The Springs Beneath the Roots

How does spring water protect the great tree?

In Gylfaginning, springs lie beneath the roots of Yggdrasil. Hvergelmir is beneath the root that reaches over Niflheim. Beneath the root stretching toward the frost giants is Mimir's Well, whose waters hold wisdom.

Beneath the root reaching into heaven is the sacred Well of Urd. The gods hold court beside it. Every day, the Aesir ride across Bifrost to reach this place. The Norns live beside the well.

Every day, the Norns pour water from the well and mud from around it over the tree to keep its branches from withering or rotting. Anything that enters this water turns as white as the thin membrane inside an eggshell. 2 swans grow up in the well. All swans are descended from these 2 birds.

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