The Eddas: the Keys to the Mysteries of the North

by James Allen Chisholm

This is a practical manual of self-transformation. It takes the form of a working edition of the mythological poems of the ancient Norse Poetic Edda for modern “pagans” who practice the magic and religion of the North The original Old Norse text is included in its entirety on the facing pages of the English version Notes to each poem, a glossary of religious terminology, in depth discussions and illustrations are included.

Genres: Nonfiction

Reviews

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute MUST HAVE if you are into studying the Poetic Edda, especially if you want a side-by-side translation with the Old Norse. If you can get your hands on a copy; BUY IT!

It is especially unique as being one of the few translations of the Edda made by an author who has a theological, as well as scholarly, stake in providing an accurate translation.

It was the cornerstone of my monthly Saga & Edda discussion group, because we'd take several translations of the Poetic Edda and go through it line by line, discussing the differences and similarities. (We also used a copy of Zoega's Icelandic Dictionary as well as the Bellowes, Larrington, Hollander and Terry translations of the Poetic Edda.)

The Old Norse was particularly handy when we came across bits like the one that is translated as "Too much ale makes apes of men" and we wanted to be sure if the Old Norse actually said 'apes'. [It does].

Heathen practitioners will also find chapters 2-4 and the appendixes very useful too, in my opinion.

[Daryl Tunget · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an an entirely accurate translation of the poetic edda, prophecy or lays. Interesting query, nonetheless.