The eagle is one of the only unnamed characters in the telling of Norse Mythology. The eagle sits at the top of Yggdrasil, the world tree. The hawk flying above the eagle is Vedrfolnir (“wind bleached”). Strangely, the eagle never flies - but Vedrfolnir flies every day and returns to perch between the eagle’s eyes. Interpretations suggest that the eagle is an overseer, observing to affirm & confirm that all things are in balance. Vedrfolnir is tasked with reporting back to the eagle with daily observations and information.
If you’re reading my blog, you probably already know I have a bit of a “thing” for birds - birds of prey or raptors. My fascination and love of these animals is not so much connected to their capture of prey. I’m in awe of flight - the mechanics of it all and the slight variations from species to species. I’m also simply enamored with their vision. I can only imagine the awesomeness of flying at incredible heights with an amazing “big picture” of all the world laid out below me, but also the ability to see the most minute of details with clarity.
The eagle atop Yggdrasil seems strangely grounded to me. How odd, but how powerful to possess the gift of flight while never actually flying. Through the partnership with Vedrfolnir, the eagle has the ability to see from above in detail large and small - while remaining physically “rooted” in some way to the world (tree).
My eagle, I’ve decided, is female. And her name is Hank. This ties into a non-Yggdrasil related dream I had involving an eagle I was supposed to receive, but who at the last moment was “switched out” for a honey badger named Hank. That, of course is a radically different story for another day, but there you have it. This photo was taken within a few days of being tattooed and both characters are fully healed and beautiful after a few years now.
I present for your consideration, Hank and Vedrfolnir from my version of the world tree!
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