Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse
Considering I went out of my way to find this location, I figured it worth mentioning in a quick post. In a sense it's linked to my last, and my enthusiasm for Norse mythology, but it also ties in to my musical tastes, particularly a band called of Montreal.
The rock band is not actually from Montreal, instead hailing from Athens, Georgia and deriving its name from a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. In their album Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? much of the content is derived from time spent in Oslo, and the song Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse (watch the official video here) refers specifically to a road (Heimdalsgata) found in the city.
This in and of itself would make the street a fun stop during my journey, but what really interests me is the etymology of the route's name. Heimdallr is a clairvoyant Norse god with keen eyesight and hearing (he is said to be able to hear grass growing) who keeps watch for the onset of Ragnarök. He guards the inhabitants of Asgard (the realm of the gods) at his post at Bifröst, a shimmering bridge that connects the only entrance to their land with Midgard, the home of mortals.
I think this makes for an endearing street name. I couldn't help but feel safe living on a road supposedly defended by a god who fights giants on the regular. I'd like to say that some day I might move there, but I'll need to get a few more dollars under my belt before I can take on that adventure.
Farvel Oslo, og takk for all fisken! (So long [Oslo], and thanks for all the fish!)
The rock band is not actually from Montreal, instead hailing from Athens, Georgia and deriving its name from a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. In their album Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? much of the content is derived from time spent in Oslo, and the song Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse (watch the official video here) refers specifically to a road (Heimdalsgata) found in the city.
Selfie in front of a street sign. Locals stared. I am a weirdo.
This in and of itself would make the street a fun stop during my journey, but what really interests me is the etymology of the route's name. Heimdallr is a clairvoyant Norse god with keen eyesight and hearing (he is said to be able to hear grass growing) who keeps watch for the onset of Ragnarök. He guards the inhabitants of Asgard (the realm of the gods) at his post at Bifröst, a shimmering bridge that connects the only entrance to their land with Midgard, the home of mortals.
I think this makes for an endearing street name. I couldn't help but feel safe living on a road supposedly defended by a god who fights giants on the regular. I'd like to say that some day I might move there, but I'll need to get a few more dollars under my belt before I can take on that adventure.
We ate a LOT of sushi. Photo of me taken as I hung out during a fjord cruise!
Farvel Oslo, og takk for all fisken! (So long [Oslo], and thanks for all the fish!)
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