Yggdrasil— Norse Mythical Place"The World Tree"

The World Tree

Yggdrasil is the axis of existence, an ash tree of incomprehensible size that holds the entire Norse cosmos together. Its branches reach above the heavens, its trunk passes through the middle worlds, and its three roots extend into the deepest realms of being. Every god, giant, human, and creature exists somewhere among its branches or beneath its shade.

The Nine Worlds

Within Yggdrasil's embrace lie the Nine Worlds: Asgard (realm of the Æsir), Vanaheim (realm of the Vanir), Alfheim (realm of light elves), Midgard (realm of humans), Jotunheim (realm of giants), Svartalfheim (realm of dwarves), Niflheim (realm of ice and mist), Muspelheim (realm of fire), and Helheim (realm of the dead). The tree connects them all, and those with the power can travel between worlds along its roots and branches.

The Three Wells

Three wells lie beneath Yggdrasil's roots. The Well of Urðr, tended by the Norns, whose waters are so holy they turn all things white. The Well of Mímir, containing all wisdom, where Odin sacrificed his eye to drink. And Hvergelmir, the roaring cauldron from which all rivers flow, where Níðhöggr gnaws the roots.

The Creatures of the Tree

Yggdrasil teems with life. An unnamed eagle sits in its highest branches, with the hawk Veðrfölnir perched between its eyes. The dragon Níðhöggr gnaws at the roots below. The squirrel Ratatoskr runs up and down the trunk, carrying insults between eagle and serpent. Four stags browse the leaves, and countless serpents plague the roots.

Odin's Gallows

Yggdrasil means "Odin's Horse"—a kenning for gallows, because Odin hung himself from its branches for nine nights, pierced by his own spear, to gain the secret of the runes. The tree witnessed the Allfather's sacrifice and initiation into magic. It has stood since before time began, and it will survive Ragnarök, sheltering those who will rebuild the world.