The Gods of the North: an epic poem

The Gods of the North: an epic poem

The argument of the poem by the author is the sole document that accompanies the original work; there are neither notes nor preface to the edition from which I have made my translation, and which is the only one I have ever seen. To the people of education in Scandinavia, who are well versed in the ancient mythology of their country, notes are perhaps not strictly necessary, inasmuch as this poem is based upon the Edda, which is universally read; but since, to the generality of English readers, the Edda and the Scandinavian mythology are but little, if at all familiar, I feel myself bound to furnish them with all the information on the subject that I have been able to collect from various sources; by which they will be enabled to read this poem with additional pleasure and profit. The Scandinavian mythology, like that of all other nations, is founded on the personification and[viii] consequent adoration of the powers of nature, which may be expressed by the word Demonism, used in its Greek sense; to this may be added the deification of national heroes. The first source of Demonism (I here borrow the words of Wieland in his admirable work called Agathodemon) lies in the ignorance of mankind, in the early stages of the world, of the real causes or laws by which the powers of nature act, on the one side; and on the other, in the innate propensity of man to reflect the image of the things which he can and does see, on the things which lie beyond the contact of his senses. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 49696
Author: Oehlenschläger, Adam
Release Date: Aug 13, 2015
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Translator: Frye, William Edward, 1784-1853