ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

World tree

The World Tree is a big, giant mythological tree that has a special place in the beliefs and stories of many different cultures around the world. Just like there are many different kinds of trees in the real world, there are also many different versions of the World Tree in mythology. Some people imagine it as a towering oak or a majestic pine, while others imagine it as a tree that bears fruit, heals wounds, or connects the different realms of existence.

Whatever shape it takes, the World Tree is usually seen as a symbolic bridge between the earth, the heavens, and the underworld. It is often thought to have roots that reach deep into the ground, branches that stretch high into the sky, and a trunk that connects the two.

In some cultures, the World Tree is believed to be home to many different kinds of gods and spirits who live in its branches and roots. These beings might be helpful or harmful to people, depending on the stories that are told about them.

In other cultures, the World Tree is seen as a source of wisdom, strength, and renewal. People might pray to the tree, make offerings to it, or seek its blessings in order to find guidance, protection, or healing.

Throughout history, different people have found different ways to connect with the idea of the World Tree. Some cultures have erected tree-shaped monuments that symbolize their reverence for nature and the natural world. Others have created elaborate stories, poems, and songs that celebrate the Tree's role in the universe.

At the end of the day, whether you believe in the World Tree or not, it remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the many ways in which people have tried to understand and connect with the world around them.