The Poetic Edda is the most important collection of Norse-Icelandic mythological and heroic poetry, covering the creation of the world and the coming of Ragnarok, The Doom of the Gods. The mythological poems are an exploration of the wisdom of gods and giants, and tell of the adventures of the god Thor, against hostile giants, and rivalries amongst the gods. In the heroic poems we hear of the exploits of Helgi and his Valkyrie bride, the tragic tale of Sigurd and Byrnhild’s doomed love, and the terrible drama of Gudrun and her children. Many of the poems pre-date the conversion of Scandinavia to Christianity and give us a glimpse of the pagan beliefs of the North.

This recording is of Carolyne Larrington’s revised translation (OUP) and is read by the accomplished actor Gunnar Cauthery (himself of Icelandic heritage).