Eddic Poetry
Eddic poetry refers to a body of Old Norse literature, primarily found in two collections: the "Poetic Edda" and the "Prose Edda." These texts, composed between the 9th and 13th centuries, include a mix of mythological and heroic poems that explore themes like fate, love, and the struggles of gods and heroes. The poetry often uses alliteration, specific meters, and kennings (metaphorical expressions). Eddic poetry is crucial for understanding Norse mythology and the culture of the Vikings, serving as both storytelling and a reflection of their worldview.
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Eddic poetry refers to a collection of Old Norse poems from medieval Iceland that form part of the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. These texts, dating from the 13th century but based on earlier oral traditions, explore themes like mythology, heroism, and morality. The poetry often features a specific meter and uses alliterative verse, which relies on the repetition of initial sounds. Eddic poems are significant for understanding Norse mythology, offering insights into the gods, legendary heroes, and the cultural values of the Viking Age, as well as influencing later literature and art in the Western tradition.