POETIC EDDA Meaning and
Definition
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The Poetic Edda refers to a collection of Old Norse poems found in a manuscript written in Iceland during the 13th century. It is an important source of information about the mythology and legends of the Norse people. Composed in the form of oral poetry, the Poetic Edda encompasses various mythological narratives, heroic tales, and genealogies centered around the cosmology, gods, and sagas of the ancient Nordic culture.
This compilation consists of two main sections: the mythological poems and the heroic poems. The mythological poems, also known as the "Elder Edda," delve into the creation of the world, the exploits and struggles of deities such as Odin, Thor, and Loki, and the prophesied fate of the cosmos, called Ragnarök. The heroic poems, on the other hand, recount the adventures of legendary heroes such as Sigurd and Brynhild, focusing on themes of honor, fate, and warfare.
The style of the Poetic Edda is characterized by its use of kennings, a figurative language involving metaphorical expressions or compound words, and alliteration. It holds great linguistic and cultural value, offering insights into the religious beliefs, societal values, and historical events of the Norse. The Poetic Edda has been widely studied and referenced by scholars in the fields of literature, mythology, and history to unearth the complex tapestry of Norse mythology and the intricate interplay between gods, humans, and fate in ancient Scandinavian society.
Etymology of POETIC EDDA
The word "Edda" derives from Old Norse "Odda" or "Oddi", which was the name of a medieval Icelandic church and school. The term "Edda" was used by scholars to refer to collections of Old Norse poetry and prose, which were created and compiled during the 13th century. The exact origin of the word "Edda" is uncertain, but it is believed to have possibly derived from the Old Norse word "eddi", meaning "great-grandmother" or "great-aunt", which could be an allusion to an old woman called Edda who might have been a source of traditional knowledge and wisdom. The term "Poetic" emphasizes that this particular collection of Old Norse poems primarily consists of poetic texts. Thus, "Poetic Edda" refers to the collection of Old Norse poems known as the "Edda", which was primarily composed in poetic form.
