The Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda
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The Prose Edda and the Poetic EddaThe Prose Edda (also known as Snorri's Edda) is a work by the Icelandic writer Snorri Sturluson, dated to 1222–1225. The author conceived it as a poetic handbook for skalds, but it became one of the finest sources on Norse mythology. It consists of five main parts.
The Poetic Edda (also known as the Elder Edda or Sæmundar Edda) is a poetic collection of Old Norse songs and tales, blending myth and legend from the Scandinavian Middle Ages. It dates to the second half of the 13th century. It consists of two parts: mythological and heroic. The first contains 10 songs about the gods, and the second, 19 songs about heroes.
Illustrations from the collectionsThese two collections have become the richest surviving sources of knowledge about Norse mythology. They portray the beliefs and worldview of the ancient Norse peoples regarding the creation of the world, the hierarchy and functions of the gods, and the relationship between gods and mortals, while also preserving the traditions and culture of their time. They remain studied to this day and continue to be the subject of much scholarly debate.
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