The Poetic Edda
Lex translation of the Poetic Edda (Elder Edda), a collection of Old Norse poems preserved in the thirteenth-century Codex Regius manuscript. Informed by public-domain scholarly editions. The foundational verse source for Norse mythology alongside the Prose Edda.
Editions
Ebooks
The Poetic EddaCurrent
174 pages
X-Ray
OdinProtagonist
The chief god of the Aesir, known for his wisdom and quest for knowledge.
ThorProtagonist
The god of thunder, known for his strength and protector of mankind.
LokiAntagonist
The trickster god known for his cunning and deceitful nature.
FreyaSupporting
The goddess of love and fertility, associated with war and death.
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About The Poetic Edda
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- A prophecy recounted by a seeress, detailing the creation of the world, the gods, and the foretelling of Ragnarok.
- 2
- A collection of wisdom sayings attributed to Odin, offering guidance on life, relationships, and the importance of moderation.
- 3
- A contest of wits between Odin and the giant Vafthruthnir, revealing various myths and knowledge of the cosmos.
Key Themes
- Fate and Destiny
- The poems explore the inescapable nature of fate, with characters often facing prophecies that dictate their actions and outcomes.
- Heroism and Valor
- Many characters embody the ideals of bravery and strength, particularly Thor, who represents the warrior spirit in the face of adversity.
- Deception and Trickery
- Loki's character exemplifies the theme of deception, showcasing how cunning can both aid and hinder the gods.
Characters
- Odin(protagonist)
- The chief god of the Aesir, known for his wisdom and quest for knowledge.
- Thor(protagonist)
- The god of thunder, known for his strength and protector of mankind.
- Loki(antagonist)
- The trickster god known for his cunning and deceitful nature.
- Freya(supporting)
- The goddess of love and fertility, associated with war and death.
- Balder(supporting)
- The god of beauty and light, whose death is prophesied.
- Tyr(supporting)
- The god of war, known for his bravery and sacrifice.
