This is not to say that the runes can’t have different interpretations and be seen from different perspectives, only that the definitions that Blum provides aren’t always based on the source material.Īlthough I wouldn’t personally recommend it, this book has a good format, easy to read and information laid out in a to the point manner. While they’re not all wrong, it’s noticeable that a significant number of his written meanings of the runes are not historically accurate given the primary sources on the runes that we have. It took me a while to unlearn the meanings of the runes that Blum assigned in his book. Secondly, after more experience and exposure to different perspectives regarding the runes, I can say with confidence that there are cases within this book where Blum has assigned his own meanings to the runes. Not only does it provide the original Old Norse text beside his translation, but also an extensive commentary on the text, and a shorter reiteration of the poem called The Cowboy Hávamál, that Crawford wrote in a tone inspired by his grandfather. If anyone is looking for an in depth analysis of Hávamál, go check out Crawford’s publication The Wanderer’s Hávamál.

Crawford’s translation brings out the witty humor in the poems that frequently gets glossed over, and makes for a very enjoyable and profound read. Reading Crawford’s version was almost like reading the Edda for the first time. No hate towards Hollander’s translation, it’s one of my all time favourites, but it’s arguably one of the more archaic renditions of the text, and can be hard to read at times. However, had I been able to get my hands on Crawford’s (at that time unpublished) version, things would have gone considerably more smoothly. I think we can all take something out of the Hávamál. Hollander translation of the Poetic Edda, it’s a beautiful book, and I’d recommend it to anyone, pagan or not. When I first started reading up on Norse stories I began with the Lee M.

From analysis of stanzas of the Edda to breakdowns on the identities of different gods and goddesses, these videos are like being in a lecture hall out in the mountains.

I’ll start off with some words of praise for Dr Jackson Crawford, his Old Norse channel is outstanding, he’s incredibly well spoken and knows his stuff.

The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and Heroes by Jackson Crawford

Stephen mcnallen books