YGGDRASIL (Old Norse) Yggdrasil or Askr Yggdrasilis. This is one of the most important myths in Norse Mythology. Yggdrasil is the cosmic ash tree that supports the nine realms of the Norsemen. Odin performed a Shamanic death ritual by hanging himse

YGGDRASIL (Old Norse) Yggdrasil or Askr Yggdrasilis. This is one of the most important myths in Norse Mythology. Yggdrasil is the cosmic ash tree that supports the nine realms of the Norsemen. Odin performed a Shamanic death ritual by hanging himself from Yggdrasil for nine days and nights without food and water, wounded by his own blade and after he had taken a magic potion to obtain the Runes that gave Odin power over all things. In the above image the great dragon Nidhuggr is shown protecting Nifilheim with the eleven rivers (Elivagar) leaking out of it's skull and the roots of Yggdrasil clutched in it's teeth. Nidhuggr is burning in the eternal fire that forms the trunk and branches of Yggdrasil. In the flames are two Norns, female spirits that create and control fate. These two Norns are throwing the other Realms keeping them in orbit. Njord, Freyr, Freyja and the Aesir greatly influence Midgard. Therefore Bifrost the Rainbow Bridge is shown connecting Vanaheim, Asgard and Midgard. The face of Freyja is shown at the top choosing those who go to Valhalla, Folkvangr and the worthy souls from the unworthy. The nine realms are called ASGARD, VANAHEIM, ALFHEIM, SVARTALFHEIM, JOTUNHEIM, MIDGARD, MUSPELHEIM, HELHEIM and NIFLHEIM. These worlds are home to all different kinds of beings, Gods, Goddesses, Elves, Giants, Dwarves and Humans. Niflheim and Muspelheim were the first two realms created out of Ginnungagap, the rest were created out of Yimir the first Giant by Odin and his two brothers. ASGARD Home of the Gods. Odin is the ruler of Asgard, chieftain of all gods. Within Asgard is Valhalla, Odin's great Hall of Valour and the Einherjar, Odin's heroic dead and Folkvangr, Meadow of the Valkyries that is ruled by Freyja. VANAHEIM Home of the Vanir Gods. The Vanir are masters of sorcery and magic. They are known for their ability to predict the future and are an old branch of gods. Njord, Freyr and Freyja are three Vanir gods that went to live among Aesir after the Aesir-Vanir war as a gesture of peace. ALFHEIM Home of the Light Elves is a neighbour to Asgard. The Light Elves are angelic creatures in description and are the Norse "Guardian Angels" Freyr is the ruler of Alfheim, the light elves are associated with nature, fertility, they can help or hinder humans with their magical abilities. They also inspire artists, musicians and poets. SVARTALHEIM Home of the Dwarves. The Dwarves are masters of craftmanship for example they created the chain that binds Fenrir, Odin's spear Gungnir and the ring Draupnir. JOTUNHEIM Home of the Giants. The giants are fierce enemies of the Aesir. Loki, Ran (Norse sea goddess) her husband Aegir and their nine daughters are among the many Giants from Jotunheim. MIDGARD Home of the Humans. Located in the middle of Yggdrasil below Asgard. Midgard is surrounded by a huge ocean. Bifrost the Rainbow Bridge connects Midgard to Asgard. MUSPELHEIM The Land of Fire. Muspelheim is filled with lava and fire, a constantly burning realm. It is Ruled by the Fire Giant Sutr who sets Asgard aflame at Ragnarok. HELHEIM Home of the Dishonorable Dead. This is where all those who the gods deemed unworthy and lack courage are banished to. Hel, daughter of Loki and Angrboda is the ruler Helheim. A very miserable, grim and cold underworld. NIFLHEIM The realm of Fog and Mist. It is the darkest and coldest realm. Located at the bottom of Yggdrasil in the northern region of Ginnungagap. It is protected by the huge dragon Nidhuggr. The spring Hvergelmir is located in Niflheim. It is the source of the Eleven Rivers (Elivagar) and is the origin of all that is living. As Yggdrasil started to grow it stretched it's roots far into Hvergelmir to draw water.

Mythology and Artwork

MUNINN HUGINN GINNUNGA-GAP

YGGDRASIL ODIN SLEIPNIR

THOR and JORMUNGANDR MJOLLNIR

VIDAR BALDUR and HEIMDALL

NJORD FREYJR FREYJA

TYR FENRIR RAGNAROK

HEL ANGRBODA and LOKI

RAN EIR HULDA

VALKYRIE DISIR RUNES

 

About

Welcome to Muninn’s Eyes my name is Eric Nordkvist a.k.a. Muninn. I’m a Digital Multimedia Artist located in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada.