The Poetic Edda is the modern name for an untitled collection of Old Norse anonymous poems, which is distinct from the Prose Edda written by Snorri Sturluson. Several versions exist, all primarily of text from the Icelandic medieval manuscript known as the Codex Regius, which contains 31 poems. The Codex Regius is arguably the most important extant source on Norse mythology and Germanic heroic legends. The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda, Snorri's Edda (Icelandic: Snorra Edda) or, historically, simply as Edda, is an Old Norse textbook written in Iceland during the early 13th century. The work is often assumed to have been to some extent written, or at least compiled, by the Icelandic scholar, lawspeaker, and historian Snorri Sturluson c. 1220.
The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson juxtapose the depth of Norse mythology with the intricacy of historical sagas, offering a profound exploration of Nordic literary tradition. This collection masterfully blends the poetic grandeur inherent in the Eddic poems with the pragmatic prose of the sagas, encapsulating the duality of myth and history in medieval Scandinavian society. The anthology stands out for its comprehensive presentation of the Norse cosmogony, heroic legends, and the cultural ethos that radiated through the Viking Age, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. The contributing figures, Snorri Sturluson and Sæmundur fróði, are titans in their own right within the realm of Old Norse literature. Sturluson, an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician, and Sæmundur, a learned priest reputed to have magic knowledge, bring together a spectrum of narratives that are foundational to understanding the Viking era and its legacy. Their works, rooted in the oral traditions passed down through generations, reflect a confluence of pagan spirituality and historical consciousness, highlighting the evolution of narrative forms and themes across time. This anthology is recommended for those who seek to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Norse mythological and historical narratives. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrancy of ancient Scandinavian cultures through the lens of two of its most eminent scholars. Readers will discover a world where dragons sail the skies, gods walk among mortals, and heroes battle fate itself, all woven together by a diverse array of literary craftsmanship. For students, academics, and anyone enchanted by the allure of Viking lore, this collection is an indispensable addition to their literary exploration.
This anonymous poem in eddic style is shown in this edition to have probably originated in Skálholt in the mid seventeenth century. The main title probably meant 'Song of Óðinn's ravens', i.e. one of the reports said to have been brought to Óðinn from all over the world every evening.
The Poetic Edda comprises a treasure trove of mythic and spiritual verse holding an important place in Nordic culture, literature, and heritage. Its tales of strife and death form a repository, in poetic form, of Norse mythology and heroic lore, embodying both the ethical views and the cultural life of the North during the late heathen and early Christian times. Collected by an unidentified Icelander, probably during the twelfth or thirteenth century, The Poetic Edda was rediscovered in Iceland in the seventeenth century by Danish scholars. Even then its value as poetry, as a source of historical information, and as a collection of entertaining stories was recognized. This meticulous translation succeeds in reproducing the verse patterns, the rhythm, the mood, and the dignity of the original in a revision that Scandinavian Studies says "may well grace anyone's bookshelf."
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