The word "Eddic" is used to describe the ancient Norse poems that were compiled in the 13th century. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈɛd.ɪk/, which consists of the stressed syllable "ed" followed by a short "i" sound and the unstressed syllable "ic". The spelling of the word is based on the name of the poems' compiler, Snorri Sturluson, who referred to the poems as "edda" or "poetry". Over time, the word "Eddic" became the accepted spelling to describe this significant body of work in Norse mythology.
Eddic is an adjective that refers to the Eddas, a collection of Old Norse poems that were compiled during the 13th century in Iceland. The term specifically points to the poetic style and content found in these ancient texts. The Eddas are divided into two main parts: the Poetic Edda (also known as the Elder Edda or the Sæmundar Edda) and the Prose Edda (or the Younger Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson).
The Eddic poems are believed to have been composed between the 9th and 11th centuries, although some may date back even earlier. These poems form an important part of Norse mythology and traditions, shedding light on the lives, beliefs, and cultural practices of the Norse people. The themes present in Eddic poetry encompass a wide range of topics, including mythical narratives, heroic legends, cosmology, morality, and legendary heroes such as Sigurd, Helgi, and Odin.
Eddic poetry is often characterized by its use of alliteration, kennings (metaphorical expressions), and rhythmic patterns. It typically employs a straightforward and direct style, eschewing complex meters or elaborate literary techniques. The language of the Eddic poems is archaic and belongs to the Old Norse dialect, which adds to the historical and literary significance of these texts.
Overall, "Eddic" is an adjective that describes the style, content, and historical association with the Eddas, the Old Norse poems that form an invaluable source of knowledge about the mythological and cultural heritage of the Norse people.
The word "Eddic" is derived from "Edda", which refers to two collections of Old Norse literature from the 13th century. The etymology of "Edda" is uncertain, but there are a few theories about its origins.
One theory suggests that "Edda" is derived from "Oddi", the name of a farmstead in Iceland where the 13th-century scholar Snorri Sturluson, who compiled the Prose Edda, resided. This theory implies that "Edda" originally referred to the place where the collection was created rather than the content.
Another theory suggests that "Edda" is derived from the Old Norse word "óðr", which means "poetry" or "inspiration". This theory connects the name to the content of the collection, emphasizing its significance as a literary work.