Yggdrasill

History

Yggdrasill, the world tree, is a giant ash which supports and connects the Nine Worlds; the roots and branches of the tree each connect a different realm such as Asgard, Jotunheim, Muspelheim, Alfheim, Vanaheim, Nidavellir, Svartalfheim, Niffleheim and the earthly realm of Midgard through which all the connections pass. Innitially, there were Ten Realms. The lost realm of Heven was cut from Yggdrasil by Odin after the war between Asgard and Heven seemingly cost the life of his newborn daughter Aldrif.^[1]

At its base are three wells: Urdarbrunnr (Well of Fate), from which the tree was watered by the Norns (the Fates); Hvergelmir (Roaring Kettle), in which dwelt Nidhogg, the monster that gnawed at the tree’s roots; and Mímisbrunnr (Mimir’s Well), source of wisdom, for the waters of which Odin sacrificed an eye. After Ragnarök, the world tree, though badly shaken, was to be the source of new life.

Alternate realities

Earth-1610

The "World Tree" existed on this reality in Asgard as well as the Earth, until it was destroyed by the Children of Tomorrow.^[2] In this reality, a World Tree was also located on the planet Halycon. ^[3]

Larval Earth (Earth-8311)

Larval Earth's counterpart for Yggdrasil is Hygga-Dygga. While important for the dogs of Arfgard, Hygga-Dygga has a much more mundane use.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Yggdrasil is adapted as a constellation linking the Nine Realms through a cosmic channel. Thor insists that humans are unaware of the cosmos despite glimpses of the tree's branches appearing through the Hubble telescope's images. Yggdrasil first appeared in the 2011 film Thor and is mentioned by the Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger.

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (Animated Series) Universe

File:Nine Realms Animated.jpg

Yggdrasil is seen when Loki uses the Norn Stones to link all the Nine Realms which includes Earth. Their is also a Tree in Odin's throne room representing the tree and allowed Loki access to the mystical energy of the universe.

Links and References

References

[Original_Sin_Vol_1_51-1] Original Sin #5.1

[Ultimate_Comics_Ultimates_Vol_1_2-2] Ultimate Comics Ultimates #2

[Ultimate_Fantastic_Four_Vol_1_36-3] Ultimate Fantastic Four #36

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