earthisland.org
A project of Earth Island Institute, Yggdrasil Institute has as its mission furthering global sustainability. The name "Yggdrasil" (pronounced ig' druh sil) is that of the world tree in Norse mythology, a symbol for the interdependence of all forms of life. Yggdrasil Institute conducts research and disseminates information relating to environmental and ecological issues. It was founded in 1994 and is directed by Mary Byrd Davis.
pantheon.org
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil ("The Terrible One's Horse"), also called the World Tree, is the giant ash tree that links and shelters all the worlds. Beneath the three roots the realms of Asgard, Jotunheim, and Niflheim are located. Three wells lie at its base: the Well of Wisdom (Mímisbrunnr), guarded by Mimir; the Well of Fate (Urdarbrunnr), guarded by the Norns; and the Hvergelmir (Roaring Kettle), the source of many rivers.
Four deer run across the branches of the tree and eat the buds; they represent the four winds. There are other inhabitants of the tree, such as the squirrel Ratatosk ("swift teeth"), a notorious gossip, and Vidofnir ("tree snake"), the golden cock that perches on the topmost bough. The roots are gnawed upon by Nidhogg and other serpents. On the day of Ragnarok, the fire giant Surt will set the tree on fire.
Other names for the tree include: Ask Yggdrasil, Hoddmimir's Wood, Laerad and Odin's Horse.
There's a different word that's haunted me for years: Llantrisant. I'm not even sure it's spelled right. I came across it years ago while researching different versions of the grail myth. One version is set early in the 20th century in a poor Welsh village by that name. The meaning given was "end of sadness."
Some day I hope to come across the work and the word again.
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