Poetic Eddas Reading Group

What tales were told around the fire in the longhouses of the north?

The Poetic Eddas are the oral literature of Iceland, written down from 1000 to 1300. The Eddas are a primary source for our knowledge of Norse pagan beliefs (aka, Asatru). The poems are a great tragic literature tradition, with vivid descriptions of the emotional states of the protagonists, Gods and heroes alike. The impact of these sagas on world culture is wide-ranging, inspiring works by Richard Wagner and J.R.R. Tolkien.

For this session we will finish The Havamal, aka "Sayings of the High One", focusing on the last two sections of the poem, in which Odin receives the runes and tells of the spells he knows.

What thoughts do these stanzas inspire? Are they relevant to today? What questions do they raise for you? Use any translation you like, some are available for free. Comparing translations will likely be part of the discussion, so far we have found key differences in interpretation and even some differences in the original text.

Please use the East entrance to the UU.

Also check out other Arts events in Concord, Literary Art events in Concord.