Yggdrasil

Yggdrasil
Full	Yggdrasil
Known As	The Rebel Army
Established	Between Tekken 5 and Tekken 6
HQ	Undisclosed Violet Systems buildings (TK7) Northern Europe (pre TK6)
Leader	Lars Alexandersson
Parent Company	They split from Tekken Force They are funded by Violet Systems

Yggdrasil (ユグドラシル, Yugudorashiru^?) is the name of Lars Alexandersson's rebel army. It was created prior to the events of Tekken 6 when Lars led a faction of Tekken Force in revolt against Jin Kazama's tyrannical leadership of the Mishima Zaibatsu.

Yggdrasil directly opposes the Mishima Zaibatsu, but it is more broadly against the war in general, and considers G Corporation its enemy as well. One of Heihachi Mishima's bodyguards in Tekken 6 informs Heihachi that Lars's rebel army consists of around 30,000 soldiers. According to Lars, when Yggdrasil seceded from Tekken Force, over half of Tekken Force's members left to form the rebel army, making it a massive coup that devastated the Zaibatsu's armed forces.

Story

Background

Yggdrasil’s origins are in the Mishima Zaibatsu and its Tekken Force. Prior the events of Tekken 6, a Tekken Force Captain, Lars Alexandersson, was angered by Jin Kazama’s leadership of Zaibatsu and his warmongering. Apparently a popular and charismatic leader, Lars and around half of Tekken Force (about 30,000 troops) defected to form the rebel army, Yggdrasil. Their primary mission was to bring an end to Jin Kazama's global war. They took the emblem of a lion and used a red and black color scheme to differentiate themselves from those Tekken Force who remained loyal to Jin. They initially set up a base in Northern Europe, where they were funded by an anonymous sponsor. This sponsor was later revealed to be Lee Chaolan, who often invested money from his company, Violet Systems, into defectors and enemies of the Mishima Zaibatsu.

Tekken 6

Scenario Campaign

Yggdrasil waiting to attack a Tekken Force compound in Tekken 6 Scenario Campaign.

Tekken 6 begins with a raid conducted by Yggdrasil on a secret laboratory owned by the Mishima Zaibatsu. During the raid however, a third faction entered the scene, a squadron of JACKs sent by the Zaibatsu's corporate rival, G Corporation. Not expecting to deal with this additional level of force, Yggdrasil engaged in a fierce fight that eventually resulted in the detonation of a JACK. As a result of the explosion, their leader, Lars, suffered amnesia, setting back the operations of the rebel army.

Whilst Lars was regaining his memories with the help of a Zaibatsu-built android, Alisa Bosconovitch, Tougou was left in charge of organizing Yggdrasil. Tougou had contacts that helped Yggdrasil’s early establishment, for example receiving information from United Nations agent, Raven. Once Lars regained his memories, leadership was passed back to him. Yggdrasil was involved in raiding G-Corp to free Julia Chang, at Lee Chaolan’s behest, and also worked with Lei Wulong and Interpol against G-Corp as well. One of the largest Yggdrasil raids was on a Tekken Force compound, where a full scale firefight took place between the two armies. Another large raid was on G Corporation headquarters, Millennium Tower. During this raid, Tougou was killed by G Corp soldiers.

Yggdrasil pursued Jin to the Middle East with the help of intelligence from Raven. Lars was involved in confronting Azazel and Jin. Raven and the UN then recovered Jin’s body from the desert.

Tekken 7

Yggdrasil soldiers relocated at a second Violet Systems building.

After Jin escaped from the UN helicopter, Lars rescued him from UN soldiers and Jin was taken into Yggdrasil custody. Yggdrasil’s power at this stage was sufficient enough that the Mishima Zaibatsu chose not to pursue Lars when they heard he had captured Jin, despite also wanting to get hold of Jin. Capturing Jin in this way also placed Yggdrasil in opposition to the UN and their former ally, Raven. Yggdrasil used a facility provided by Lee Chaolan as their base of operations. Lee described himself as a sponsor of defectors from the Mishima Zaibatsu. Jin was taken to this facility and guarded by Lars and Yggdrasil soldiers, whilst he was unconscious. Yggdrasil’s base was subsequently attacked by Tekken Force under Heihachi Mishima's orders, who had taken over the corporation in Jin's absence. Tekken Force, led by Nina Williams intended to capture Jin and take him back to the Zaibatsu. Yggdrasil fought Tekken Force, but were ordered to evacuate the facility. Lee then detonated the building with Tekken Force and Nina still inside, although Nina survived.

Yggdrasil relocated to another Violet Systems building, where Lars revealed that his intention in sheltering Jin was to use him to put an end to the war. The Mishima Zaibatsu broadcasted footage of Kazuya Mishima’s battle in his devil form against Akuma at G Corp. Helipad, and then fired an orbital laser satellite to supposedly eliminate them. A surprised Lars ordered his troops to investigate the footage for confirmation on whether it was a hoax or not.

At this time, Yggdrasil were also harboring a journalist who was researching the history of the Mishima Clan in order to understand the origins of the war that had claimed his family. After Kazuya destroyed the Zaibatsu’s orbital satellite, public opinion turned against the Zaibatsu once more, causing a desperate Heihachi to instead turn to the journalist so that he could reveal the truth of the Mishima Clan's past on his own terms. It was revealed that Heihachi knew of the journalist's alliance with Yggdrasil, since he called Lars to pick the journalist up once he was done with him. Heihachi then went on to settle his score with Kazuya for a final time in a volcanic crater. Lars, Alisa, the journalist, Lee, and Yggdrasil forces watched the fight via a Violet Systems' spy satellite.

With Heihachi finally dead at the hands of Kazuya, G Corporation seems intent on continuing the war. Lars's plan is to use Jin against Kazuya, a task Jin seems ready to take on now that he has awakened from his coma.

Pachislot 4

It is unknown whether the events of Pachislot 4 are canon, however, the story is set during the events of Tekken 7. Yggdrasil collected information on the Mishima Zaibatsu and went in search of Heihachi Mishima, possibly in the wake of the Mishima Zaibatsu's orbital laser satellite being downed and the supposed announcement of Heihachi's death by news bulletins. With the help of Yggdrasil member, Olivia, and Lee Chaolan, Lars and Alisa discovered Heihachi was alive and raided the Zaibatsu in order to gain information on his whereabouts.

Tekken 8

Yggdrasil continued to harbor Jin for six months after the events of Tekken 7. With the organization's support, Jin, Lars, and Lee proceeded with "Operation Lightning" in an attempt to defeat Kazuya as he flew over New York. Though this operation failed, Jin was successfully rescued from the rubble left in the wake of Kazuya's attack, and healed aboard Yggdrasil's flying ship, Víðópnir.

Jin continued his training aboard Víðópnir in preparation for the tournament announced by Kazuya after Jin's defeat. Jin learned that after his battle with Kazuya, he became unable to utilize his Devil abilities, but he remained intent on joining the tournament in order to face Kazuya. During the events of the tournament, Jin faced Reina, who was later allowed within the ranks of Yggdrasil aboard Víðópnir for the sake of keeping a close eye on her due to her knowledge of Mishima Style Fighting Karate.

As the tournament continued, Yggdrasil was contacted by the United Nations, specifically the leader of the Raven Unit, Victor Chevalier, for an offer of partnership, despite the two having clashing goals in Tekken 7. The forces launched a joint assault on the coliseum where the tournament finals were taking place, but were unable to stop Kazuya from absorbing the power of Azazel from within Zafina, who had arrived separately to stop the misfortune she had foreseen. Weakened after the attack, Zafina had beseeched Jin to return to Yakushima in order to regain control of his Devil Gene. Jin acquiesced, making Yakushima a target for Kazuya and his G Corporation forces.

Yggdrasil soldiers, joined by Leo Kliesen, Leroy Smith, Kuma, Shaheen, King, Steve Fox, Paul Phoenix, Hwoarang, and later, Asuka Kazama and Lili, took to the battlefield on Yakushima in order to protect Jin. The forces were joined once again by United Nations soldiers, led by Victor and Raven.

In the good ending, following Jin and Kazuya's final clash, Yggdrasil forces provide aid to New York after its destruction at the hands of Kazuya's Devil. They are joined by Marshall Law and Azucena Ortiz, both of whom had previously sided with G Corporation. Rows of Yggdrasil soldiers are also seen saluting Lars in this ending, with other photos showing the continued prosperity of those that had allied with Yggdrasil during the conflict.

Name

The name Yggdrasil does not feature widely in the Tekken series, although it is mentioned in a few places. Its most notable mention is in the Pachislot 4 game, where it is used to refer to Lars's plotline. In the game, his rebel army is trying to put an end to the war and infiltrate the Mishima Zaibatsu. The name can also be found in the PSP version of Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion, where it is mentioned in Lars's epilogue that "Thanks to the support of a mysterious investor, Lars was able to found a private military company dubbed 'Yggdrasil' in Northern Europe as a place of stay for his rebel army". The mysterious investor is Lee Chaolan, who was revealed in Tekken 7 to be a major sponsor of Yggdrasil and provided them at least two bases of operation. It is also mentioned in Alisa's PSP ending text, where it is stated that "While under Lars' care, Alisa had since begun working at his private military company Yggdrasil. Alisa had been assigned the task of protecting VIPs, and on her first mission, she took fire from an armored helicopter". The rebel army was referred to as 'Yggdrasil' in a mainline Tekken game for the first time in Lars's Tekken 8 profile, and has a wider presence in the game, now featuring on the armor of the rebel army.

The name Yggdrasil itself comes from Norse Mythology and refers to the world tree. The rebel army's name thus reflects the Scandinavian roots of its leader.

Uniform

The rebel soldiers under Lars's command all have lion motifs on their armor with a color scheme of red and black. Initially, these are sprayed on to Tekken Force armor, but later these are replaced with more permanent symbols of their rebellion. Yggdrasil armor looks very similar to Tekken Force armor, as they are Tekken Force defectors. The most noticeable distinction between the two are the bright red shoulder pads used by Ygggdrasil.

As of Tekken 8 the emblem is a shield containing a stylized lion, with 'Yggdrasil' written across it in a scroll. The emblem appears printed on the pauldron of Yggdrasil forces. Yggdrasil now wear purple battlesuits, reflective of Violet Systems, the company that made them. Their suits are more distinctly angular, and feature black visors, chestplates, knee-pads, and straps, over purple full-body armor and helmets.

Early sprayed Yggdrasil logo

Yggdrasil soldiers with their logo now printed onto their armor in Lars's TTT2 ending.

Lars and his troops with new battlesuits in Tekken 8.

Structure

Ranks

Lars's Captain's Insignia

Yggdrasil is divided into divisions, likely left over from the way they used to operate in Tekken Force. The divisions are named after a version of the phonetic alphabet. The known divisions are Alpha, Delta, Echo, Fox, Omega, and Romeo. Within these divisions are smaller squads identified by number. Lars for example is Alpha Leader, and under him are squads headed by Alpha One and Alpha Two.

Lars's rank as of Tekken 6 was 'Captain' of Yggdrasil, whilst Tougou was his 'Lieutenant'. Yggdrasil appear to have insignia for each of their ranks. The insignia carry the lion emblem of the rebel army, along with a star rank on them.

As of Tekken 8, Lars's rank becomes 'Commander', while Alisa takes the title of 'Captain', and Lee Chaolan becomes a Staff Officer.

Known Members

• Lars Alexandersson - Captain (Callsign: Alpha Leader). In Tekken 8, he is referred to by the title of Commander.
• Tougou - Former Lieutenant (second-in-command) (Callsign: Romeo Leader) (now deceased)
• Omega Leader - a division leader, unnamed but has a speaking role in Scenario Campaign
• Alpha One & Alpha Two - Squad leaders with speaking roles in Scenario Campaign, who are directly under Lars' command.
• Alisa Bosconovitch - Often accompanies Lars on missions, specializes in reconnaissance. In Tekken 8, she is referred to by the title of Captain.
• Lee Chaolan - A sponsor of Yggdrasil and the CEO of Violet Systems. He supplies the funds to run Yggdrasil, including providing facilities, bases and information. He also accompanies them on some missions and seems to have some authority within the organization itself (TK7). As of Tekken 8, Lee holds the official position of Staff Officer.
• Olivia - Likely a pilot for the rebel army (possibly non-canon).
• Ex-Tekken Force members - Around 30,000 soldiers who defected from Tekken Force with Lars. They can be seen in various cinematics fighting for Lars's cause.
• Rebel Soldiers

Associates

• Raven - An ally of Yggdrasil who aided Tougou with information (TK6); they are now at odds since Yggdrasil worked against him to recover Jin Kazama (TK7). They become allies once more as the United Nations aids Yggdrasil in stopping Kazuya (TK8).
• Jin Kazama - Currently a ward of Yggdrasil. He was rescued by them and held in a medical facility. As of the end of Tekken 7 he is co-operating with them.
• Doctor Bosconovitch - He is working with Lee Chaolan in Tekken 8 to make robotics and machines for Yggdrasil.
• Leo Kliesen - They work with Yggdrasil to provide intel about Azazel.
• Niklas Kliesen - Provided intel to them about the origin of the Devil Gene.
• Victor Chevalier - Aided the mission in the coliseum and later provided military forces to fight against G-Corp.
• For the purposes of fighting Kazuya, the following fighters also aided Yggdrasil's cause: Asuka Kazama, Claudio Serafino, Eddy Gordo, Emilie de Rochefort, Hwoarang, King II, Kuma II, Leroy Smith, Lidia Sobieska, Ling Xiaoyu, Panda, Paul Phoenix, Shaheen, Steve Fox, Yoshimitsu, and Zafina.

Assets

At the time of Tekken 6 the manpower of Yggdrasil was around 50,000 soldiers. These were all equipped with Tekken Force armor. In addition to their forces, Yggdrasil also possesses the following:

• A base of operations in Scandinavia.
• A variety of hideouts in Japan provided by Lee Chaolan.
• A number of helicopters.
• An SUV provided by Emilie De Rochefort.
• An armored car used by Lars to rescue Jin in the Middle East.
• The enormous flying boat, "Víðópnir," built by Lee Chaolan and Dr Bosconovitch.
• Mobile warfare units using motorbikes, built by Lee Chaolan.
• Next generation battle suits, built by Lee Chaolan.

Corporate Relations

• Mishima Zaibatsu & Tekken Force - Their main enemies. Yggdrasil seceded from Tekken Force, and are called "traitors" by them.
• G Corporation - Yggdrasil also oppose G Corporation. They were attacked by them whilst raiding the Mishima Zaibatsu, and later Yggdrasil led a raid on G-Corp HQ. G Corp are their principal enemies in Tekken 8.
• The Resistance - Both are rebels fighting the Zaibatsu, but Lars and Alisa attacked them whilst Lars was amnesiac, causing the groups to work against each other (TK6).
• Violet Systems - Yggdrasil initially turn down an alliance with Violet Systems (TK6), but the company is later revealed to be bankrolling Yggdrasil and becomes an open patron to them (TK7). Violet Systems provides Yggrasil with their infrastructure, intelligence (TK7), and later also battle suits, motorbikes, and air ships (TK8).
• The United Nations - UN agent Raven initially worked with Yggdrasil (TK6). They later become enemies when Yggdrasil fights off UN agents to abduct Jin Kazama from them (TK7). They formed a truce when facing Kazuya in Italy and later defending Yakushima (TK8).

Trivia

• Yggdrasil's lion emblem was originally their logo when they were a part of Tekken Force, but they seem to have kept the logo and made it their own.
  • It is possible that this could indicate that they see themselves as staying true to the original code of Tekken Force, from which Jin's Tekken Force have deviated by committing atrocities for him during Tekken 6. The deviation of Tekken Force from a code is mentioned by Heihachi Mishima when he comes across them in his Scenario Campaign dialogues.
• According to Katsuhiro Harada, the 30,000+ troops that joined Lars in his rebellion were made up of people from battalions from all over the world, originating from several different countries. He was deeply loved by these comrades, who followed him for his immense prowess and charisma.
• Yggdrasil's flying boat, "Víðópnir", is named after one of the mythological birds that sits atop the world tree, Yggdrasil, which the organization as a whole is named after. Víðópnir is sometimes depicted as sitting on the brow of the bird Hræsvelgr.

Gallery

Main article: Yggdrasil/Gallery

See Also

• Yggdrasil Aligned Characters
• Tekken Pachislot 4