Yggdrasil

Definitions

  • WordNet 3.6
    • n Yggdrasil (Norse mythology) a huge ash tree whose roots and branches hold the earth and Heaven and Hell together
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Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
    • n Yggdrasil In Scand. myth., the ash-tree which binds together heaven, earth, and hell. Its branches spread over the whole world and reach above the heavens. Its roots run in three directions: one to the Asa gods in heaven, one to the Frost-giants, and the third to the under-world. Under each root is a fountain of wonderful virtues. In the tree, which drops honey, sit an eagle, a squirrel, and four stags. At the root lies the serpent Nithhöggr gnawing it, while the squirrel Ratatöskr runs up and down to sow strife between the eagle at the top and the serpent at the root. Also called Tree of the Universe.
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Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary
    • n Yggdrasil ig′dra-sil (Scand. myth.) the ash-tree binding together heaven, earth, and hell, and extending its branches over the whole world and above the heavens—according to Vigfusson and Powell, not a primitive Scandinavian idea, but originating after the contact with Christianity, and so a corruption of the cross
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Etymology

Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary
Ice. Yggdra Syll; cf. Yggr, Uggr, a surname of Odin, syll, sill. Magnusson explains as 'Odin's horse,' Ice. sleipner, horse.

Usage

In literature:

His horn is hidden under Yggdrasil, to be brought out at Ragnaroek, when he will blow a warning blast.
"The Edda, Vol. 1" by Winifred Faraday
Trembles Yggdrasil's ash yet standing; groans that aged tree, and the joetun is loosed.
"The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson" by Saemund Sigfusson and Snorre Sturleson
Near the great eagle perched a hawk, and four antlered deer browsed among the buds of Yggdrasil.
"Myths That Every Child Should Know" by Various
Hel, who dwelt under one of the three roots of the sacred ash Yggdrasil, was the daughter of the wicked Loki.
"The Mysteries of All Nations" by James Grant
The great Ash tree Yggdrasil bound together Heaven, Earth, and Hell.
"The Beauties of Nature" by Sir John Lubbock
Below the boughs of the ash tree Yggdrasill the gods assembled every day in council.
"The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 2" by Various
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In news:

Patricia Collins' "Yggdrasil-Tree of Life," above, Donna Dunnahoe's "Sunrise Goat Rock Tree," and Martha Maples' "Peace" quilt are part of the 3rd Fridays @ FAC.
hotsr.com
JAZZ FEST 2012, Day 2: Yggdrasil , Tom Harrell, Bill Cunliffe.
rochestercitynewspaper.com
Yggdrasil has played at the LutheranChurch several times at past XRIJFs, but I've never taken in a set until Saturday night.
rochestercitynewspaper.com
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