The Poetic Edda
The Poetic Edda by Carolyne Larrington, published by Oxford University Press in 2014, is a second edition that spans 347 pages. This collection presents a rich tapestry of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, beginning with The Seeress’s Prophecy, which explores the creation of the world and its eventual destruction and renewal. The text features a diverse array of characters, including the one-eyed Odin, the red-bearded Thor, and the trickster Loki, alongside heroic figures such as Helgi and Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer.
Readers will find a blend of comic, tragic, and profound themes throughout the poems, which have significantly influenced various artistic expressions, including literature and modern media. This edition includes new translations of The Lay of Svipdag and The Waking of Angantyr, highlighting the resilience and bravery of its characters. The Poetic Edda serves as a vital resource for those interested in literary collections, ancient poetry, and the historical context of European mythology.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘She sees, coming up a second time,
Earth from the ocean, eternally green;
the waterfalls plunge, an eagle soars above them,
over the mountain hunting fish.’
After the terrible conflagration of Ragnarok, the earth rises serenely again from the ocean, and life is renewed. The Poetic Edda begins with The Seeress’s Prophecy which recounts the creation of the world, and looks forward to its destruction and rebirth. In this great collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, the exploits of gods and humans are related. The one-eyed Odin, red-bearded Thor, Loki the trickster, the lovely goddesses and the giants who are their enemies walk beside the heroic Helgi, Sigurd the Dragon-Slayer, Brynhild the shield-maiden, and the implacable Gudrun. New in this revised translation are the quest-poem The Lay of Svipdag and The Waking of Angantyr, in which a girl faces down her dead father to retrieve his sword.
Comic, tragic, instructive, grandiose, witty and profound, the poems of the Edda have influenced artists from Wagner to Tolkien and a new generation of video-game and film makers.
ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World’s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford’s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Poetic Edda” about?
Who is the author of “The Poetic Edda”?
When was “The Poetic Edda” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Poetic Edda”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
