Yggdrasil, also called the cosmic ash tree, is the tree of life that supports the nine worlds. It represents a very important symbol for the Vikings. Indeed, it corresponds, in other terms, to the universe in our current culture.
Norse mythology is divided into nine worlds, each with its own specificity:
- Asgard, where the Aesir gods live, led by Odin
- Vanaheim, where the Vanir lived for centuries
- Alfheim, where the light elves resided
- Muspellheim, a world of fire ruled by the giant Surt
- Niflheim, on the contrary, a world of ice where Hvergelmir flows, the water source that feeds Yggdrasil
- Helheim, the equivalent of hell in Christian culture, ruled by Hel, the sister of Thor and Loki
- Svartalfheim, the world of dwarves, forgers of magical weapons
- Jotunheim, the world of giants who will attack the gods during Ragnarök
- Midgard, the world of humans
YGGDRASIL, A POWERFUL SYMBOL
In our current culture, the universe is not worshiped and does not represent a symbol, at least not as powerful as Yggdrasil was for the Vikings. How could a giant tree fascinate them so much?
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To begin with, the gods did not age; they maintained eternal youth until their death. This youth was due to the fruits of the cosmic ash tree.
Moreover, according to legends, Yggdrasil will allow part of the world to be saved after Ragnarök. A little-known story even tells that a couple hid under its roots and managed to survive the final battle that causes great destruction and many deaths.
In summary, Yggdrasil was for the Vikings a symbol of harmony and represented the cycle of life, the cosmos, and destiny.
Furthermore, still in our quest to introduce Norse mythology to as many people as possible, we decided to create our own collection around the Yggdrasil symbol.
THE REPRESENTATION OF THE MAGIC TREE'S ROOTS
The three roots of Yggdrasil also represent something strong for the Vikings. You might notice that the meaning of the roots reminds us of the meaning of another important symbol for the Vikings.
The first root plunges deep into Asgard to the Well of Urd, which is guarded by the Norns.
The second root comes from the Fountain of Mimir and also houses his head, cut off by the Vanir following a disagreement with the Aesir. It is located in Jotunheim.
The third root is found in Niflheim and comes from the Hvergelmir spring. It is also protected by the dragon Nidhogg, a dragon or serpent according to legends.
The three roots respectively represent the past, the present, and the future. This symbol can also be associated with the Valknut, whose three triangles respectively represent what was, what is, and what will be.
