What is the Poetic Edda?
The Poetic Edda exists as an untitled collection of anonymous Old Norse narrative poems written in alliterative verse. Most of these works follow the fornyrðislag meter, known as old story metre.
Questions about Poetic Edda
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the Codex Regius discovered and by whom?
Brynjólfur Sveinsson then Bishop of Skálholt acquired possession of the manuscript that year 1643. The bishop sent the manuscript as a present to the Danish king creating its Latin name Codex Regius.
Who wrote the poems in the Poetic Edda?
No single author claims ownership of any poem within the collection. Scholars speculate that individual poets crafted specific stanzas with strong personal characteristics yet firm conclusions regarding specific authors have never been reached by academic consensus.
Which poems are included in the Codex Regius version of the Poetic Edda?
In the Codex Regius Völuspá appears first offering Wise-woman's prophecy or The Seeress's Prophecy. Hávamál follows presenting The Ballad of the High One or Sayings of the High One while other texts include Lokasenna presents Loki's Wrangling and Þrymskviða tells The Lay of Thrym.
How has the Poetic Edda influenced modern literature since the 19th century?
Since the early 19th century Codex Regius has influenced Scandinavian literature through visionary force and dramatic quality. J.R.R. Tolkien utilized concepts from the Eddas in his 1937 fantasy novel The Hobbit where names of his Dwarves originate from Dvergatal within Völuspá.