The Poetic Edda: Expanded Second Edition: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes

by Jackson Crawford (Translator)

This Expanded Second Edition of Jackson Crawford’s 2015 translation of the Poetic Edda offers a wider range of poems (now including the Eddic Old Norse poem “Svipdagsmal” and four related non-Eddic Old Norse poems, “Eiriksmal,” “Hakonarmal,” “Krakumal,” and “Lokrur”) as well as a revised translation and enhanced editorial apparatus. Set in a new page design, it also features samples from the Old Norse texts written in the Old Norse runic alphabet known as the Younger Futhark (in Jackson Crawford’s hand) along with original Old Norse-inspired Latin alphabet typographical ideograms (by E. L. Wilson).

Genres: Poetry, Mythology

494 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

Reviews

[Andrew Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have long been an admirer or Jackson Crawford’s work on Old Norse. This is a brilliant edition which brings these gods and heroes to life with excellent commentary. Includes his really cool Cowboy Havamal! Highly recommend.

[Lauren Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extensive updates with 100 pages more than the first addition. Also, as a visual learner, I appreciated the map and family trees as the names can be so difficult to remember and know the gender of. Appreciate Dr. Crawford’s continued focus on historical accuracy and making the text approachable to all levels.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've long enjoyed Dr. Crawford's original translation of The Poetic Edda, and I eagerly anticipated the release of this second edition. It exceeded my expectations! His extensive revisions are thorough and thoughtful. The addition of so much visual material, like a hand-drawn map of the Norse worlds, is a treat for those of us who also learn visually. There are many other artistic features sprinkled throughout, like runic writing and ornamental letters. Every element of this book was clearly carefully chosen to engage the senses. I buy most of my books on Kindle nowadays, but reading this paperback version reminds me how well-crafted books are like art. As a result, not only is this a deeply educational (and entertaining) translation, but it also walks a fun line between "old favorite" book with notes and doodles in the margin and an elegant print. And without exaggeration, I've taken this off my shelf and referenced it dozens of times since its release.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second version of Dr. Crawford's "The Poetic Edda" that I've received and I got mine through the wonderful Colorado Book Store, because they're a good store AND I wanted a signed edition, ha. His lovely new bride was also kind enough to sign mine! <3 I really have to say that, while the first edition was enjoyable, this second version is so much more....indepth?....I guess is the best way to describe for me. The stories are obviously timeless and his interpretations AND the younger Futhark in the book just add so much to understanding the Eddas. Thank you for updating this book, Dr. C!

[Johanna Joutti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson Crawford might be the most unlikely person to be an expert on Old Norse. He wears cowboy clothes and was born thousands of miles from the land of geysers. Yet he has spent half his life immersed in Viking sagas.

This second revised edition gives the modern reader an easy approach to the world of a thousand years ago. The author's expertise is evident in every line. The hardcover version is a handsome addition to your collection of historical non-fiction books. The mythical black illustrations beautifully frame the poetic lyrics of the saga.

[Blake Hobratschk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable and informative. Doc does a wonderful job guiding the reader through familiar and unfamiliar texts; frequently challenging the reader to be aware of which interpretive lens they bring to the text. Even though I read his first edition - for some reason I expected the second to be a little redundant - and I couldn't have been more wrong. I enjoyed this second tour through the Edda immensely.
Well done, Dr. Crawford.

[Vidar Herjanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. Dr. Crawford makes these stories very accessible to modern audiences. His hand drawn map at the beginning of the book that breaks down the “realms” and their relation to North Western Europe is very cool. The glossary at the beginning of the book as well as the family trees are also very helpful. Very good book, anyone interested in learning about the Gods and Hero’s of the Scandinavian people should check it out. The hardcover is very beautiful.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first edition was already my preferred translation. Crawford has added additional context, maps, family trees, and new clarification about translation strategies. Highly recommend to anyone interested in these stories.