The Poetic Edda Book Summary

'The Poetic Edda' by Jackson Crawford offers a stunning gateway into the mythology and poetry of ancient Norse culture. This acclaimed translation brings to life the tales of gods, heroes, and the creation of the world with vivid clarity and depth. Readers will encounter iconic characters like Odin and Thor as they navigate themes of fate, honor, and the eternal struggle between chaos and order. Crawford’s expert commentary adds context and scholarship, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts of Norse lore. Dive into this captivating collection and uncover the timeless wisdom that still resonates today.

By Jackson Crawford

Published: 2015

"Our courage and our spirit are what define us; not the gods above, but the blood in our veins and the strength in our hearts."

Book Review of The Poetic Edda

"The poems of the Poetic Edda have waited a long time for a Modern English translation that would do them justice. Here it is at last (Odin be praised!) and well worth the wait. These amazing texts from a 13th-century Icelandic manuscript are of huge historical, mythological and literary importance, containing the lion's share of information that survives today about the gods and heroes of pre-Christian Scandinavians, their unique vision of the beginning and end of the world, etc. Jackson Crawford's modern versions of these poems are authoritative and fluent and often very gripping. With their individual headnotes and complementary general introduction, they supply today's readers with most of what they need to know in order to understand and appreciate the beliefs, motivations, and values of the Vikings." --Dick Ringler, Professor Emeritus of English and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Our courage and our spirit are what define us; not the gods above, but the blood in our veins and the strength in our hearts.

The Poetic Edda

By Jackson Crawford