You surely know the incredible Yggdrasil, also called the tree of life or the world tree. But do you really know the different meanings of the immense ash tree?
Literally, Yggdrasil means “Destrier of the Fearsome” or “Ygg’s Horse” in Old Norse. When we speak of the fearsome, we are referring to Odin.
Yggdrasil and its three roots
The cosmic ash tree carries the nine worlds of Norse mythology; it is composed of three roots with powerful meanings.
The first root signifies time
The first root of the tree of life finds its end in the wells of Urd located in Asgard, the world of the Aesir gods. Asgard is one of the worlds supported by Yggdrasil.
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This root represents the past, the present, and the future, because the wells of Urd are guarded by three Norns: Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld, who respectively see the entire timeline. This very powerful power of the Norns causes much fear even among the gods themselves.
However, they are known for their wisdom and fairness, which is why they are often consulted to make decisions. A bit like the shaman in the Viking series.
The second root signifies wisdom
A root for wisdom and knowledge, this second root dives into the world of Jötunheim, which is none other than a world inhabited by the frost giants. More precisely, the root finds its source in the fountain of Mimir.
This legendary fountain is said to hold all the knowledge of the world, but it is guarded by a giant. It is also said to contain the head of the god Mimir, which gives the fountain its name. This is why Mimir is called the god of knowledge.
The third root signifies power
Little is known about this third root, as it plunges into the world of Niflheim to find its source in Hvergelmir. It is said to be guarded by the dangerous dragon Nidhögg who sleeps beneath the tree of life.
Just as a treasure guarded by a dragon becomes corrupted, this root being beside a powerful dragon is attributed a role of strength and wild power.
Yggdrasil, symbol of life
The tree of life, as its name indicates, is known to inspire peace, birth, life, and the creative force of the world.
Pillar of the world
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is the tree that supports the nine worlds; it is almost like a kind of constellation. It is not uncommon for the tree of life to be depicted with stars in the sky forming a giant tree.
The image of a huge tree in the middle of a forest is one that people like to imagine, to be able to gather near a giant tree and feel connected to the world tree.
Its role is then to be at the beginning of all things; it is the origin of energy, life, and creation. This is why it plants its roots both in creative and destructive worlds.
Yggdrasil strives to maintain balance in the living worlds. Despite the fact that the dragon Nidhogg gnaws one of its roots, or that the goat Heidrun eats the leaves at its top, or that deer eat its buds.
Its status still allows it to be protected and respected, notably by the three Norns who ensure the vitality of the tree.
A meaning adopted in games and films
This symbol is so powerful that we find trees of life in many fictions or beliefs.
For example, you will see a representation of the tree of life in “Dark Crystal” or in the universe of the world of the twelve with the “Soft Oak” which carries all the vitality of the world. But also in “God of War” and many other fictions.
Beyond the legend of Yggdrasil, there is a consensus in popular culture that a giant tree represents life.
Yggdrasil in the modern world
Nowadays, Yggdrasil is found on many objects, dreamcatchers for example. But also on tattoos. We then asked what meanings people attribute to the tree of life.
Here is what is most often found:
- Vitality
- Growth
- Nature
- Regeneration
- Protection
- Connection with the living and the Earth
- Energy
- Evolution
- Infinity
- Motherhood
- Wisdom
- Balance
- Depth
- Stability
- Birth
…
There are many others, but these are the words that came up most when we asked for your interpretations.
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