The Prose Edda, translated by Jean I. Young, is a comprehensive and engaging look at Norse mythology that offers readers a deeper understanding of the ancient tales and beliefs of the Norse people. Through a combination of prose and poetry, Snorri Sturleson brings to life the gods, goddesses, and heroes of Norse mythology, as well as the rich tapestry of the cosmos they inhabit.

One of the standout features of this translation is the detailed and informative introduction, which provides valuable context for the stories that follow. The translation itself is smooth and accessible, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the tales of Odin, Thor, Loki, and the other colorful characters of Norse mythology.

Overall, The Prose Edda is a must-read for anyone with an interest in mythology, folklore, or world literature. It is a timeless and endlessly fascinating work that offers a unique glimpse into the beliefs and values of an ancient society. Highly recommended.

Book Description:
Also known as the Younger Edda or Snorri's Edda, the Prose Edda is a three-part work composed or at least compiled by thirteenth-century Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson. Along with the Elder or Poetic Edda written by an unknown poet a half-century earlier, the Prose Edda is a major source of much older Norse mythology as it had evolved through the generations. The two Eddas have had a profound effect on European literature in both style and content, not least on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth fantasies. The first part of the Prose Edda is the Gylfaginning , dealing with the creation of the world and the major elements of Norse mythology. The second part, Skáldskaparmál, presented as a dialogue between Ægir, the God of the Sea and Bragi, the God of Poetry, is a fascinating textbook on skaldic poetry, including the uses of alliteration and kennings. The third part, Háttatal, is a trilogy of heroic poetry demonstrating the techniques of Skáldskaparmál . Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur, translator of Beowulf as well as the Prose Edda, was an intriguing person in his own right, writing pulp fiction along with his masterful scholarly translations and advocating radical political notions during the dangerous McCarthy era. - Summary by Expatriate