[Norse] The Norse Cosmology

[Norse] The Norse Cosmology

Muddled as the depiction which we are given in the Prose Edda is, we are able to discern a number of powerful cosmological ideas in the Norse vision of the universe.

Yggdrasil

The Norse world tree, omnipresent, its branches extending over all the known worlds, its roots extending into three of them. The name means Odin's Horse referring to the time he "rode" upon the tree and learned the runes. It is also at times referred to as Hoddmimir, Tree of Mimir, and Lærad or Lerad. It is usually called an Ash tree.

One of Yggdrasil's roots extends into Asgard, a second root extends into the world of the frost giants while the third is in Niflheim. This is Snorri's description which, of course, differs from that in the Poetic Edda. Grimnismal has the roots extending into the giants realm, Hel's realm, and one into Midgard.

An eagle sits in the branches of the tree and between its eyes perches a hawk. There is a squirrel called Ratatosk which scurries between the eagle and Nidhogg carrying messages. Nidhogg is the serpent which gnaws at Yggdrasil's Niflheim root.

Along with this menagerie are four stags running in the branches eating the leaves, Heidrun the goat and Eikthyrmir the hart also eating leaves. With all the munching going on the tree needs tending - that is the task of the Norns at Urd's well under one of the roots.

The Norns pour water over the tree every day keeping its bark white. The tree produces honeydew and also berries which help women with pregancy. It appears to be the giver / nourisher of life so it is not surprising when we read that the first humans Ask and Embla were created from trees (one being an Ash) or that two humans Lif and Leifthrasir will hide in the tree during Ragnarok with the tree's honeydew sustaining them until they can go on to restart humanity.

The world tree was a symbol common to many societies. The tree specifically connecting the three regions of man, heaven, and the underworld appears in eastern mythology. Also Odin's nine night suspension in the tree's branches is similar to Finnish shamanistic practices with a nine night stay in a birch tree (Puhvel, 194).

Asgard

The abode of the Aesir and the Vanir after the two tribes were at peace.

Midgard

The abode of humans. It means middle earth or middle garden.

Vanaheim

The abode of the Vanir before the peace.

Alfheim

The abode of the light elfs and their ruler, Frey.

Niflheim

A region of cold. Hel's realm is here (in some sources).

Hel

The land of the dead. The way to this realm was through the land of the mountain giants. The connection between this and Niflheim is often confusing. Hel is also the goddess of the underworld.

Jotunheim

The abode of the Jotuns -- giants.

Muspelheim

A region of fire. The fire giants -- sons of muspel -- live here, ruled by Surt.

Svartalfheim

The abode of the dark elves -- dwarves. It is underground.

Nidavellir

The abode of the dwarves which are also called dark elves.