‘Loki’ Season 2: Yggdrasil Is in the MCU & Here’s What It Means

Throughout the MCU, the Asgardian realm has consistently drawn inspiration from both its comic book origins and the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. This thematic continuity persisted in Loki’s latest journey, where he assumed the role of the multiverse and TVA savior. In this endeavor, he brought forth the creation of Yggdrasil, a pivotal element in unraveling the narrative of the Asgardians, echoing its significance in both Norse mythology and Marvel Comics. The question remains: How did Loki give rise to Yggdrasil?

What is Yggdrasil anyway?

Marvel Comics frequently draws inspiration from mythology, and the Asgardians’ narrative incorporates the concept of Yggdrasil. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil, also known as the World Tree, symbolizes a vast tree encompassing different realms through its branches.

According to Norse beliefs, the various realms exist within this colossal tree, its branches leading to distinct worlds. Yggdrasil, the World Tree, essentially represents the entirety of the world. Rather than a conventional spherical globe, the Nordic worldview perceives the world as an immense tree with branches connecting to realms like Asgard, Midgard, and Jotunheim.

In Marvel Comics, a parallel concept is employed, where Yggdrasil is depicted as an energy field supporting and interconnecting the Ten Realms associated with Asgard. While not a literal tree, this energy field metaphorically resembles one, featuring different “branches” facilitating travel to diverse realms for the Asgardians. This energy field serves as the vital support for all realms, explaining their existence within the Marvel Comics narrative.

Is Yggdrasil in the MCU now?

While the concept of Yggdrasil has held significance in Norse mythology, its prominence in the MCU has been relatively minimal. Despite only sporadic mentions, Yggdrasil remains a crucial element in the Asgardian mythos, revered as the source of life across various realms.

In the inaugural Thor film, Thor elucidated the Nine Realms to Jane Foster, illustrating Yggdrasil’s role. Subsequently, in ‘Thor: The Dark World,’ Malekith referenced Yggdrasil with the intent to transform it into black matter. However, the MCU had yet to provide concrete explanations regarding the true nature of Yggdrasil.

The ‘Loki’ series unfolds, offering a potential exploration of Yggdrasil in the MCU. Loki’s transformative journey from the God of Mischief to a pivotal figure in the multiverse’s existence could shed light on the enigmatic nature of Yggdrasil, unveiling its significance in this evolving narrative.

How did Loki create Yggdrasil?

While the ‘Loki’ series shifted its focus beyond Asgardian realms to a realm beyond time, Loki’s journey unveiled the creation of Yggdrasil and its pivotal role in the MCU’s overarching narrative.

Transported to the TVA, which exists beyond the constraints of time, Loki endeavors to preserve timelines and safeguard the TVA from impending destruction after He Who Remains’s demise. The series finale unravels the revelation that the Temporal Loom, initially perceived as a timeline creator, is, in fact, a failsafe preserving the Sacred Timeline.

Loki comprehends that He Who Remains orchestrated a closed loop, wherein the God of Mischief was destined to lose. Allowing Sylvie to kill HWR would lead to the Temporal Loom overloading, eradicating branches except the Sacred Timeline, ensuring HWR’s rebirth. Killing Sylvie would grant HWR eternal reign.

In a crucial moment, Sylvie imparts the notion of destroying to replace with something superior, enlightening Loki on a viable option. Embracing his glorious purpose, Loki annihilates the Temporal Loom. Utilizing his godly powers and newfound control over time and space, he assumes the Temporal Loom role, regulating the Sacred Timeline’s branches and becoming the God of Stories.

Seated on He Who Remains’ throne at the end of time, Loki oversees the multiverse, shaping the branches into a tree-like form. The visual narrative hints that Loki has become the core of Yggdrasil.

This mythological resonance aligns with Yggdrasil’s role as the tree supporting different realms. In this interpretation, the realms manifest as timeline branches, converging into a tree-like structure. Unlike before, there is no longer a Sacred Timeline; instead, a singular tree houses all timelines and universes. This tree embodies Yggdrasil, the Norse mythological pillar sustaining the existence of realms. At the helm of regulating this cosmic tree is none other than Loki, Asgard’s prodigal son.

Have something more to contribute? Share your thoughts in the comments below.