Tree of life: Yggdrasill
Yggdrasill (Üggdrasill) is a mythological tree representing the tree of life. It is mentioned a lot in Scandinavian mythology. It is also known as the "Tree of the World" or the "Tree of Destiny" and is directly related to Siberian Shamanism, according to some sources. Yggdrasill is a huge mythological tree at the center of the universe, believed to connect the nine realms in the context of myths. Its roots extend to the core of the earth. It is the ash tree that connects and protects them all, from realms to realms.
Its name means Ygg's horse. One of Odin's numerous names is Ygg. So Yggdrasill means "Horse of Odin". Odin hung on the branches of this tree for nine days and nights and learned the secrets of the runics for the need of knowledge. South Germans call this tree as Irminsul.
This is mythology.... Asgard rests on the branches of Yggdrasil. The trunk of the tree pierces the earth's axis through the center of Midgard. Although it is the business of the first world to host the source of Yggdrasill, the tree's three roots reach as far as Hel, Niflheim, and Muspelheim. Many animals are said to live among the thick branches and roots of Yggdrasil. Four deer wander among the branches of the tree and eat the buds. These represent the four winds. Its roots are gnawed by Nidhogg and other snakes. However, when the day of Ragnarok comes, it will be set on fire by the fire giant Surtr.
On the other hand, it is necessary to treat Yggdrasil well; for the goodness of the universe depends on the goodness of Yggdrasil. The tree of life trembling means the coming of Ragnarok, the destruction of the universe.
Although it consists of mythological stories, Yggdrasill has a very important place especially in Scandinavian culture. … Undoubtedly, the tradition of the sacred tree associated with the tree of life played an enduring role in Scandinavian culture. Known as “tuntre” in Norwegian and “vårdträd” in Swedish, protection trees are still planted in many central locations today. If these trees are well taken care of, it is thought to bring luck to the farm and the people living there. It depicts a style of belief not far from ancient times.
“Nine endless nights,
Wounded with a spear.
He was the one…
Who was hanging upside down in a tree,
He was Odin, who surrounded everything.
I wonder if,
people also know where their roots go?
You also know that,
He was the tree of life,
The tree of the whole world …”
(H&B)