The Poetic Edda

The Poetic Edda is the modern name for an untitled collection of Old Norse anonymous narrative poems in alliterative verse (known as Eddic poems). It is distinct from the closely related Prose Edda, although both works are seminal to the study of Old Norse poetry.

Because the Poetic Edda is a compiled body of literature and editors have differed in their selection of included poems, published versions can vary. However, forming the basis for all versions are poems found in the medieval Icelandic manuscript Codex Regius. The Codex Regius—and, by extension, the Poetic Edda—are also known as the Elder Edda or Sæmundar Edda.

The Eddic poems are composed in alliterative verse. Most are in fornyrðislag ("old story metre"), while málaháttr ("speech form") is a common variation. The rest, about a quarter, are composed in ljóðaháttr ("song form"). The language of the poems is usually clear and relatively unadorned. Kennings are often employed, though they do not arise as frequently, nor are they as complex, as those found in typical skaldic poetry.