the Nine Worlds in 1900 CE.

 

There's a lot of great detail in this cosmological sketch print of Die Neun Welten/The Nine Worlds by E. Müller-Baden, c. 1900 CE. It almost looks like Yggdrasil's tertiary root is so far away from the main body of its subterranean structure that it's pretty slim pickings for Níðhöggr, who never actually does cause critical damage on The World Tree, so perhaps this offers a reason as to why. This diagram also solves the arboreal co-identification problem by specifically making Læradr the upper portion of Yggdrasil. There's also a more geographical separation between portions of Niflheim depending if you're an oathbreaking victim unmercifully given to Níðhöggr's serpentine children (#2), or if you're a regular deceased (#9), which would probably spare Hel's broader populace the gnashing of dragon teeth & wailing of the dishonourable. Though if any of you recall where the "Egisheim" Sea is cited from, do let me know.

Below is the unedited corresponding list to the above diagram:

1. Muspellsheimr

2. Niflheim

3. Midgard

4. Jotunheim

5. Svartalfheim

6. Ljosalfr

7. Vanaheimr

8. Asgard

9. Niflheim

10. Midgard Serpent

11. Egisheim Sea

12. Nidhogg

13. River Gjöll

14. Hvergelmir

15. Yggdrasil

16. Læradr

17. Ifing

18. Bifröst

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Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires' Norse Gods and Giants at age seven. Since then he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the Map of Midgard project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay. If you have employment/opportunities in investigative mythology,  field research, or product development to offer, do contact him.