Eddic Poetry in Old Norse

Prerequisite: Introduction to Old Norse or an equivalent course at another institution at the discretion of the course instructor.

Old Norse Eddic poetry was collected in medieval Iceland but represents a world literary treasure, capturing a variety of mythic and legendary narratives from early Scandinavia and the wider Germanic tradition. This course focuses on reading selections from this poetic literature in Old Norse, providing students with not only the opportunity practice their skills in translating the Old Norse language, but also to become more familiar with these narratives as both windows on early medieval culture and influences on modern literature and popular culture.

Weekly Outline

Eddic Poetry in Old Norse meets twice weekly for a two-hour preceptor-led discussion session (four hours total per week).

Weeks 1 – 2:

“The Battle of the Goths & the Huns” (aka Hlöðskviða)

Weeks 3 – 5:

“The Lay of Fáfnir” (aka Fáfnismál)

Weeks 6 – 8:

“The Lay of Grímnir” (aka Grímnismál)

Weeks 9 – 11:

“The Prophecy of the Seeress” (aka Völuspá)

Week 12:

• Eddic verse in runic inscriptions
• Introduction to skaldic verse

Required Texts

All required texts will be provided in class. Optionally, you can purchase printed copies of A New Introduction to Old Norse from Amazon (US & UK), amongst other sources

Course History

This course has been offered in the following semesters.