Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil is a cosmic ash tree that holds different worlds and halls in its branches and roots. It’s home to all the world’s creatures and beings, including four stags that chew at its leaves. At the top of Yggdrasil perches an eagle who watches over the worlds, who has a hawk sitting on top of him. Beneath the tree lives the dragon Nidhogg who gnaws away at the roots. Between the eagle and the dragon runs Ratatosk, a squirrel who sends gossip to and fro.

Yggdrasil is in a state of constant death and rebirth. The animals’ activities and the chewing of Nidhogg causes it to wither, but the tree is rejuvenated by the Norns, three women of fate who plaster it with white mud from the Well of Urd to keep it alive and well. The roots of Yggdrasil reach down into three wells or springs: The Well of Urd, the Well of Mimir, and Hvergelmir. Heimdall’s hearing is said to be kept beneath Yggdrasil, and the gods go to the tree daily for their assemblies.