Odin and the World Ash

ODIN AND THE WORLD ASH

Odin, the supreme god of Norse mythology,
endured a self-imposed period of suffering
on Yggdrasil, the World Ash. After nine
days and nine nights he was rejuvenated by
means of magical runes.

I remember the giants born at the dawn of time,
and those who first gave birth to me.
I know of nine worlds,
nine spheres covered by the tree of the world,
that tree set up in wisdom
which grows down to the bosom of the earth.
An ash I know, Yggdrasil its name;
with water white is the great tree wet.

I know that I hung
on the windswept Tree
nine days and nights.
I was struck with a spear
and given to Odin,
myself to myself.
–From the Scandinavian Eddaic Poems

Page 126 Sign of the Tree
Meinrad Craighead
1970s; Stanbrook Abbey; Ink on Scratchboard; 12×10; Mat is signed.

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