Learnings: The Nine Realms
Yggdrasil was nearly symmetrical; its branches were as long as its roots and they almost touched in a circle. This circular quality symbolized order and eternity.
The highest of the Nine Realms was Asgard, placed in Yggdrasil's upper branches. Asgard was home to the Æsir gods, including Odin and Thor. The lowest realm, nestled among Yggrdrasil's roots, was Helheim, the land of the dead, governed by the goddess Hel. Right in the middle of Yggdrasil was Midgard, or Middle Earth, where the mortal humans lived.
The other realms were Alfheim, home to the Light Elves; Svartalfheim, land of the Dark Elves and Dwarves; Vanaheim, kingdom of the Vanir, a tribe of gods; Niflheim, the icy and frostbitten netherworld; Muspelheim, seen here, where brimstone, fire and smoke reigned supreme; and Jotunheim, home of the Giants.