Bifrost (Bilrost, Bif-raust) (rainbow or quivering roadway) In Norse mythology, rainbow bridge, made of fire, water, and air, that led from Asgard, home of the Aesir gods, to the well of Urd. The Prose Edda tells how the gods made “a bridge from earth to heaven
. . . constructed with more art than any other work. But, strong though it be, it will be broken to pieces when the sons of Muspell [the frost giants]), after having traversed great rivers, shall ride over it.”
To delay as much as possible the end of their existence and that of the world, the gods ordered the god Heimdall to be a watchman and inform them when the frost giants were on their way. It is here that Surt and the Aesir will do battle at Ragnarok.
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SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante