Heildin

Heildin is a term encountered in fictional and speculative contexts to describe a protective field, barrier, or shield surrounding a person, object, or place. The concept appears across fantasy literature, tabletop role‑playing games, and some science fiction settings, where it functions as a defense against external harm.

In different works, heildin can be produced by magical rites, enchanted artifacts, or advanced technology. Some depictions cast it as a continuous aura that repels attacks and requires periodic energy input, while others present it as a temporary burst that forms instantaneously and then dissipates.

Performance characteristics such as strength, duration, and susceptibility to specific kinds of attack vary widely by author or system. In many role-playing games, heildin has mechanics akin to a shield or barrier with hit points or energy costs.

Etymology and origins vary; the term is not part of a widely recognized natural language lexicon and is often created by writers. Because of its fictional status, there is no single authoritative definition.

See also: shield, energy shield, barrier, protective magic, defensive technology.