Essay Questions

What is the opinion of Sturluson about the nature of divinities?

The reader can easily confuse that Sturluson believes that the gods are bogus, fantasy, and elegiac devices. However, that is not the case because, according to Sturluson, humanoid emotions have a primeval association with the gods. Sturluson reflects on myths about the gods and realizes that they were supreme and ancient times because they answered the prayers of people who believed in them. These gods were in the form of divine spirits, and they resided in places that were considered holy. Therefore, Sturluson accepts that human beings have a special connection to the gods they adore.

What motivates Sturluson to write the book ‘The Prose Edda’?

The narrative reveals that the primary motivation for writing 'The prose Edda' is to vitrine the mythic gods' linkage to humanity. The narrator is quoted, saying, “Everybody can imagine how frightened the farmer became as he watched Thor's eyebrows sink over his eyes.” This quote illustrates how human beings fear the gods. For instance, the farmer is frightened when he sees a god called Thor. The gods are emblematic of the human relationship with the supreme beings and the world's supernatural powers.

What is the symbolic connotation of Edda Poetica?

Edda poetical represents the repetition of generational stories. In ancient times, narratives about the gods and creation were told and retold to new generations to ensure knowledge continuity. Sturluson is aware of Edda Poetica and writes 'The Prose Edda' to show the connection between the gods, humanity, and the universe. Therefore, Sturluson is retelling the old narratives to ensure that the current generations know about Denmark's ancient creation and history.