1.  The 13th rune of the Elder Futhark, representing the sound ei. To the ancients, the yew which this rune symbolizes was a powerful ally in their daily lives. It was the most important tree to the Nordic peoples, more important even than the oak, being not only the best tree for making their formidable longbows but also the tree Yggdrasil, the Great Tree which forms all the nine worlds of men and spirits in Nordic mythology. This rune has powerful associations with protection.

2.  Eihwaz represents Yggdrasill. However, it also resembles the human spine or backbone, which supports the rest of the body. ...daring is certainly a concept linked with this rune.