The Edda, Volume 1 / The Divine Mythology of the North / Popular Studies in Mythology, Romance, and Folklore, No. 12

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

13007

Title

The Edda, Volume 1 / The Divine Mythology of the North / Popular Studies in Mythology, Romance, and Folklore, No. 12

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Lucy Winifred Faraday presents Norse mythology through the Icelandic Eddas, offering a vivid exploration of gods, giants, and cosmic fate. With accessible language and scholarly insight, this volume reveals the ancient beliefs behind Ragnarök, the tragic death of Baldr, and the complex roles of Odin, Thor, and Loki. A compelling journey into the heart of Germanic heathendom.

Summary up to 500 words

Lucy Winifred Faraday's *The Edda, Volume 1* offers a scholarly yet engaging introduction to the Divine Mythology of the North, drawing primarily from the Poetic Edda preserved in the thirteenth-century Codex Regius. Faraday argues that these poems, largely composed in the tenth century, provide an original and national account of Germanic heathendom before Christian influence altered the landscape. The volume focuses on the mythological section of the collection, distinguishing it from the heroic narratives found later in the manuscript. The narrative begins with *Völuspá*, where a Sibyl prophesies the creation of the world, the war between gods and giants, the tragic death of Baldr, and the ultimate destruction at Ragnarök. Faraday explores other key poems that reveal the complexity of Norse belief. In *Vafþrúdnismál*, Odin tests his wisdom against a giant, while *Grímnismál* features Odin disguised as Grimnir instructing a foster-son from between two fires. The dialogue-heavy *Lokasenna* depicts Loki reviling the gods, and *Þrymskviða* recounts Thor's daring disguise as Freyja to retrieve his stolen hammer. Faraday examines the Vanir deities Njörðr, Freyr, and Freyja, explaining their agricultural origins and their integration into the Æsir pantheon through hostage exchanges following a war between the two groups. She highlights Loki's dual nature as both a helpful ally and a destructive agent whose imprisonment by snakes causes earthquakes and who eventually frees Fenrir and Jörmungandr to aid in Ragnarök. The World-Ash, Yggdrasil, is described as a central symbol connecting Hel, the giants, and mankind. The book concludes with an analysis of Baldr's death, debating theories regarding the mistletoe weapon and Loki's culpability. Faraday suggests that apparent contradictions in the story reflect ancient oral tradition rather than invention. She praises the dramatic action and simplicity of this Icelandic poetry compared to later Skaldic verse, asserting its originality and national character. This work serves as both a rigorous scholarly introduction and a vivid retelling of foundational Norse myths.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Mythology