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What are the Eddas?

The Eddas are books which are key sources for Norse mythology and heroic literature. The Elder, or Poetic, Edda is a collection of poems and other material gathered in the 9th century. It is sometimes attributed to the Christian priest Saemund the Wise though the most he can have done is collect it. Its true author(s) is unknown. The Poetic Edda includes the Havamal (Words of the High One) which describes the discovery of the runes.

In the 12th century the Icelandic historian and poet, Snorri Sturlson wrote the Younger, or Prose, Edda. It is suggested that it was written as a guide for novice poets. Both the Eddas are written later than the times they describe however they remain important primary texts for those seeking information on Norse mythology and/or studying the runes.