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

Snorri Sturluson's 'The Younger Edda', also recognized as 'Snorre's Edda' or 'The Prose Edda', is an essential Old Norse work that offers an invaluable window into the world of Norse mythology and medieval Scandinavian culture. This magisterial compilation is not just a repository of myth but also an early 13th-century Icelandic language manual, showcasing Snorri's robust command over prosody and narrative. Its compositions blend the oral traditions of Viking-age Scandinavia with a sophisticated literary craft, encapsulating tales of gods and heroes in a style that straddles both scholarly treatise and creative narrative, within the broader literary context of medieval Norse traditions.

Snorri Sturluson, a polymathic figure of medieval Iceland, was deeply embedded in the cultural and political life of his time. This mastery is mirrored in 'The Prose Edda', reflecting his commitment to preserving Scaldic poetry's intricate techniques and mythic source material, which were at the risk of being forgotten in a rapidly Christianizing Norse world. Snorri's work is indicative of his intent to sustain cultural heritage, as well as his ambition to instruct aspirant poets in the art that fashioned the sagas of the Icelanders and the myths of the Norse pantheon.

'The Younger Edda' is an indispensable read for anyone interested in Norse mythology, medieval literature, or cultural history. Scholars and general readers alike will find Sturluson's meticulous accounts a profound exploration into the myths that defined an era and the creative spirit that sought to preserve them. With lasting influence on successive generations, Snorri's work fosters a deeper understanding of the Norse mythological corpus and is a cornerstone for those who wish to delve into the mind of medieval Scandinavia.