Pronunciation: [ˈɛdəz] (IPA) 
The word "Eddas" is often misspelled as "Edas" or "Edas." The correct spelling is "Eddas," with a double "d." This spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents the sounds of speech. The first syllable of "Eddas" is pronounced as "eh" or /ɛ/, while the second syllable is pronounced as "duh" or /dəz/. The double "d" in "Eddas" corresponds to the syllabic "d" sound at the end of the word.
The Eddas refer to two ancient Icelandic texts known as the Prose Edda and the Poetic Edda, which collectively serve as the primary sources of Norse mythology and Old Norse literature. These texts were compiled by different authors during the 13th century, but they preserve much older oral traditions and narratives that originated from the Viking Age (800-1100 AD).
The Prose Edda, also known as Snorri's Edda, was written by Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic poet and historian. It is a collection of prose pieces that provide a systematic overview of Norse mythology, including the creation story, the pantheon of gods and goddesses, cosmology, and heroic sagas. The Poetic Edda is a collection of anonymous poems that cover a wider range of topics, including heroic epics, stanzas on mythological figures, and ancient wisdom.
The Eddas are invaluable to scholars studying the ancient Norse culture, as they shed light on the beliefs, rituals, and legends of the Vikings. They offer insights into the Norse worldview, their understanding of the universe, and their perception of deities and heroes. These texts also provide a glimpse into the poetic and narrative techniques employed by ancient Scandinavian poets.
Overall, the Eddas serve as a crucial bridge between the oral traditions of Norse mythology and the written records that have come down to us. They have significantly contributed to our understanding of Norse culture and remain an essential resource for those interested in exploring the rich mythology and literary heritage of the Vikings.
The word "Eddas" is derived from the Old Norse term "Edda", which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word "aðô", meaning "great-grandmother". In medieval Icelandic literature, the term "Edda" was used to refer to two distinct collections of texts: the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. The Poetic Edda is a collection of Old Norse poems, while the Prose Edda is a compilation of Norse myths, legends, and poetic theories written by the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century. The term "Edda" was likely chosen to symbolize the ancestral wisdom and knowledge contained within these texts.
