2-6“The Beguiling of Gylfi” Chapter 25–27

The Brave God, the Poet, and the Watchman

Which god can hear the grass growing?

Tyr is one of the bravest gods. He also plays a great part in victory in battle. When the gods tried to bind the wolf, Tyr put his hand into its mouth to reassure it. When the gods would not set the wolf free, it bit off his hand. That is how Tyr lost a hand.

Bragi is a god of great wisdom and skill with words. Above all, he knows more about poetry than anyone else. His wife, Idunn, keeps in a chest the apples that make the gods young again. When the gods grow old, eating these apples restores their youth.

Heimdall, known as the white god, was born to 9 mothers who were sisters. At the edge of heaven, he guards Bifrost against the giants. He can hear grass growing, and even wool growing on sheep. His horn is Gjallarhorn. When he blows it, its sound reaches every world.

Illustration of The Brave God, the Poet, and the Watchman