The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda or Snorri's Edda, is a medieval Icelandic manuscript composed by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century. This work is a crucial source of information for understanding Old Norse mythology, literature, and the cultural context of medieval Scandinavia.
The Prose Edda is divided into several parts:
Written in the early 13th century, the Prose Edda was created during a time when Christianity was becoming more entrenched in Iceland, yet Norse pagan traditions and stories were still prevalent in the cultural memory. Snorri Sturluson, a prominent chieftain, historian, and poet, aimed to preserve the old myths for future generations and to explain the poetic language of the skalds to a Christian audience. His work was also intended to educate young poets in the art of skaldic verse.
The original manuscripts of the Prose Edda have been lost, but several copies from the 14th and 15th centuries survive, such as the Uppsala Codex and the Codex Wormianus. These manuscripts have variations in text, indicating that the work was altered and possibly expanded over time.
The Prose Edda is invaluable for: