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The Poetic Edda

Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes

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About this listen

"The poems of the Poetic Edda have waited a long time for a Modern English translation that would do them justice. Here it is at last (Odin be praised!) and well worth the wait. These amazing texts from a thirteenth-century Icelandic manuscript are of huge historical, mythological, and literary importance, containing the lion's share of information that survives today about the gods and heroes of pre-Christian Scandinavians, their unique vision of the beginning and end of the world, etc.

"Jackson Crawford's modern versions of these poems are authoritative and fluent and often very gripping. With their individual headnotes and complementary general introduction, they supply today's readers with most of what they need to know in order to understand and appreciate the beliefs, motivations, and values of the Vikings." (Dick Ringler, professor emeritus of English and Scandinavian studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison)

©2015 Hackett Publishing Company, Inc. (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Europe European Literary History & Criticism Poetry Themes & Styles World Literature Icelandic Sagas
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Most relevant
Love it, a great reading voice and a relatable translation. highly recommend. the ending chapter, Cowboy's Hávamál, Dr Crawford's translation of the Hávamál inspired by his grandfather is particularly touching.

As expected from Jackson Crawford

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Loved it, Norse Mythology is a favourite of mine and the Poetic Edda is fantastic.

Norse Mythology at its finest.

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Brilliant translation, writing and narration. I’ve read and listened to a few and this one stands out as the best for me.

Brilliant

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I believe Jackson did a great job at translating and presenting my only criticism was reciting the Havamal in a Texan accent and using Americanisms otherwise it would have got 5 stars.

Far better than Snorris Edda

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Great performance and excellent in-depth of explanation and contextualisation of each poem. Cowboy Havamal was a lovely addition. Allowed me to more easily relate tp the advice given.

The Poetic Edda comes alive

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