Poetic Edda

The Tree of Yggdrasil

Poetic Edda is a collection of Old Norse poems from the Medieval Icelandic manuscript known as the Codex Regius. The Poetic Edda is a primary source for the study of Norse mythology, Viking age traditions, and Scandinavian folklore. It consists of mythological and heroic poems that are among the most profound expressions of the ancient Norse culture. The poems are written in alliterative verse and were composed by unknown authors over several centuries before being compiled in the manuscript in the 13th century.

Composition and Structure

The Poetic Edda is divided into two main sections: the mythological poems and the heroic lays. The mythological poems deal with the gods and the creation and destruction of the world. The most famous of these is the Völuspá, which tells of the creation of the world and its coming end in the event known as Ragnarök. Other notable mythological poems include the Hávamál, a collection of wisdom sayings attributed to the god Odin, and the Skírnismál, which tells the story of a love quest undertaken by one of the gods.

The heroic lays focus on the legends of mortal heroes, many of whom are connected to the legendary Völsung and Nibelung families. These lays include tales of Sigurd the dragon slayer, one of the most celebrated heroes of Norse legend, and the tragic story of the hero Gunnar.

Manuscript and Discovery

The only surviving complete manuscript of the Poetic Edda is the Codex Regius, discovered in Iceland in 1643 by Bishop Brynjólfur Sveinsson, who later sent it as a gift to the King of Denmark. The manuscript was returned to Iceland in 1971 and is currently housed in the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies in Reykjavik. The Codex Regius is believed to have been written around 1270 but the poems themselves are much older, some possibly dating back to the 9th century.

Themes and Influence

The Poetic Edda explores themes of fate, heroism, and the divine, reflecting the complex interplay between human and supernatural forces in Norse mythology. The poems have had a profound influence on later literature, inspiring works by J.R.R. Tolkien, Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen, and numerous modern works of fantasy literature and film.

Legacy and Importance

The Poetic Edda remains a cornerstone of Icelandic literature and an invaluable resource for understanding the beliefs, values, and imagination of the Norse people. Its poems are still widely read and studied today, not only for their historical and cultural significance but also for their artistic beauty and emotional depth.