Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The World Tree in Norse cosmology: Yggdrasil is the immense, sacred ash tree that connects and supports the nine worlds in Norse mythology. Its roots and branches extend across the universe, linking realms such as Asgard (Heaven), Midgard (Earth), and Hel (Hell).

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • In the myth, an eagle sits at the top of Yggdrasil.
  • The well of wisdom lies beneath one of Yggdrasil's three great roots.
  • The concept of Yggdrasil is central to understanding the Norse view of the cosmos.

Advanced Usage

• "The ash Yggdrasil": A common poetic epithet emphasizing its nature as an ash tree.
  • The fate of the gods is tied to the health of the ash Yggdrasil.
• "Yggdrasil's boughs/roots": Used to describe its expansive, connecting structure.
  • Serpents gnaw at Yggdrasil's roots.

Variants and Related Words

• World Tree (n): A term used in comparative mythology for a cosmic tree connecting different realms; Yggdrasil is the Norse example.
• Ash tree (n): The type of tree Yggdrasil is described as being.

Synonyms

• The World Ash: A direct synonym.
• The Cosmic Tree: A more general, cross-cultural synonym.

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Ragnarok: The prophesied end of the world in Norse myth, during which Yggdrasil will tremble.
• Norns: The female beings who dwell by Yggdrasil's well and weave the fates of all.

Noun

1. (Norse mythology) a huge ash tree whose roots and branches hold the earth and Heaven and Hell together