Edda: taruopillinen alkuosa; Gylfin harhanäky (Gylfaginning)

Name: Edda: taruopillinen alkuosa; Gylfin harhanäky (Gylfaginning)
Author: Snorri Sturluson

By Snorri Sturluson

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A framing narrative describes a wandering king who disguises himself to question the rulers of the gods and receives a sequence of mythic accounts. The gods reply with cosmological myths that explain creation from Ginnungagap, the emergence of the primeval being Ymir, the cosmic cow Audhumla, and the formation of other primordial figures. It recounts how deities shape the world, sky, and human origins and enumerates principal divine names and attributes. The text combines genealogies, origin tales, and prophetic motifs, moving from cosmogony through a mapped order of realms to forewarnings about the gods' ultimate fate and the destiny of humankind.

About the Author

Snorri Sturluson

Snorri Sturluson was a 13th-century Icelandic historian, poet, and politician, best known for his contributions to Norse literature and mythology. His most notable works include "Heimskringla," a comprehensive history of the Norwegian kings, and "The Prose Edda," which serves as a crucial source for understanding Norse mythology and poetics. Sturluson's writings reflect the rich cultural heritage of medieval Scandinavia and have had a lasting impact on the study of Old Norse literature. His sagas not only document historical events but also explore themes of power, fate, and the human condition, making him a pivotal figure in the literary tradition of the North.