The Symbol of the World Tree - Part Two

Last time, we left off with the question: What did the vivid picture of the World Tree found in the Ragnarok myth really mean to the devotees of the pagan Norse religion?

Let's see if we can find out...

Surely, the symbol of the World Tree gave them a sense of their own humanity. The Tree is an obvious symbol of fertility, for the ancient Norse people had a strong patriarchal society. Therefore, the Tree could be a representation of the virility of an erect phallus. As the Tree holds the universe together, so did the powerful male leaders keep order in their society. The Tree, then, would be a reminder of the hierarchy in the Norsemen's profane existence which mirrors the sacred hierarchy among the gods.

This hierarchy is further associated with the Tree for the Norns who lived in Urd's Well next to the root in Asgard measure out the fates of all men. So, for a Norseman, his destiny has been determined. Thus, he may practice free will. His actions will not dictate his fate. He has internalized the eschatological myth of Ragnarok; consequently he believes that when the Great Tree trembles the world will end, so he expects no salvation and has no notion of immortality. He does, however, expect a new and purified world to rise again in a new cycle of life with the majestic Ash in its rightful place at the center of the universe.

A Norseman's outlook on life and the cosmos then is cyclic. The Tree is in a constant state of deterioration and regeneration, so it suffers as men do throughout their lives awaiting death, leaving their hopes and fears to their children who will be the next generation to live and to suffer. The ancient Norsemen had no philosophy about the progression of the human spirit, no need or want of spiritual growth. They were simply fated to destruction.

How could the ancient Norse pagans not have this view of destruction when they lived in such a violent environment? Of course, the violence came from human agents for tribes, clans, and kingdoms were engaged in constant warfare. But violence also came through Nature. The northern landscape could be most uninviting with its bitter cold winters, lashing winds, churning icy seas, short rainy summers, and even volcanic eruptions. This surely must have influenced the Norsemen's world view.

The World Tree, as a symbol of fertility and of life, is very positive. It provides shelter and nourishment for the Norsemen. They look to it for their survival, for with the impending doom of the universe, the Tree stands tall, ensuring them that life continues still.

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