Tree (mythology) - Definition and Overview

Trees have played an important role in many of the world's mythologies and religions. They have come in a variety of different forms and seem to have many different meanings. Examples are Yggdrasil in the Norse Mythology, the Christmas Tree that is derived from Germanic mythology, the Tree of Knowledge of Judaism and Christianity, and the Bodhi tree in Buddhism. In some religions, such as Hinduism, trees are said to be the homes of tree spirits.

Examples

Trees of Cosmic Significance

• Tree of Life (Abrahamic Mythology, Cabala/Jewish mysticism)
• Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Abrahamic Mythology)
• Yggdrasil (Norse mythology)
• Austras Koks (Latvian mythology)

Mythical Creatures (or Deities) Relating to Trees

• Dryad or Forest Nymph (Greek mythology)
  • Hamadryad or Tree Nymph (Greek mythology)
    • Maliad or Fruit Tree Nymph (Greek mythology)
      • Ampelos or Grape Vine Nymph (Greek mythology)
      • Balanos or Acorn/Oak Tree Nymph (Greek mythology)
      • Cariad or Walnut Tree Nymph (Greek mythology)
      • Cranae or Cherry Tree Nymph (Greek mythology)
      • Morea or Mulberry Bush Nymph (Greek mythology)
      • Syke or Fig Tree Nymph (Greek mythology)
    • Meliad or Ash Tree Nymph (Greek mythology)
• Green Man (Various mythologies)
• Leshy (Slavic folklore)

Miscellaneous

• Christmas tree (Christian mythology)
• Glastonbury Thorn (Christian mythology)
• Oracular trees (Various mythologies)
  • Oak tree (Norse & Celtic Mythology)
  • Rowan tree (Roman mysticism & Stregheria)
• Talking trees (Various mythologies)
• Yule log (Norse mythology)

Fictional Trees Inspired by Myth

A number of fictional "tree-beings" were also inspired by folklore and mythology, or taken directly from them. Some examples are:

• Ent (Lord of the Rings)
• Treant (Dungeons & Dragons)

Example Usage of (mythology)