The Younger Edda; Also called Snorre's Edda, or The Prose Edda

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

18947

Title

The Younger Edda; Also called Snorre's Edda, or The Prose Edda

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents Snorri Sturluson's Younger Edda, a foundational text of Norse mythology translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. It chronicles the creation of the world, the lives of the gods, and the prophesied doom of Ragnarok, offering an accessible entry into Teutonic religion and heroic legend.

Summary up to 500 words

Rasmus B. Anderson's translation of Snorri Sturluson's *The Younger Edda*, or *The Prose Edda*, offers a comprehensive English rendering of Norse mythology, preserving the original's mythic grandeur while clarifying linguistic nuances. The narrative begins in the chaos of Ginnungagap, where the spirit of Fimbultyr moves upon the deep. Here, the ice-cold rivers from Niflheim meet the flames from Muspelheim, creating the giant Ymir, the father of all evil giants. Following the command to establish order, Odin and his brothers slay Ymir, fashioning the universe from his body: his flesh becomes the earth, his blood the sea, his bones the rocks, his hair the trees, and his skull the heavens. From two trees, the gods breathe life into Ask and Embla, creating the first humans in Midgard. The text details the pantheon of the Asas, led by Odin, the Allfather, who rules all things and prepares Valhalla for fallen warriors. His wife, Frigg, knows the fate of men but keeps it secret. Thor, the strongest of the gods, rules Thrudvang and wields the hammer Mjolner to protect the world from giants. Balder, the beloved and radiant god, dwells in the pure hall of Breidablik, while his brother Njord rules the sea and wind. The goddess Freyja rules Folkvang, receiving half of the slain, and her sister Frey governs harvests and peace. Other key figures include the trickster Loki, whose actions often precipitate disaster; the blind but mighty Hodr; and the silent Vidar, who will avenge Odin. The narrative builds toward Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods. Bonds are severed, and chaos returns as Loki releases the bound Fenris-wolf and the Midgard-serpent. Odin falls to the wolf, Thor dies fighting the serpent, and the world is consumed by fire and smoke. However, the tale concludes with regeneration. The earth rises green from the sea, and the righteous dwell in Gimle, a hall brighter than the sun, where Balder returns and the gods enjoy eternal delights. Anderson's translation, enriched with notes, a vocabulary, and an index, provides English readers with access to the heroic forefathers and the doctrines of the Teutonic race, emphasizing the themes of courage, enterprise, and the cyclical nature of existence from chaos to cosmos and back to a renewed dawn.

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Categories

• Poetry
• Mythology