Hofund is an Asgardian sword used by Heimdall and, during his exile, Skurge. It also serves as a key to opening the Bifrost Bridge.
History
Protector of the Realms
Heimdall uses Hofund as a key to open the Bifrost Bridge and transport people across the Nine Realms.[1]
Frost Giants Attack
Heimdall opening the Bifrost Bridge.
While warning Thor, Sif, Loki, and the Warriors Three about his oath to protect Asgard from invasion as they traveled to Jotunheim, Heimdall placed Hofund in a slot that activated the Bifrost Bridge.[1]
Loki Takes the Throne
Heimdall used his sword in an attempt to attack Loki, but Loki simply froze him in ice with the Casket of Ancient Winters before the blow could strike. Eventually, he was able to free himself, and he quickly cut down the two Frost Giants who had been left to guard the Bifrost, opening the Bridge for Thor and his friends using Hofund as a key.[1]
Sacking of Asgard
During the Sacking of Asgard, Heimdall used Hofund to activate the shield around Asgard.[2]
Committing Treason
Heimdall drew Hofund to get Odin's and the Einherjar's attention to distract them while Thor, Loki, and Jane Foster were escaping in an Asgardian Skiff.[2]
Heimdall's Banishment
After the events of the Sacking of Asgard, Loki rules Asgard disguised as his father: Odin. Most likely due to Loki seeing Heimdall as a threat to his reign over Asgard, he exiles Heimdall for supposed negligence of duty. During this time, Loki employs Skurge as Heimdall's replacement. Skurge uses Hofund to return Thor home from Muspelheim.[3]
Hela's Coup
Stealing Hofund
In attempts to disable the Bifrost Bridge, Heimdall steals Hofund before Hela and Skurge can reactivate the Bifrost. He then uses Hofund as a regular weapon to fend of Hela's army for the remainder of her occupation of the Asgardian throne.[3]
Aftermath
With Asgard destroyed, Hofund's specific use as a key to the Bifrost Bridge has become redundant. However that does not stop Heimdall from carrying Hofund with him and using it like a regular blade.[3]
Trivia
- In the comics, Hofund was made by the Dwarf smiths of Nidavellir, like Thor's hammer Mjolnir and Odin"s Spear Gungnir.
- Hofund is most commonly used to open the Bifrost, but Gungnir was also used for this purpose by Odin and Loki.
- Heimdall's sword in Norse mythology is called Höfuð (or Hofud), meaning 'head'.
- Hofund was designed and forged by Indiana swordsmith, David DelaGardelle.
