Elder Edda Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - The Seeress's Prophecy (Voluspa) | Sayings of the High One (Havamal)

1. How should a wise Norseman speak?

2. What is the Edda's view on friendship?

Short Essay Question - Vafthrudnir's Sayings (Vafthrudnismal) | Grimnir's Sayings (Grimnismal)

3. Describe what happened when King Hraudung's sons went out on a fishing expedition.

4. How does Odin test Geirrod?

Short Essay Question - Skirnir's Journey | Harbard's Song (Harbarzljod)

5. Why is Skirnir sent to meet with Gerd? How does Gerd react?

6. Why did Harbard refuse to give Thor...
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