Mimisbrunnr.info

Eddic to English

A survey of English translations of the Poetic Edda

Authored by Joseph S. Hopkins for Mimisbrunnr.info, 2017.

Art by Rim Baudey for Mimisbrunnr.info, 2019.

Updated March 2025.

Special thanks to Lauren E. Fountain, Haukur Þorgeirsson, Lyonel D. Perabo, Linda Severs, Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen, Ross Downing, and the many others who continue to provide corrections, suggestions, and other feedback for the project. All of it is valuable. The author is responsible for any and all errors. Unless otherwise noted, all opinions expressed are the author’s own.

Quick reference:

  • Hopkins, Joseph S. 2017. “Eddic to English: A Survey of English translations of the Poetic Edda”. Mimisbrunnr.info. URL: https://www.mimisbrunnr.info/eddic-to-english

Eddic to English is an ongoing effort with a single, simple goal: By way of producing the first in-depth survey of English translations of the Poetic Edda of its type, Mimisbrunnr.info aims to assist readers and translators in the broader study of the Poetic Edda. To that end, the author intends Eddic to English to be approachable, readable, and useful.

More specifically, this study highlights differences, commonalities, and trends among translators of the Poetic Edda. The intention of this approach is not to promote any particular translation, although Mimisbrunnr.info here and there recommends editions to readers for specific purposes and highlights notable issues where encountered. Every translation listed below holds some level of value for the reader, even if only for comparative purposes.