In the following essay, originally published in 1952, Nordal presents an in-depth examination of the Eddic poem Völuspá (The Sibyl's Prophecy), discussing its critical and textual history, framework, content, and structure, its anonymous author, the facts of its composition, and its overall artistic merit.

In the following essay, Hallberg surveys and analyzes the various modes of metaphorical language employed in the poetry of the Elder Edda, identifying the aesthetic and thematic functions of mythological and heroic kennings, as well as examining other forms of imagery, epithet, and linguistic parallelism.

In the following essay, Linke studies the symbolic representation of female procreative power—and an instance of male appropriation of that power—in the Elder Edda.

In the following essay, Beekman surveys thematic and narrative resemblances between the Eddic poems Völundarqviða (concerning the smith-hero Volund) and Þrymsqviða (centered on the god Thor), considering the ways in which these poems link the mythological and heroic portions of the Elder Edda.

In the following essay, Haugen focuses on Odin, a central mythological figure in Eddic verse, in order to discern “the religious beliefs and practices of the Germanic tribes” he embodies.

In the following essay, originally published in 1896, Magnusson traces the etymological origins of the term Edda.

In the following excerpt, Harris discusses critical debates about the oral nature of Eddic poetry.

In the following essay, Kellogg explores the origins of the Elder Edda as oral poetry and its preservation in written manuscripts, including the prose adaptation of Snorri Sturluson.

In the following essay, Gurevich asserts a structural relationship between the comic and the serious elements of the Elder Edda, suggesting that the amusing and satirical qualities of the work should not be interpreted as constituting a critique of heathenism.

In the following essay, Harris compares Grípisspá (The Prophecy of Gripir) with other poetic versions of the Sigurd legend, arguing that this synoptic Eddic poem is not without artistic value.

In the following essay, Hollander examines the problem of dating the Eddic poems and considers their relation to paganism and Christianity.

In the following excerpt from his introduction to Patricia Terry's English translation of the Elder Edda, Dunn summarizes the pre-Christian ethos of these Old Icelandic lays, also discussing character, theme, and poetic style within the works.