There is a story from the nordic regions that tell the tale of Ragnarok(Destiny of the Gods)
Preceeding this will be the fall of the Ash tree.

In several baltic countries and Denmark and Sweden, the Ash tree is dying. Scientists are not sure yet what it is: Either a fungus and/or climate changes.


2012 is coming up, and this story seem to fit the description.



Love & Laughter

Originally posted by scratchmane
There is a story from the nordic regions that tell the tale of Ragnarok(Destiny of the Gods)
Preceeding this will be the fall of the Ash tree.

In several baltic countries and Denmark and Sweden, the Ash tree is dying. Scientists are not sure yet what it is: Either a fungus and/or climate changes.

2012 is coming up, and this story seem to fit the description.

Love & Laughter

That's an incredibly literal take; Yggdrasil is not every ash tree. Yggdrasil is unique in its function and creation. In the Grímnismál, Yggdrasil is actually described as being "the best of trees", which undermines any idea that its somehow representative of any kind of tree in general.

Whilst the presence of Níðhöggr et al who are ravaging Yggdrasil can be interpreted many ways, I'm not sure about the merit of them being viewed as fungi.

The precursor to Ragnarok isn't the fall of the Ash Tree as you put it. Yggdrasil obviously survives Fimbulvetr, which is the period that precedes Ragnarok.

Besides, if Yggdrasil is destroyed during Ragnarok - something I'm not too sure about as whilst I'm familiar with its shaking, I'm not familiar with anything about its demise - then surely it's actually burned in Surtr's fire along with most other things?

Also, just to play Devil's advocate, whilst there's a lot of source material that supports the idea that Yggdrasil is the World Ash, there are some that believe Yggdrasil to be a yew or even a conifer.

[edit on 19-10-2009 by Merriman Weir]

EDIT: I find it odd that whilst you focus on this particular aspect of Ragnarok when, in an eschatological sense, Fimbulvetr and Surtr are more fecund that the point you've tried to make. Great winters with no end where mankind turns on itself followed by a great fire that consumes much of the world(s).

[edit on 19-10-2009 by Merriman Weir]

EDITED due to Witches

[edit on 19-10-2009 by Merriman Weir]

Merriman is correct, it is not generally known as 'literal' as it is the connection between the 9 Worlds, some say dimensional rift or psychic connection or many explanations. Odin was crucified on it to gain the knowledge of the runes and most say it is 'allegorical' like he sacrificed in order to gain knowledge.

There also has to be 3 permanent winters in a row (3 seasons of winter) Fimbul Winter and brothers killing brothers, etc.

All ancient tales are the same though so I agree through them Ragnarok is nigh!

Yes, I laid it out with a literal take And it might not be a correct way to interpret it, but how to know which is?
You are obviously more informed about this topic than I am, however this was the explanation I was given.

Glad you take your time writing this.

Whilst the responses probably weren't what you were expecting, I starred and flagged the thread anyway as the demise of trees is a genuinely serious and important issue.

[edit on 19-10-2009 by Merriman Weir]

Wasn't sure what I was expecting. Just thought I'd put it up there

Was actually wondering, is there a 'list' of the different 'prophecy's', from different cultures and era's?

Like:

Apocalypse (Mayan)
Nostradamus
Ragnarok(nordic)
Rapture (Christian denomination)

etc.

Love & Laughter