Gjallarhorn

In Norse mythology, Gjallarhorn (Old Norse: [ˈɡjɑlːɑrˌhorn]; "hollering horn"^[1] or "the loud sounding horn"^[2]) is a horn associated with the god Heimdallr and the wise being Mímir. The sound of Heimdallr's horn will herald the beginning of Ragnarök, the sound of which will be heard in all corners of the world. Gjallarhorn is attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional material, and the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson.

Attestations

Gjallarhorn is attested once by name in the Poetic Edda while it receives three mentions in the Prose Edda:

Prose Edda

In the Prose Edda, Gjallarhorn is mentioned three times, all mentions occurring in Gylfaginning.

In chapter 15, the enthroned figure

In chapter 51, High foretells the events of Ragnarök. After the enemies of the gods will gather at the plain Vígríðr, Heimdallr will stand and mightily blow into Gjallarhorn. The gods will awake and assemble together at the thing.^[5]

Archaeological record

A figure holding a large horn to his lips and clasping a sword on his hip appears on a stone cross from the Isle of Man. Some scholars have theorized that this figure is a depiction of Heimdallr with Gjallarhorn.^[6]

A 9th or 10th century Gosforth Cross in Cumbria, England depicts a figure holding a horn and a sword standing defiantly before two open-mouthed beasts. This figure has been oft theorized as depicting Heimdallr with Gjallarhorn.^[7]

Theories and interpretations

Scholar

• The Snoldelev Stone, a 9th-century runestone featuring a unique three-horned symbol.
• The
  American Football team based in Minneapolis, use a large horn called the Gjallarhorn during home games at the U.S. Bank Stadium. It is blown during the opening ceremony alongside the Skol, Vikings
  fight song.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gjallarhorn.

References