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The Symbol of the World Tree - Part Three - Page 2

© Linda Casselman

The Norsemen's cyclic view of life and the universe then has no real purpose since they were not concerned with spiritual growth. They are not living towards any ultimate goal other than destruction. This view does coincide with the cycle in nature of the changing of the seasons though. So, it suggests, like the Evergreen, the idea of survival - survival of the tree through the winter, survival of the World Tree through the end of the world, survival of the human race and finally the Norseman's own survival through the ordeals of everyday existence.

The symbol of the World Tree, Yggdrasill, found in the eschatological myth of Ragnarok reveals the ancient pagan Norse people's view towards humanity, nature, ultimacy, and history. Over these three articles it has been shown as a symbol of fertility, of power, of life, of destruction and regeneration, of wisdom, and of survival. The Norse belief system was simple, yet colourful and it was not burdened with heavy theology. No salvation was expected or wanted, as there were no concerns about spiritual awareness. It was, however, related to the nurturing and to the destructive forces of nature and to the harmony of human activity with these forces represented by the ancient Norse gods.

This myth, Ragnarok, belongs with all of the other eschatological myths found in the various religions and cultures throughout the world and throughout time. Apocalyptic stories continue to thrill our imaginations. Perhaps, the Great Ash will at last tremble as this decade, this century, this millenium comes to a close. And perhaps it will not...

Work Consulted:

Branston, Brian. Gods of the North, London: Thames and Hudson, 1955.

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