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University College London

Edda (1826)

IDENTITY STATEMENT

Reference code(s): GB 0103 MS ICELANDIC 2

Held at: University College London

Title: Edda (1826)

Date(s): 1826

Level of description: Collection (fonds)

Extent: 1 volume containing 66 leaves

Name of creator(s):

CONTEXT

Administrative/Biographical history:

'Edda' comprises a body of ancient Icelandic literature contained in two books, the Prose (or Younger) Edda and the Poetic (or Elder) Edda, and constitutes the fullest source for modern knowledge of Germanic mythology. The Prose Edda was written by the Icelandic chieftain, poet,and historian Snorri Sturluson, probably in 1222-1223, and is a textbook intended to instruct young poets in the metres of the early Icelandic skalds (court poets) and to provide the Christian age with an understanding of the mythological subjects referred to in early poetry. The Poetic Edda is a manuscript of the later 13th century, but containing older materials (hence the 'Elder' Edda), and contains mythological and heroic poems of unknown authorship, usually dramatic dialogues in a terse and archaic style, composed from the 9th to the 11th century.

CONTENT

Scope and content/abstract:

Manuscript volume, 1826, labelled on the spine 'Edda Snorra Sturlusonar', containing selections: Skrifud á Stavafelli í Loniinnann Aústur Skaptafells Sýsin, af Petri Sveinssyni ...

ACCESS AND USE

Language/scripts of material: Icelandic

System of arrangement:

Conditions governing access:

Open.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Normal copyright restrictions apply.

Physical characteristics:

Paper manuscript bound in vellum. One hand, with ornamented title-page and initials and headings. 20cm.

Finding aids:

List at University College London Special Collections.

ARCHIVAL INFORMATION

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information:

Accruals:

Archival history:

Presentation copy to Sir G Dasent from E Magnússon, with autograph inscription. Viking Society stamps and bookplate of Albany F Major.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Major Bequest.

ALLIED MATERIALS

Existence and location of originals:

Existence and location of copies:

Related material:

Publication note:

DESCRIPTION NOTES

Note:

Archivist's note: Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica online. Compiled by Rachel Kemsley as part of the RSLP AIM25 project.