For some time now I have wondered about our use of the name Yggdrasil for the sacred tree that holds the worlds together. It is well understood that this kenning is in reference to Odin's sacrificing himself to himself upon the Towering Ash to gain the runes, but why does this singular incident provide us with our name for the tree? Many theories have been put forth by much smarter people than myself to describe the significance of this connection between horse and rider, but I wonder if we arent missing something. Odin's role as the God of those who die by the rope is quite ancient, with there being numerous historical accounts of ritual hangings being a proper way to sacrifice to Odin. The rope was the last mount of these sacrifices and the vehicle for the Gebo of the Hanged God. This calls to mind Odin's most important symbol, the Valknut, an interwoven knot made up of three triangles which some believe was used as a special kind of noose for these sacrificial hangings. They have also found a similar knot used to restrain the hair of individuals in bog sacrifices. Which has lead me to believe the Valknut is truly the mount of Odin which he rode on his journey to retrieve the runes, and the steed meant for his initiates.
If this is true, it would mean Yggdrasil (The mount of the Terrible One) could actually be the Valknutr, with its nine points coinciding with the nine fimbul songs gained through his sacrifice. Maybe these could also be the nine realms of Yggdrasil with each realm holding a song which is only audible to the twice born son of the tree. Groaning forth from that wind-rocked saddle whose three great roots reach deep into the well from which no one knows its true source, as the sacred fetter dances in the wind. Woe to him who fails to grasp it! For the true son of Wotan will mount the steed of the Terrible One, and fasten his death knot out of all that he is, giving himself wholly to the unshakeable law of the Eagle who watches from that uppermost branch. While his wings bring the Northern wind with its whispers of might, his talons never release what they catch, leaving his Chosen forever fettered to the Thorn road. Praise to him who has listened! Tomorrow belongs to him.
If this is true, it would mean Yggdrasil (The mount of the Terrible One) could actually be the Valknutr, with its nine points coinciding with the nine fimbul songs gained through his sacrifice. Maybe these could also be the nine realms of Yggdrasil with each realm holding a song which is only audible to the twice born son of the tree. Groaning forth from that wind-rocked saddle whose three great roots reach deep into the well from which no one knows its true source, as the sacred fetter dances in the wind. Woe to him who fails to grasp it! For the true son of Wotan will mount the steed of the Terrible One, and fasten his death knot out of all that he is, giving himself wholly to the unshakeable law of the Eagle who watches from that uppermost branch. While his wings bring the Northern wind with its whispers of might, his talons never release what they catch, leaving his Chosen forever fettered to the Thorn road. Praise to him who has listened! Tomorrow belongs to him.