Yggdrasil Viking Tree of Life: The most complicated Viking symbol
Nine Worlds in Norse mythology were held by a tree whose name was Yggdrasil. No one ever knew either how Yggdrasil tree came to life or how it survived Ragnarok Doom of Gods. In the middle of the cosmos stood the great Tree of Life. Yggdrasil becomes a complicated Viking symbol with many layers of meanings.
1. Symbol of interconnectedness
No much need to explain this point. As mentioned above, Yggdrasil held Nine Worlds within its branches and trunk. From the top branches to the root, Yggdrasil supported all Nine Worlds, providing all creatures in the cosmos with place to dwell in. Any land of the Norse cosmos was marked with Yggdrasil's traits.
2. Symbol of Wisdom
In Norse mythology, there was a type of figure known as Norns who created fates of all beings in the cosmos. There were three Norns living in the Well of Urd located in Asgard. The water from Well of Urd carried the wisdom that many creatures desired. Odin once sacrificed his eye to get a sip of holy water from Well of Urd. Meanwhile, the Norns carved runes onto the trunks of Yggdrasil. Runes were the ancient magical letters that possessed the destinies of all beings in the cosmos. These tales attested the fount of wisdom in Yggdrasil Tree of Life.
Well of Udr and Norns
3. Symbol of Suffering
Odin said Yggdrasil "suffers agony more than men know". Indeed, all the creatures that dwelled in Yggdrasil tortured the Great Tree every single day. Up in Valhalla in Asgard land of gods was a deer that ate the leaves of Yggdrasil to produce mead for Odin's warriors. The roots of Yggdrasil was gnawed by Nidhogg the dragon. Nidhogg kept biting the root for he thought Yggdrasil would collapse one day. Yggdrasil decayed within the trunk when four stag kept biting the leaves.
Nidhogg gnawing the root of Yggdrasil
Despite the terrible suffering, Yggdrasil just stood tall and not tremble. The only time that Yggdrasil shook was when Ragnarok Doom of Gods broke out.
4. Symbol of Eternity
No one knew when or how Yggdrasil came into being. It just stood in the middle of the cosmos holding the Nine Worlds. Ragnarok the Doom of Gods didn't make Yggdrasil collapse even it put an end to the glorious time of Norse Pantheon. Yggdrasil survived Ragnarok and even protected two humans against the battles of two armies (giant vs gods). The Great Tree carried the seeds of humanity into the new world.
SUMMARY
When it comes to which creature was the most powerful in Norse mythology, the name in the top must be Yggdrasil. What it provided Norse creatures earned it the title. We have just discussed four layers of meaning of Yggdrasil. But with the tales and materials we already have, we believe these are just the surface layers.
Viking Yggdrasil Pendant Necklace is a divine symbol of Norse Worlds
Yggdrasil, thereby, becomes a favorite pattern design in this day and age, especially the Viking Jewelry design. Yggdrasil pattern fits all genders. Viking Tree of Life Jewelry is a perfect symbol of Norse myth in a nutshell. It presents both glory and destruction of Norse Pantheon. But it is not the end. Yggdrasil symbolizes the new hope of a new world being created.
Other Yggdrasil Tree of Life Jewelry on BaviPower HERE
