What is the name of the well of fate at the base of Yggdrasil?

The well of fate at the base of Yggdrasil is Urðarbrunnr. Its name means “Wellspring of Urðr,” referring either to the Norn Urðr or to the concept of fate itself.

Urðarbrunnr is associated with the three Norns: Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld. In the Prose Edda, these figures shape the lives and destinies of people. They also draw water from the well and mix it with the pale mud around it, then pour the mixture over Yggdrasil to prevent the sacred tree from drying out or decaying.

The well is described as lying beneath the root of Yggdrasil that reaches toward the gods and heaven. The Æsir travel there each day to hold judgment, crossing the rainbow bridge Bifröst. This makes Urðarbrunnr both a place of divine assembly and a symbolic center of fate.

Urðarbrunnr is easily confused with Yggdrasil’s other two wells. Mímisbrunnr contains wisdom and is connected with Mímir, while Hvergelmir lies beneath the Niflheim root and is associated with Níðhöggr. “Well of fate” specifically identifies Urðarbrunnr.