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Article: The Eddas: Iceland's books of lore.
- Article from:
- Calliope
- Article date:
- January 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Carus Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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HOW DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE ANCIENT MYTHS OF THE NORSE PEOPLE? RUNE STONES CARVINGS, AND OTHER ARCHEOLOGICAL REMAINS FROM PAGAN TIMES PRESERVE SOME INFORMATION, BUT THE RICHEST SOURCES ARE TWO BOOKS FROM MEDIEVAL ICELAND THAT WERE COMPILED IN THE 13TH CENTURY: THE POETIC EDDA AND THE PROSE EDDA.
The Icelanders, who converted to Christianity in the year 1000, no longer believed in the Norse gods, but still cherished the myths as a part of their heritage. Scholars debate the meaning of the word edda. Some think it translates as "poetry"; others, as "great-grandmother." This second definition suggests an edda contains stories passed down orally over many generations. ...