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Mythology & Folklore Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [yggdrasil]

For questions on Yggdrasil, a mythical tree which connects the nine worlds of Norse cosmology.

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Is Odin the only being who gained knowledge of the runes?

In order to learn the secrets of the runes (symbols of some of the most powerful forces in the cosmos), Odin hangs himself from Yggdrasil, pierces himself with his own spear, and peers downward to the Well of Urn for nine days. He fasts during this…
Kreann
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Did Yggdrassil exist before the world's creation

In the cosmos creation myth, Ymir is born from the clash of ice and fire that comes from Muspelheim and Niflheim. When Odin and his brothers kill Ymir and create the world using his body it sounds like the creation of midgard, but not Yggdrasil…
obed andres gonzalez velez
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Is there a specific term in Norse mythology for Odin's self-sacrifice?

Norse mythology knows some terms for quite complex concepts, such as "Ragnarök". Is there a term for Odin's nine-day self-sacrifice?
AFoeee
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Do the leaves of Yggdrasil (the World Tree) have any special properties?

Do the leaves of the World Tree (Yggdrasil) have any special properties in Norse Mythology?
Discord
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How was the world tree Yggdrasil created?

Cannot find any origin story for the world tree on wikipedia. Was it created from the body of Ymir too?
Sid Datta
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Are forests and trees considered self sufficient and self reliant? Or is there any lore on caretakers of the forests?

With the significance of trees as representations of life in various cultures, do any of them ever mention caretakers of the forests? Or a defense against impurities and corruption? Or have they always been considered everlasting, near…
nuckingfutz
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What is considered the most authentic illustration of Yggdrasil?

Is there an etching or drawing of Yggdrasil, the Norse Tree of Life, that is the oldest, or considered the most authentic? If so, what information was it based on?
FreakinRocket
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Is it said what kind of tree it is?

Is it ever said what kind of tree the world tree was? By kind, I mean type. Is it: oak, laurel, plane, sequaia...?
Andrew Johnson
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