This article contains lore based on real-life sources from Norse mythology as introduced from the God of War Norse era.
| “ | The Tree of Life is bound to the fate of the world, just as we are bound to it. The tree nourishes our soils. The dew from its leaves feeds our valleys and rivers. The tree's very existence supports all of creation among its boughs, its life energy interwoven into the tapestry of life... birth, growth, death, and rebirth... every strand, transcending time, transcending space. Everything comes back to the tree. | ” |
The Yggdrasil, also known as the World Tree or Tree of Life, is a location in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök.
Norse Mythology[]
In Norse mythology, the Yggdrasil (the name is believed to translate to "Odin's Horse" ) is the center of the Norse cosmos. Each of the Nine Realms exist among the branches of the tree, and their fates are intertwined.
Description[]
The Yggdrasil is a massive yew tree that grows out of the Lake of Nine, believed to be the center of the Norse cosmos, its branches interconnect the various worlds, also known as the Nine Realms. The tree and the Lake of Nine, display a great physical presence, but also an ethereal connection to one another. In the realm travel room, the brim of the well includes a sculptural depiction of all the different realms and its connection to the tree that travels between them. On the base of the pedestal, we can see three owl-like figures with the central figure being Urð; in their talons, the bluish shape represents the Bifröst, carried by the gods and used to travel between realms. The tree itself exists in the Realm between Realms. Within the realms, the tree has multiple utilities. Collecting dew from its branches (which can be found near bodies of water) will provide permanent stat upgrades. Additionally, crystallized Yggdrasil sap is a powerful conductor of electricity: hitting it with any electricity will create an explosion.
By using Mystic Gateways, one can enter the Realm between Realms and walk along the World Tree's branches to more quickly reach other realms. Should one stray from the branch's path, they will be killed immediately unless they have proper protection, such as the Unity Stone.
History[]
As the Yggdrasil is said to transcend time and space, there can be no origin ascribed to it.
When the giants retreated to Jötunheim, they enlisted the help of Týr to hide the travel tower among one of the World Tree's roots, preventing any Aesir from reaching their home. It would later be returned by Kratos and Atreus.
Thor's final strike on Jörmungandr at the battle of Ragnarök shook Yggdrasil so violently that it splintered, sending the World Serpent back to a time before its birth.
Gallery[]
In Týr's temple[]
Concept art[]
In game[]
Realm Between Realms[]
Trivia[]
- The Tree seems to be capable of some form of nonverbal communication, as stated by Ratatoskr, who says he can feel its intentions. It also has a bitter personality as when Mimir kept inquiring about the Tree, it wanted him to stop asking stupid questions.
- The Tree itself is home to a small variety of its own wildlife, such as smaller plants, insects, and walking mushroom creatures, all of which share Yggdrasil's ethereal blue colour.