Skaldic poetry
Skaldic poetry is a form of Old Norse poetry, notably created by skalds, who were the poets of the Viking Age. Characterized by complex meter, intricate rhyme schemes, and extensive use of metaphor, skaldic poetry often celebrated heroic deeds, the gods, and the natural world. It was typically performed orally and was rich in alliteration and kennings—figurative expressions that replace simple nouns (like referring to the sea as the "whale-road"). Unlike the simpler Eddaic poetry, skaldic verse showcases a high level of artistic skill and often serves both as entertainment and a means of preserving history and culture.
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Skaldic poetry is a form of Old Norse verse that flourished during the Viking Age and medieval Scandinavia, primarily in Iceland. It was characterized by its complex structure, including intricate meter and extensive use of kennings—metaphorical expressions that convey meaning indirectly. Skalds, or poets, often composed this poetry to commemorate events, celebrate heroic deeds, or critique rulers. Unlike the simpler, more straightforward Eddaic poetry, skaldic verse showcases the poet's skill and theological depth, making it an important part of Norse cultural heritage and expression.