Lore of the Ash

Like the oak, the ash was an object of high veneration with the Celts and Germans, but especially with the Scandinavian races in whose religious myths this tree took a prominent part. The Norse valued the sacred ash as the symbol of the universe which connects Heaven, Earth, and Hell, and has three roots--one of which leads to the home of the gods; one to the abode of the giants; and the other to the regions of darkness and cold. Under each root is a spring and each spring is sacred. 

Its magic prevents drowning and it was often used by the Welsh and Irish for the frames and oars of their boats. Ash was also one of the Druids' seven sacred trees and the third letter in their tree alphabet. The Druidical wand of the Celts was made of ash, while in Odin's own Runic alphabet all the letters were formed from ash twigs.  It is  said that tools with handles of ash are more productive than tools with handles of other wood; hence, its wood was used for the traditional handle of the besom broom.

In British folklore, the ash was credited with a range of protective and healing properties, and we find many references to the Ash tree, but in particular as associated with the Welsh magician god, Gwyddion, who carries an ash wand, a symbol of healing and especially transformation and empowerment in matters of destiny. 

Ash trees are believed to provide protection from fairies, who are said to be unable to harm anyone standing in the shadow of an ash tree. Put ashberries in a baby's crib to prevent the child from being traded for a changeling by an evil fairy.  Ash talismans can be worn as protective amulets. 

An ancient Norse legend claims that the first man, Ask, was created from the branches of an ash tree. The same tradition says the first woman, Embla, was created from an elm: 

According to the tale,  one day Odin, the father of the gods,  and his two brothers, Hojner and Loder found two trees--an ash and an elm--while they were walking by the sea. They transformed them into the shape of humans and created the first man and woman.  Odin gave them the breath of life, Hojner gave them feeling, and Loder gave them blood and the image of the gods. And, it was their responsibility to look after the plants and the animals.  

All human beings, it is said in Norse mythology, are descended from Ask and Embla, the first woman.