Yggdrasil – The World Tree

Backdrop illustration for a symphonic concert, "Völuspá", composed by Icelandic award winning composer/producer Thorvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson.

Yggdrasil is an immense ash tree that connects the nine worlds in Norse mythology. The branches of Yggdrasil extend far into the heavens, and the tree is supported by three roots; one extends to the well Urðarbrunnur in the heavens, one to the well Mímisbrunnur located beneath the tree in the land of giants and another root extends to the spring Hvergelmir located in the underworld. (Wikipedia)

The wolf Skoll pursues Máni (the moon) through the sky in hopes of devouring him. Veðurfölnir is a hawk sitting between the eyes of an unnamed eagle that is perched on top of the world tree.

The wolf Hati pursues Sól (the sun) through the sky in hopes of devouring her.

Mímir resides at Mímisbrunnur. Vanir beheaded Mímir and in order to keep Mímir's wisdom, Odin preserved his head with magic. Mímir drinks from the well to gain great knowledge. The sea serpent Jörmungandr (Miðgarðsormur) which Odin tossed into the great ocean encircles Midgard (the world of men). The serpent grew so large that he was able to grasp his own tail.

The three norns Urður, Verðandi and Skuld reside at the Well of Urður (Urðarbrunnur) and rule the destiny of gods and men. The squirrel Ratatoskur carries messages between the unnamed eagle perched on top of the world tree and Nidhöggur, the dragon that resides below the world tree.

Odin, Vili and Vé set a dwarf at each of the four corners of the world tree to hold the dome of the sky high above the earth.

The dragon Níðhöggur who gnaws at the root located in the underworld.

Garmr or Garmur, associated with both Hel and Ragnarök, is described as a blood-stained watchdog that guards Hel's gate.

The illustration was used in Menningarfélag Akureyrar's promotional material advertising a symphonic concert, "Völuspá", composed by Icelandic award winning composer/producer Thorvaldur Bjarni Thorvaldsson.

To view more backdrop illustrations for Völuspá concert:

Click to view Völuspá – Part 1: The Creation.

Click to view Völuspá – Part 2: Ragnarök.

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