Ydalir, meaning Yew Dales or Yew Valley, is a lesser-known but significant location in Norse mythology. It is described as the dwelling place of the god Ullr and appears in early Old Norse sources, particularly the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. Although references to Ydalir are brief, the name and its associations provide valuable insight into ancient Scandinavian beliefs, landscape symbolism, and martial culture.
Meaning and landscape symbolism
The name Ydalir comes from Old Norse ýr meaning yew and dalir meaning valleys or dales. The yew tree held deep symbolic and practical importance in the Norse world. Yew wood was prized for making bows due to its strength, flexibility, and resilience, and it was closely associated with warfare, hunting, and survival. By naming Ullr’s home Ydalir, the myths place him firmly within a landscape defined by martial readiness and skilled craftsmanship. Valleys also suggest a secluded, natural setting, reinforcing the idea of a god who thrives in wilderness rather than in grand halls.
Ydalir as the home of Ullr
Ydalir is most notably identified as the residence of Ullr, a god associated with archery, hunting, skiing, duelling, and oaths. Ullr is mentioned only sparingly in surviving texts, but linguistic and archaeological evidence suggests he was once a more prominent deity. His connection to Ydalir strengthens his identity as a god of precision, self-reliance, and mastery of the natural world. A valley filled with yew trees would be an ideal home for a god of the bow, emphasising his role as a skilled warrior and hunter.
Literary sources and attestations
Ydalir is named in the Poetic Edda, particularly in the poem Grímnismál, where Odin, in disguise, lists the dwellings of various gods. Ullr’s hall in Ydalir is mentioned without further description, which is typical of many mythological place-names in Norse poetry. Snorri Sturluson repeats this information in the Prose Edda, confirming the association for later medieval audiences. Although details are scarce, the consistency of the reference suggests that Ydalir was a well-understood concept in pre-Christian tradition.