Dive into the mythical world of Norse gods and legendary heroes with 'The Prose Edda' by Snorri Sturluson. This remarkable compilation reveals the intricate tales of Odin, Thor, and Loki, masterfully blending history with myth. Explore the origins of creation, the epic battles of the gods, and the foreboding prophecies of Ragnarok. With its rich tapestry of lore, the book serves as both a guide for poets and a thrilling narrative for modern readers. Uncover the echoes of ancient beliefs that still resonate in today's culture and imagination.
By Snorri Sturluson
Published: 2006
"Wisdom is like a river; it flows endlessly, shaping the lands it touches and carving stories into the stones of time."
Written in Iceland a century after the close of the Viking Age, The Prose Edda is the source of most of what we know of Norse mythology. Its tales are peopled by giants, dwarves, and elves, superhuman heroes and indomitable warrior queens. Its gods live with the tragic knowledge of their own impending destruction in the cataclysmic battle of Ragnarok. Its time scale spans the eons from the world’s creation to its violent end. This robust new translation captures the magisterial sweep and startling psychological complexity of the Old Icelandic original. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Snorri Sturluson (1179-1241) was an Icelandic poet, historian, and politician, renowned for his contributions to medieval literature and Norse mythology. His most notable works include the 'Prose Edda,' a foundational text for understanding Norse mythology, and the 'Heimskringla,' a history of the Norwegian kings which intertwines history and sagas. Sturluson's writing is characterized by its narrative style, blending poetry with prose, and its deep exploration of mythological themes, reflecting the cultural and political milieu of 13th-century Iceland.
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“Wisdom is like a river; it flows endlessly, shaping the lands it touches and carving stories into the stones of time.”
The Prose Edda
By Snorri Sturluson
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