Description
By Snorri Sturluson. Translated by Rasmus B. Anderson. Enter the mythic world of the Vikings and discover the ancient legends that shaped the imagination, religion, and heroic traditions of the Norse world.
In The Prose Edda, Icelandic scholar and historian Snorri Sturluson preserves the great myths and heroic traditions of the Scandinavian peoples in one of the most important literary works of the medieval world. Written in the thirteenth century, the Prose Edda remains the primary source for much of what is known today about Norse mythology, the gods of Asgard, and the legendary cosmology of the Viking Age.
Within these pages readers encounter the mighty god Odin, the thunder-wielding Thor, the cunning Loki, and the many gods, giants, monsters, and heroes who populate the world of Norse legend. The book recounts the creation of the cosmos, the adventures of the gods, the doom of Ragnarök, and the poetic traditions that inspired generations of Scandinavian storytellers and warriors.
This classic translation by Rasmus B. Anderson helped introduce English-speaking audiences to the richness and grandeur of Old Norse literature and mythology. Anderson’s translation preserves the power and atmosphere of the medieval text while making it accessible to modern readers interested in mythology, medieval history, and Viking culture.
More than a collection of myths, The Prose Edda stands as one of the foundational works of European literature and an invaluable record of pre-Christian Scandinavian belief and imagination. Its influence can still be seen in modern fantasy literature, mythology studies, and popular culture.
This carefully restored reprint revives a timeless masterpiece for modern audiences. Essential for students, historians, mythology enthusiasts, and lovers of epic literature, The Prose Edda remains a gateway into the heroic and mysterious world of the Norse gods and the Viking imagination.
About the author: Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241) was an Icelandic historian, poet, politician, and scholar regarded as one of the most important writers of medieval Scandinavia. He authored the Prose Edda and other major works preserving Norse mythology, heroic legend, and early Scandinavian history for future generations.
About the translator: Rasmus B. Anderson (1846–1936) was a Norwegian-American scholar, diplomat, and author devoted to promoting Scandinavian history, literature, and culture in the United States. He translated and published important Old Norse and Icelandic texts, helping introduce English-speaking readers to Viking history and Norse mythology.
