Yggdrasil: some thoughts

Attributed to Frost Zero, Creative Commons, 1990

For those unfamiliar with Norse Mythology, Yggdrasil, also known as the World Tree, is symbolic for the Universe itself. It roots, trunk, and branches support the Nine Worlds in which all beings reside. Yggdrasil is both the supporting foundation of the Universe as well as the structure which provides pathways between them.

Yggdrasil can be compared to many concepts. One important feature is its centrality. It provides a central axis around which the worlds exist. In this sense, Yggdrasil can be viewed as a force of both support and foundation, in some ways as steadiness.

Another important feature of Yggdrasil is its constantly rejuvenating nature. Whether it is being gnawed upon at the roots by Nidhoggr, the serpent of Helheim, or chewed upon at the branches by four stags, the strength and rejuvenating nature of the world tree is obvious. This is in part an ability which is assisted by the Three Norns, who bring water and mud from Urd's Well beneath the trees roots and pour it upon the trunk and branches of Yggdrasil. It is this which ensures the tree's health and ability to heal indefinitely. As the keepers of both time and fate, the Norns and there actions can be seemed as symbolic of eternity, much like Yggdrasil itself.

Some have viewed Yggdrasil as a depiction of the self. Each world can arguably be ascribed to a certain sense or unique quality we possess. This idea would be similar to the chakras of Eastern religion. For example, Asgard would be the Mind or Wisdom, or Helheim symbolic for the mortality of man. Though this view is not historical, it still is an interesting concept to explore in regards to the creation of modern practices to integrate into Vanatru or other heathen paradigms .

Hanz Frolich, Public Domain
The Sacrifice of Odin

Lastly, though there is no conclusive evidence, is the suggestion that Yggdrasil is the tree that Odin hung upon when sacrificing himself to himself. After hanging for nine nights, Odin realized, or took up the Runes, and their knowledge. If this tree was in fact the world tree Yggdrasil, this would also add an element of both mystery and self realization to the qualities embodied by Yggdrasil.

In conclusion, my opinion is that Yggdrasil is the physical embodiment of higher values. Foundation, support, eternity, fate, and wisdom are just a few timeless concepts which the world tree embodies in the Norse Cosmos. The sacred nature of trees was an important part of past  germanic and Norse traditions, and one that remains relevant in the modern revival of Germanic paganism in all its forms.

Speak to a tree, offer to it, and feel its timeless voice of strength and wisdom.

In frith,
Cena