Last Updated on January 8, 2025
Ask (pronounced “Ahsk”) and Embla (pronounced “Ehm-blah”) represent the first humans in Norse mythology. Their names translate to “Ash Tree” and “Elm Tree,” reflecting their origins from wood. In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson describes how the gods Odin, Vili, and Vé created Ask and Embla. Walking along a shore, they found two lifeless logs, which they transformed into living beings. Odin gave them breath or spirit (óðr), Vili bestowed understanding and movement, and Vé gifted them physical form, speech, and senses.
The Poetic Edda also refers to this creation, particularly in the Völuspá. These texts frame Ask and Embla as integral to the Norse cosmology, linking them to the natural world and divine intervention. Their wooden origins symbolize humanity’s connection to Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and the interconnectedness of life. 
Ask and Embla were placed in Midgard, the realm of humans. This space, encircled by a protective boundary made by the gods, ensured their safety from chaos and destruction. This act highlighted the gods’ role as creators and protectors of humanity. While little else about their lives is detailed in surviving sources, their legacy remains foundational in Norse mythology.
Other interpretations suggest that their creation symbolizes transformation, with lifeless wood becoming vibrant life. The imagery of trees ties into ancient Norse beliefs about nature, endurance, and growth. Some versions of their tale emphasize their complementary roles, with Ask and Embla representing the balance between male and female forces in the world.
Runes Associated with Ask and Embla
The Elder Futhark rune Mannaz (ᛗ) resonates with Ask and Embla, as it symbolizes humanity, relationships, and interconnectedness. Mannaz reflects human existence and the social bonds that connect individuals.
The rune Eihwaz (ᛇ) also relates to Ask and Embla, symbolizing transformation and endurance. Like Yggdrasil, Eihwaz suggests strength derived from roots in the divine. Together, these runes encapsulate the story of humanity’s origin, emphasizing unity, resilience, and a connection to the sacred.
Their Importance to Asatru
To Asatruar, Ask and Embla represent the sacred origins of humanity and the relationship with divine forces. Their story reinforces the connection between people, nature, and the gods. The creation of Ask and Embla emphasizes the value of life and the responsibility of humans to uphold harmony with their surroundings.
Ask and Embla’s placement in Midgard reflects the belief that humanity exists within a balanced order. Asatruar see this order as a reminder to honor ancestral roots, embrace personal growth, and protect the natural world. These principles guide rituals and daily life, fostering respect for the gods and the earth.
