Poetic Edda

One of the greatest treasures of world mythology, The Poetic Edda preserves the ancient songs, legends, and wisdom of the Norse peoples in their most powerful and enduring form.

Collected from medieval Icelandic manuscripts but preserving traditions far older, these remarkable poems recount the deeds of gods, heroes, giants, and kings. Here are the stories of Odin's relentless search for wisdom, Thor's battles against the forces of chaos, Loki's cunning schemes, and the tragic events that lead to Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods and the end of the world.

Alongside these mythological poems stand the great heroic lays of the Volsungs and Nibelungs, recounting the adventures of Sigurd the dragon-slayer, Brynhild the valkyrie, Gudrun, Gunnar, and other legendary figures whose stories influenced centuries of literature and legend.

Rich in myth, prophecy, heroism, and tragedy, The Poetic Edda offers an unparalleled window into the beliefs, values, and imagination of the medieval Norse world. Its tales of courage, fate, honour, betrayal, and cosmic struggle have inspired writers, scholars, and readers for generations.

Whether approached as mythology, literature, history, or folklore, The Poetic Edda remains one of humanity's most important collections of traditional stories and one of the foundational works of Northern European culture.