The Prose Edda is our richest treasure trove of Germanic and Norse
mythology--starting with a creation myth, passing through the struggle
of the gods, giants, dwarves, and elves for survival and supremacy, and
ending in the Ragnarok, a final all-engulfing battle wherein the world
itself is destroyed. Norse mythology has captured many imaginations, and
inspired epics including Wagner's The Ring and J. R. R. Tolkien's
Lord of the Rings.
The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda, Snorri's Edda and,
historically, simply as Edda, was written in Old Norse in Iceland
during the thirteenth century. In 1220, Snorri Sturluson, a respected
poet, parliamentarian, and a visitor to the royal court of Norway,
decided to compile the myths and poetic conventions of Norse mythology
before they vanished under the influence of Christianity and the verse
forms of Europe. The result is the Prose Edda, a unique glimpse of
early Norse mythology.
Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241), poet, historian, the most powerful
chieftain in Iceland and "Lawspeaker" of the Icelandic Parliament, The
Althing is a significant figure in Icelandic history. His extensive
writings beyond the Prose Edda provide insight into Scandinavian
history and are among the earliest records of the discovery of Vinland
(North America).
This unabridged edition includes introduction, notes and an
extensive list of alternative names
