"The Big Tree" - Design Decision and Mythology

During Nikki's earlier design for the first level, the idea of a big tree was brought up. The concept of using an enlarged Ash Tree, originally seemed to be a bit of a stretch. However, upon further research, it was discovered that Yggdrasil (pronounced "IG-druh-sill) , The Tree of Life in Norse Mythology, is described as an "an eternal Ash tree". Leading to the Ash tree motif continuing through out the level.

The inclusion of Yggdrasil, depending on weather or not we choose to play on the mythological angle, provides a wealth of possible influences and sources of inspiration in regards to world building and character design. With stories such as the "Nine Realms", "Ratatosk" and "Sleipnir".


http://norse-mythology.org/cosmology/yggdrasil-and-the-well-of-urd/
http://www.viking-mythology.com/animals.php#ratatosk
http://www.viking-mythology.com/img/Yggdrasil_The_Tree_of_Life_Ratatosk_Nidhug.jpg