The Younger Edda; Also called Snorre’s Edda, or The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson. Summary of the book.

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The Younger Edda; Also Called Snorre’s Edda, or The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson

The Younger Edda, also known as Snorre’s Edda or The Prose Edda is a collection of Norse mythology written in the 13th century by Icelandic historian and poet Snorri Sturluson. The book is divided into three parts: Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, and Háttatal. It is one of the most important sources of Norse mythology and the basis for many of the later works on the subject.

Gylfaginning

The first part of the book, Gylfaginning, is a narrative of Norse mythology from the creation of the world to the death of Odin. It includes the story of the creation of the world, the stories of the gods and giants, and the death of Balder.

The section explains the Norse pantheon and the relationship between the gods and the giants. It also provides insight into the Norse concept of fate and the afterlife. The section closes with a description of the destruction of the world at the end of the world.

Skáldskaparmál

The second part of the book, Skáldskaparmál, is an instructional guide for poets on how to compose skaldic poetry. It includes information on the different types of poetry, the poetic techniques used, and the history and mythology behind it.

This section also provides insights into the Norse society and culture. It explains the Norse gods, their roles in society, and their relationship with the humans. It also provides a detailed description of the various mythical creatures in Norse mythology.

Háttatal

The third and final part of the book, Háttatal, is a collection of poems composed by Snorri Sturluson. It includes both skaldic and eddic poems. The poems are organized by theme, such as nature, love, and war.

The book also includes a section on Norse cosmology and a description of the afterlife. It provides an overview of the different realms of the afterlife, such as Valhalla and Hel. It also explains the fate of those who have died.

Interesting Facts and Curiosities About the Book

  • The Younger Edda is the basis for many of the later works on Norse mythology. It is the source for much of what we know about the gods and goddesses, giants, and other mythical creatures of Norse mythology.
  • It was written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson. Sturluson was an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician. He is often credited with being the father of Icelandic literature.
  • The book is divided into three parts. The first part, Gylfaginning, is a narrative of Norse mythology from the creation of the world to the death of Odin. The second part, Skáldskaparmál, is an instructional guide for poets on how to compose skaldic poetry. The third part, Háttatal, is a collection of poems composed by Snorri Sturluson.
  • The book offers an insight into Norse society and culture. It explains the roles of the gods, their relationships with humans, and the fate of those who have died.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who wrote The Younger Edda?

A: The Younger Edda was written in the 13th century by Icelandic historian and poet Snorri Sturluson.

Q: What is the book about?

A: The book is divided into three parts: Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, and Háttatal. The first part is a narrative of Norse mythology from the creation of the world to the death of Odin. The second part is an instructional guide for poets on how to compose skaldic poetry. The third part is a collection of poems composed by Snorri Sturluson.

Q: What kind of information does the book provide?

A: The book provides a detailed description of Norse mythology, including the gods, their roles in society, the different realms of the afterlife, and the fate of those who have died. It also provides an overview of the Norse pantheon and the relationship between the gods and the giants.

Q: What is the importance of The Younger Edda?

A: The Younger Edda is an important source of Norse mythology and the basis for many of the later works on the subject. It provides insight into the Norse concept of fate and the afterlife, and offers an insight into Norse society and culture.

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