as “The moving road”.
Now, if we use the Poetic Edda version, Bilröst, the meaning changes somewhat. The first part, “Bil” means “wavering”, “a moment” or “fleeting”.12 Perhaps referring to how the bridge appears and disappears in the sky. Bilröst then means “The fleeting road”.
Thirdly, there is yet another alternative name, Ásbrú. It is used in the Grímnismál poem13 and the Prose Edda.24 That name is a compound word like Bifröst and Bilröst. Ás is the singular of Æsir, referring to the Norse gods, and “brú” means “bridge”. Therefore, it means “the bridge of the Æsir gods” or “Æsir’s bridge”. Referring to the fact the Æsir gods built the bridge1 and used it.23
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How to pronounce the names
Bifröst is pronounced [bɪfrʌst], B (bridge), ɪ (sing), f (floor), r (rust), ʌ (sung), s (sit), t (true). When it’s spoken fast the “f” can turn into a “v” sound. It’s alternative name, Bilröst, is pronounced almost the same, apart from the “f” which is switched out for “l” (light).
The name itself is a compound word formed from two parts, Bif and röst. Instead of pronouncing it “Bi-frost”, the correct way is to hit the emphasis between “Bif” and “röst”. That pronunciation is based on Icelandic, which is closest to the original Old Norse language.
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Who can cross the bridge?
The sources only mention the gods ever using the bridge.18 However, it is not specified whether that excludes everyone else from crossing it. One can speculate whether the alternative name Ásbrú (e. the bridge of the Aesir gods) refers not only to the fact that they created the bridge but are also the only ones who can use it.
At least it is stated that Frost giants and Rock giants cannot cross the bridge, because of its burning flames. As we were told in the aforementioned chapter of the Prose Edda.5
If we delve deeper into the sources, things are not as straightforward as they seemed at the surface; apparently, not all the gods can cross the bridge. Even though Thor is one of the Aesir gods, he seems to be the only one of the gods who cannot cross Bifrost because of its fire.
This is told in the aforementioned poem, Lay of Grimnir:
“Kormt and Ormt
and Kerlaugar two,
they shall Thor wade
each day,
when he goes to judge
at Yggdrasill’s ash,
because the Aesir’s bridge
burns all in flames,
the holy waters boil.”
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Now, the source doesn’t elaborate on this fact. It doesn’t explain why the fire affects him alone and why the other gods can cross the bridge despite the raging fire. Perhaps the explanation was to be found in a story that has now gone missing or was never committed to writing; a part of Norse mythology that is now lost to time.
It opens up more questions than it answers. If Bifrost connects the earth and heaven, what alternative route is Thor taking to walk to heaven? Or are those rivers in heaven? This ties into our next subject. Because Bifrost seems to connect places in the heavens as well, so it could be that Thor is just treading in the heavens.
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What is at the end of the bridge?
The tail end of Bifrost raises some questions regarding the function of the bridge, as we will soon find out.
Firstly, it is said that at the end of the bridge is Himinbjorg [e. Heaven-cliffs]. This is the abode of the god Heimdallr. We are also told that one of Odin’s halls, Valaskjalf, is there.
Some we have already seen here in the 7th quote, however, the following quote does expand on the previous one.
There it says:
“There is also an abode called Himinbjörg [Heaven-cliff]. It stands at heaven’s end by the bridge’s end, in the place where Bifrost joins heaven. There is yet another great abode, it is called Valaskjálf. Odin owns that dwelling.“ 15
From this, we learn that crossers of Bifrost are not only greeted by Himinbjorg, but also one of Odin’s halls, Valaskjalf. Inside it is Odin’s high seat, Hlidskjalf.17
Further information is provided in the Prose Edda on this topic, where it describes how Bifrost leads to another place, the Well of Urd.
There, this is told:
“Of the ash, Well of Urd and the Norns.
The third root of the ash is situated in heaven, and under that root, there is a very holy well, its name is the Well of Urd. There the gods have their place of judgment. Each day the Aesir ride up there by Bifrost. Its name is also Asbru [Aesir’s bridge].” 18
Now, it raises some questions regarding the nature or function of Bifrost. The Well of Urd seems to be a separate place. Which may mean that the ends of Bifrost are not fixed in place. Much like how rainbows are not fixed and don’t always appear in the same place.
Note also – in the quote, it says that each day the gods travel up the bridge. It’s not specified from where they are traveling exactly. Are they traveling from their home in Asgard? That would mean (if our first reference is taken literally, and Bifrost bridges the gap between earth and heaven), either Asgard is down on earth or the Well of Urd is somewhere higher in heaven, and Himinbjorg is not the highest point of Bifrost.
All theories aside- what can be concluded is that at Bifrost’s end are Himinbjorg, Valaskjalf, and Well of Urd.
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The breaking of Bifrost
The Prose Edda discusses the end of Bifrost. In an event called Ragnarok in Norse mythology, the bridge is broken when the world order falls apart and it descends into chaos.
This is told of how Bifrost is broken:
“In this din shall the heaven be cloven, and the Sons of Muspell ride thence: Surtr shall ride first, and both before him and after him burning fire; his sword is exceeding good: from it, radiance shines brighter than from the sun; when they ride over Bifrost, then the bridge shall break, as has been told before.” 20
As previously mentioned in the chapter about Bifrost’s defense, the red color in the rainbow is a raging fire that keeps frost giants and rock giants at bay. Now, the reason the sons of Muspell can ride upon Bifrost, is because they come from the burning realm of Muspellheim. They can viewed as the characterization of fire and its destructive force.
One may wonder, why does a bridge made by gods and with unparalleled skill fall apart when they ride across. An explanation is found in this quote:
“But strong as it is, yet must it be broken, when the sons of Muspell shall go forth harrying and ride it, and swim their horses over great rivers; thus they shall proceed.”
Then said Gangleri: “To my thinking the gods did not build the bridge honestly, seeing that it could be broken, and they able to make it as they would.”
Then Harr replied: “The gods are not deserving of reproof because of this work of skill: a good bridge is Bifrost, but nothing in this world is of such nature that it may be relied on when the sons of Múspell go a-harrying.” 22
En svá sterk sem hon er, þá mun hon brotna, þá er Múspellsmegir fara ok ríða hana, ok svima hestar þeira yfir stórar ár. Svá koma þeir fram.“
Þá mælti Gangleri: „Eigi þótti mér goðin gera af trúnaði brúna, ef hon skal brotna mega, er þau megu þó gera sem þau vilja.“
Þá mælti Hárr: „Eigi eru goðin hallmælis verð af þessi smíð. Góð brú er Bifröst, en enginn hlutr er sá í þessum heimi er sér megi treystast, þá er Múspellssynir herja.“ 23
According to this, the craft of the gods is no match to the forces of the sons of Muspell. Whether this is a sufficient answer is up for debate, yet, this is what the sources have to say.
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Attestations in the sources
The bridge is called either Bifrost, Bilrost or Asbru in the literary sources. Those mentions we will cover from the sources. All of the mentions are also presented above in the article.
Bilrost is mentioned two times in the Poetic Edda, in two separate poems. Those are in stanza 44 of Grímnismál [e. Lay of Grimnir]4 and stanza 15 of Fáfnismál [e. Lay of Fáfnir]10. Bifrost name is only used in the Prose Edda, where it occurs nine times in the literature2,6,8,16,19,21,23, once it directly quotes stanza 44 of Grímnismál. The name Asbru appears both in the Prose Edda [In Gylfaginning]19 and the Poetic Edda, specifically in Grímnismál14.
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Final thoughts on Bifrost
One wonders, how people would have imagined the bridge in the Viking Age. Was Bifrost a widespread belief in society or was this a fantastical story they would tell their children?
In some sources, we read that the gods have other means of traveling in the sky, without using the Bifrost. Examples of these are Loki’s shoes, Freyja’s hawk plumage, or Gullinbursti [Freyr’s boar]. Those items all have that in common to grant the ability to fly through the air, which questions the necessity of having a bridge to cross.
Now, before we conclude our guide to Bifrost, let’s go over some of the main take aways in a Q & A summary.
Q&A Summary
What is Bifrost?
Bifrost is the bridge of the Aesir gods, but what is normally called a rainbow.1 It is Norse mythology’s way of explaining the phenomenon of rainbows.Who made Bifrost?
According to Norse mythology, the Aesir gods made the rainbow bridge themselves. 1Who is the guardian of Bifrost?
The Aesir god Heimdallr sits at heaven’s end protecting Bifrost from giants; he is the guardian of the gods. 7What does Bifrost mean?
The name Bifrost translates to “The Trembling Road” or “The Moving Road”.Who destroys Bifrost in the end?
In the event of Ragnarok [the end of the world], the sons of Muspell will attempt to cross the bridge. However, as they ride across, the bridge will break, spelling the end of Bifrost.9,21,23Who can cross Bifrost?
The sources only mention that the gods cross the bridge18, that is, all except Thor.13 Now, whether that excludes everyone else from crossing it is not specified.Why is Thor not able to cross Bifrost?
Unfortunately, the reason is never explained in the sources.What is at the end of Bifrost?
At Bifrost’s end is Heimdall’s abode, Himinbjorg [Heaven-cliffs], and one of Odin’s halls, Valaskjalf.7,15 However, the gods are also said to travel across Bifrost to the Well of Urd, by the ash of Yggdrasill.18[1] Eiður Eyþórsson, 2024, Prose Edda, We Vikings.
[2] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning, 13th chapter.
[3] Benjamin Thorpe, 1865, The Edda Of Sæmund The Learned, Lay of Grímnir, stanza 44.
[4] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Eddukvæði (Sæmundar Edda). Grímnismál, stanza 44.
[5] Eiður Eyþórsson, 2024, Prose Edda, We Vikings.
[6] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning, 15th chapter.
[7] Eiður Eyþórsson, 2024, Prose Edda, We Vikings.
[8] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning, 27th chapter.
[9] Benjamin Thorpe, 1866, The Edda Of Sæmund The Learned, The Lay of Fáfnir, stanza 15.
[10] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Eddukvæði (Sæmundar Edda). Fáfnismál, stanza 15.
[11] Árni Böðvarsson, 1996, Íslensk orðabók, Mál og menning.
[12] Árni Böðvarsson, 1996, Íslensk orðabók, Mál og menning.
[13] Eiður Eyþórsson, 2024, Poetic Edda, We Vikings. Grímnismál, stanza 29.
[14] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Eddukvæði (Sæmundar Edda). Grímnismál, stanza 29.
[15] Eiður Eyþórsson, 2024, Prose Edda, We Vikings, Gylfaginning, 17th chapter.
[16] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning, 17th chapter.
[17] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning, 17th chapter.
[18] Eiður Eyþórsson, 2024, Prose Edda, We Vikings, Gylfaginning, 15th chapter.
[19] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning, 15th chapter.
[20] Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur, 1916, The Prose Edda. New York: The American-Scandinavian Foundation, Gylfaginning, 51st chapter.
[21] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning. 51st chapter.
[22] Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur, 1916, The Prose Edda. New York: The American-Scandinavian Foundation, Gylfaginning, 13th chapter.
[23] Guðni Jónsson, 1954, Edda Snorra Sturlusonar, Prentverk Odds Björnssonar, Gylfaginning. 13th chapter.
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