Written by Dyami Millarson
Edda Sæmundar hinns fróda: Edda rhythmica seu antiquior, vulgo Saemundina dicta is the 18th-century Latin translation of the Poetic Edda, or Elder Edda, an invaluable collection of Old Norse epic poetry. Published in Copenhagen in 1787 by Legati Magnaeani et Gyldendalii, this first edition is a seminal text for the study of Germanic religion and poetry.
The Poetic Edda played a crucial role in preserving the religious traditions of the Germanic world and is a vital part of world literature. Once attributed to Sæmundr fróði (Sæmund the Wise), and hence referred to as Saemund’s Edda, the collection contains accounts of Gods such as Othin, Thor, and Freyr, offering insights into the creation, fate, and eventual destruction of the cosmos. Key poems include Völuspá, a prophetic vision of the cosmic cycle, and Hávamál, which presents Othin’s wisdom and ethical guidelines.
The Latin translation made the Edda accessible to a broader scholarly audience in Europe, where Latin was the dominant academic language. By translating the Poetic Edda, scholars ensured that the religious and cultural heritage of the Germanic world could be studied beyond Scandinavia. This accessibility contributed to the 19th-century revival of interest in both Modern Germanic and Ancient Germanic folk religion, influencing scholars well-versed in Latin, such as the Brothers Grimm.
Viking Religion 