Prose Edda

Definition

The Prose Edda is a 13th-century work of literature written by the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson, which serves as a primary source for Norse mythology and poetics. It consists of mythological tales, heroic legends, and explanations of poetic forms, linking key elements of Norse creation, the afterlife, and the apocalyptic event known as Ragnarök, making it an essential text for understanding these themes within the mythic tradition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Prose Edda was composed in Old Norse and is considered one of the most important sources for reconstructing Norse mythology.
2. Snorri Sturluson wrote the Prose Edda to preserve Norse myths and provide a guide to understanding skaldic poetry, reflecting both his scholarly ambitions and cultural heritage.
3. The text is divided into several parts: Gylfaginning (the 'Tricking of Gylfi'), Skáldskaparmál ('The Language of Poetry'), and Háttatal ('The Enumeration of Metres').
4. In Gylfaginning, the reader learns about the nine realms of existence, including concepts of creation, life after death, and significant figures in Norse lore.
5. Ragnarök is depicted in the Prose Edda as a cataclysmic series of events that lead to the death of many gods and the destruction of the world, followed by its rebirth.

Review Questions

• How does Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda contribute to our understanding of Norse creation mythology?
  • The Prose Edda plays a crucial role in understanding Norse creation mythology by detailing how the world was formed from the body of the slain giant Ymir and describing key figures like Odin, Vili, and Ve. Through its narratives, it provides context for various realms within Norse cosmology, such as Asgard and Midgard, as well as the relationship between gods and humans. This text serves as an essential reference for scholars studying these mythic stories.
• What insights does the Prose Edda provide about Norse beliefs regarding the realms of the dead?
  • In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson describes various realms where souls go after death, such as Valhalla for warriors who die bravely in battle and Hel for those who do not. This distinction illustrates the values placed on honor and bravery in Norse culture. Additionally, it explores concepts like fate and destiny in relation to one's afterlife journey, emphasizing how one's actions in life directly influence their fate in death.
• Evaluate how the themes presented in the Prose Edda regarding Ragnarök reflect broader societal concerns of medieval Norse culture.
  • The themes surrounding Ragnarök in the Prose Edda reflect deep-seated societal concerns about fate, conflict, and renewal. The catastrophic end that leads to a rebirth symbolizes both a fear of inevitable destruction and hope for regeneration. This mirrors medieval Norse culture's struggle with external threats and internal strife during times of upheaval. The depiction of gods facing their doom also represents human vulnerability and resilience in confronting overwhelming odds, resonating with contemporary audiences who seek meaning amidst chaos.

Related terms

Skáldskaparmál: One of the main sections of the Prose Edda that focuses on the art of poetry, discussing poetic techniques and providing a rich tapestry of mythological references.

Gylfaginning: The section of the Prose Edda that recounts the creation of the world, the gods, and significant mythological events, serving as an introduction to Norse cosmology.

Völuspá: A famous poem from the Poetic Edda that presents a prophecy about the creation, destruction, and rebirth of the world, paralleling themes found in the Prose Edda.