Prose Edda

Delve into the Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda or Snorris Edda, a fascinating three-part work crafted by the thirteenth-century Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson. Together with the Elder or Poetic Edda, authored by an unknown poet a half-century earlier, the Prose Edda serves as a vital source for understanding the rich tapestry of Norse mythology that has influenced European literature for centuries, including the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The first section, Gylfaginning (The Tricking of Gylfi), explores the creation of the world and the core elements of Norse myths. The second section, Skáldskaparmál, unfolds as an engaging dialogue between Ægir, the God of the Sea, and Bragi, the God of Poetry, acting as a captivating guide on skaldic poetry with insights into alliteration and kennings. Lastly, Háttatal offers a trilogy of heroic poetry that showcases the techniques discussed in Skáldskaparmál, though it is notably absent from this translation due to the translators belief in the challenges of conveying its technical intricacies in English. Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur, who translated both Beowulf and the Prose Edda, was not only a remarkable scholar but also an intriguing figure who dabbled in pulp fiction and championed bold political ideas during the perilous McCarthy era. - Summary by Expatriate