Norse Herbalism
The Norse people held deep reverence for the natural world. Trees and plants were sacred to specific deities, used in rune magic, healing, and ritual brewing. Yggdrasil, the World Tree, embodies the cosmic significance of plant life in Norse cosmology.
Sacred Trees
Trees held profound spiritual significance in Norse culture, connecting the nine worlds and embodying divine power.
Ash (Yggdrasil)
Sacred to: Odin All Nine Worlds
Uses: Healing, strength, cosmic connection, rune staves
The World Tree Yggdrasil is an ash, connecting all realms. Odin hung upon it to gain the runes.
Yew (Taxus baccata)
Sacred to: Ullr Odin
Uses: Rune wands, bows, death/rebirth mysteries, protection
HIGHLY TOXIC - Every part is poisonous except the berry flesh.
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Sacred to: Freyja Hulda
Uses: Protection, banishment, healing, connection to the goddess
The Elder Mother (Hyldemoer) dwells within. Ask permission before cutting.
Ritual and Brewing Plants
Plants used in Norse ritual, medicine, and the sacred art of brewing.
Barley and Hops
Sacred to: Aegir Thor
Uses: Ritual brewing, offerings, communion with the gods
Mead and ale were sacred beverages, central to blots and sumbles.
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Sacred to: Freya Eir
Uses: Protection, prophetic dreams, vision quests, women's health
One of the Nine Sacred Herbs in Anglo-Saxon tradition.
Deities and Their Sacred Plants
- Odin: Ash (Yggdrasil), Yew, Mistletoe - Wisdom, death, rebirth
- Thor: Oak, Barley - Strength, protection, fertility
- Freyja: Elder, Mugwort, Flax - Love, magic, seidr
- Ullr: Yew - Hunting, archery, winter
- Eir: Yarrow, Mugwort - Healing goddess
- Aegir: Barley, Honey - Brewing, hospitality