Tree Symbolism in Turkish and Norse Mythology

There are some values and properties in myths that are generally attributed to various natural elements. These elements of nature have been assumed sacred by people. Especially in the creation of the universe, the tree, is an element that exists at the center of life like water, fire and soil, Symbolic meanings related to the tree also exist in language and culture from primitive to today's societies. First of all, it should be evaluated in the vital context why people use trees as symbols. The reason for the role of the tree in myths or the variety of symbolic meanings given to the tree should be sought in its physical structures. The fact that they are especially large and tall in terms of size has vividly affected the imagination of people. Although they are alive like human beings and animals, or seem motionless like mountains and stones, the tree, which is different in terms of its changeable and swinging properties, has become an essential element for human life in terms of many features. Trees are an important resource for humans to make food, fuel, shelter, clothing, any tools, and can be turned into many objects by burning or cutting. With all this usage, of course, it has also provided a place of protection and hiding for people. In the study, the importance of the tree as a natural element in Turkish and Norse mythology and the origin of its use as a symbol have been analyzed comparatively and presented examples of beliefs and practices related to trees from past to present The World tree/ tree of life, the whole of all life in the world, has been perceived as the central axis of the universe in Turkish and Norse myths and has been inherited today as a cultural heritage. Cultural heritage basically started from the primary status of hu-mans, that is, from the myths that are the starting point of cultures. Myths are the basis of the cultural treas-ures of nations. Every myth is a story of creation. Considering the myths of different nations as a whole and evaluating the interaction of cultures in this way allows to create a common cultural treasure. Mythology includes all the myths of a nation and examines them in an orderly, unique and systematic way. Considering mythology comparatively can put a new point of view on history of civilization, as well as to examine the origin of beliefs and thus to decode different colors, riches and depths. Comparative mythology takes myths to universal dimension, examines and analyzes different myths by comparing them and aims to discover common points in myths. In this study, what the tree means as a symbol in collective unconscious has been exam-ined in the light of comparative mythology. The holiness and importance of the tree and the factors that play a role in this sacredness are common in the two mythic systems. These common factors are creation, fertility, plentifulness. In the symbolic context, dichotomies from divinity to social life and from sky to earth stand out. The vertical structure is also an indicator of vitality and liveliness. So, symbol of tree, in particular the tree of life/ world tree, preserves its importance from the mythical period to the present day and continues to be used in daily life, many branches of literature and art.