About The Prose Edda (Patreon)

The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda, is a collection of Norse mythology and folklore compiled in the 13th century by the Icelandic poet and historian Snorri Sturluson. The text is divided into three parts: Gylfaginning (the deluding of Gylfi), Skáldskaparmál (the language of poetry), and Háttatal (list of verse forms).Gylfaginning is a mythological narrative that tells the story of the creation of the world and the Norse gods. It begins with the creation of the cosmos out of the void, and the emergence of the first giant, Ymir. The gods, led by Odin, eventually slay Ymir and use his body to create the world, including the oceans, mountains, and sky. The gods then create the first humans, Ask and Embla, from trees.The narrative then turns to the pantheon of gods and goddesses, such as Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya, and Baldr, among others. The stories explore the relationships and conflicts between the gods, as well as their interactions with humans and other supernatural beings. For example, the story of Thor and his hammer, Mjolnir, is told, as well as the tale of Loki's trickery and his eventual imprisonment.Skáldskaparmál is a guide to Norse poetry, including techniques, styles, and mythological allusions used in traditional skaldic verse. The section features numerous examples of skaldic poetry, including verse forms such as dróttkvætt and ljóðaháttr.Háttatal is a list of 102 verse forms used in skaldic poetry, along with examples of each form. It is considered an important resource for scholars studying Norse poetry and language.Overall, the Prose Edda is a rich and complex collection of Norse mythology and folklore, providing insights into the beliefs, traditions, and storytelling techniques of the Viking Age.***Make sure to come to our mythology reading at 7 pm MST tonight - see the ZOOM link posted on the message board to join in***In Frith,