What were the 9 worlds?

What were the 9 worlds?

In ancient Norse mythology and cosmology, Yggdrasil is an immense tree that sprang forth in the primordial void of Ginnungagap, unifying the 9 worlds of Asgard, Álfheimr/Ljósálfheimr, Niðavellir/Svartálfaheimr, Midgard (Earth), Jötunheimr/Útgarðr, Vanaheim, Niflheim, Muspelheim & Hel.

How many realms are connected to Yggdrasil?

According to legend, the nine realms surrounded and spread out from the Yggdrasil, a sacred cosmic tree at the centre of the universe. The Yggdrasil grew from the void of Ginnungagap, which was enclosed on one side by the fiery Muspelheim and the other side by the frosty Niflheim.

Why is 9 important in Norse mythology?

The number nine is also a significant number: The Norse cosmology knows nine worlds that are supported by Yggdrasil. The Anglo-Saxon paganism nine-herbs charm, as the name implies, invokes nine herbs, and also contains a rare mention of Woden.

Does Yggdrasil hold the world?

Yggdrasil (from Old Norse Yggdrasill [ˈyɡːˌdrɑselː]), in Norse cosmology, is an immense and central sacred tree. Around it exists all else, including the Nine Worlds.

What is a Yggdrasil tree?

Yggdrasill, Old Norse Mimameidr, in Norse mythology, the world tree, a giant ash supporting the universe. One of its roots extended into Niflheim, the underworld; another into Jötunheim, land of the giants; and the third into Asgard, home of the gods.

Is Yggdrasil real?

Trees have profound roles in worlds both real and fictional. With their majestic bark, lush laid-out branches and billowing cloud of leaves, humans are drawn to them in deep fascination.

Are the 9 realms real?

There are nine realms that exist among the branches of the World Tree. The tree itself is said to exist beyond time and space and therefore, has no beginning but at one point there were only two realms in existence, Niflheim and Muspelheim, the lands of fire and ice.

Why did Vikings sacrifice every 9 years?

Here the Vikings also met every 9 years to ensure the goodwill of the gods. 9 males of all kinds of living creatures were sacrificed in a holy grove nearby. According to Adam of Bremen dogs, horses and humans hung from the trees.

What happens if Yggdrasil dies?

In Norse cosmology, there is no more important entity than Yggdrasil. When it dies, the myths tell us, the whole world of the gods dies with it. Nearly every Norse text that mentions Yggdrasil emphasizes that the tree is not only sacred, it is mortal, and sorely in need of compassion and protection.