As a scholar of Norse mythology, I am familiar with the rich tapestry of stories and symbolism that make up this ancient belief system. The Norse gods and their myths are a fascinating subject, and one of the most intriguing aspects is the tale of Odin and the tree from which he hung himself in a self-sacrifice to gain wisdom and knowledge.

In Norse mythology, the tree upon which Odin hung is known as Yggdrasill. The name Yggdrasill is thought to be derived from two Old Norse words: "Ygg," which is a byname for Odin, and "drasill," which means "horse." However, the interpretation of Yggdrasill as "Odin's horse" has been debated among scholars. Some suggest that "drasill" could also mean "gallows," which would make Yggdrasill the gallows tree upon which Odin was hung.

The story of Odin's self-sacrifice is recounted in the "Hávamál," a poem within the Poetic Edda, one of the two main sources of Norse mythology. In this poem, Odin speaks of his ordeal:

> "I know that I hung on a windy tree
> Nine whole nights,
> Wounded with a spear, dedicated to Odin,
> Myself to myself,
> On that tree of which no man knows
> Where the roots run."

This passage is often interpreted as Odin hanging from the world tree, Yggdrasill, in a state of self-sacrifice. He endured this suffering to gain the knowledge of the runes, which are mystical symbols of power and wisdom in Norse culture.

It's important to note that Yggdrasill is not just a simple tree but is considered the immense ash tree that connects the nine worlds of Norse cosmology. Its branches reach into the heavens, and its roots delve into the realms of the dead and the giants. Yggdrasill is a central figure in Norse mythology, representing the axis mundi, the world axis or the connection between the different realms of existence.

The concept of the world tree is common in many mythologies and is often associated with the idea of a cosmic axis or a tree of life. It is a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things and the structure of the universe itself. In the case of Yggdrasill, it is a living being that supports the cosmos and is tended to by various creatures, including an eagle, a squirrel, and four deer.

The story of Odin's sacrifice is a testament to his pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, even at the cost of great personal suffering. It is a central theme in Norse mythology and reflects the values of courage, self-sacrifice, and the relentless quest for understanding that are attributed to Odin.

In conclusion, the tree from which Odin was hung is Yggdrasill, a symbol of immense importance in Norse mythology. It is not merely a tree but a cosmic entity that connects the worlds and supports the very fabric of existence. The tale of Odin's self-sacrifice on Yggdrasill is a powerful narrative that underscores the Norse values of wisdom, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge.

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The generally accepted meaning of Old Norse Yggdrasill is "Odin's horse", meaning "gallows". This interpretation comes about because drasill means "horse" and Ygg(r) is one of Odin's many names. The Poetic Edda poem H--vam--l describes how Odin sacrificed himself by hanging from a tree, making this tree Odin's gallows.read more >>