The well of fate beneath Yggdrasill where the norns weave human destinies.
Urðarbrunnr, the Well of Urðr, is one of three wells beneath the three roots of Yggdrasill. The gods ride daily to the well to hold council, and it is here that the norns Urðr, Verðandi and Skuld operate.
The well's water and clay are sprinkled by the norns upon Yggdrasill to keep the tree healthy. Óðinn sacrificed his eye at Mímisbrunnr, another well, for wisdom, but Urðarbrunnr is the centre of the norns and of fate.
Attestations
- Snorri Sturluson, Gylfaginning, kap. 15
- Description of the three wells and the role of Urðarbrunnr.