Titles in this Collection:
The Elder or Poetic Edda of Saemund Sigfusson by Henry Adam BellowsThe Younger or Prose Edda of Snorri Sturlson by Arthur Gilchrist BrodeurMyths of The Norsemen by H.A GuerberTold by the Northmen: Stories from the Eddas and Sagas By E.M Wilmot-Buxton(Annotated) with A Historical Introduction to the Age of the Vikings
The Eddas and Sagas are important historical texts in Old Norse literature, often referenced to understand the culture, beliefs, and practices of the Norse people, including their mythology and heroic legends.
There are two Eddas – the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda.
The Poetic Edda, also known as the Elder Edda, is a collection of Old Norse poems primarily preserved in the Icelandic mediaeval manuscript Codex Regius. These poems tell stories about the Norse gods (like Odin, Thor, and Loki) and heroes. They provide a rich source of information about Norse mythology and Germanic heroic legends. Experience the Poetic Edda through the esteemed lens of Henry Adams Bellows. His rendition elegantly captures the poetic cadence and profound essence of the original Old Norse verses.
The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda, was written by Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic historian, poet, and politician, in the 13th century. This work is structured as a guide for aspiring poets, teaching the craft of Old Norse skaldic poetry, but its value extends beyond this. It is a critical source of information on Norse mythology and heroic legends, as it provides detailed narratives of many stories merely alluded to in the Poetic Edda. Arthur Gilchrist’s version beautifully captures the essence and nuances of the original, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
“Myths of the Norsemen” by H.A. Guerber is an extensive retelling of the legends and myths of the Norse pantheon. Published in the early 20th century, Guerber’s work is one of the most comprehensive and accessible English renditions of the stories of the Norse gods, goddesses, heroes, and the world they inhabit.
Finally, E. M. Wilmot-Buxton’s “Told by the Northmen: Stories from the Eddas and Sagas” is a collection of tales adapted from the ancient Norse sources, specifically the Eddas and Sagas. The aim of the book, much like similar collections from its time, was to make the rich tapestry of Norse mythology and history more accessible to a general audience, especially young readers.
Wilmot-Buxton’s retellings are crafted to be engaging, with a narrative style suitable for younger readers or those new to Norse mythology. While the book might not dive deep into academic analysis, it offers an approachable introduction to the rich world of Norse tales.
Buy this definitive anthology that brings together four of the most revered works on Norse mythology today and embark on an unparalleled voyage into the mythical North, where gods and mortals weave tales of heroism, fate, and cosmic mysteries.
