in progress
This section of Gylfaginning tells the story of how the walls surrounding and protecting Ásgarður, the home of the gods.
text
[excerpt from] Gylf ch. 42c
42c. Building the walls around Ásgarður
Það var snemma í öndverða byg... | It was right at the beginning... |
[status: unverified copy]
commentary
context
Gylfaginning, which is part of Snorra Edda, was composed in Iceland in the 13th century, and holds the stories of many of the Pre-Christian myths of northern Europe. It is believe to have been composed by the Icelander Snorri Sturlusson. Snorra Edda consists of three separate parts, Gylfaginning, Skaldskápamáland Háttatal, all functioning together as a greater work and guide for the aspiring medieval poet and storyteller. |
commentary
The story of the giant master builder is found in Snorri´s Gylfaginning, Heiðarvíga saga 3-4 and Eyrbyggja saga 25,28 as well as being widespread in European Folklore. However, it is only in Snorri´s tale that we find the twist of the birth of Sleipnir connected to the master builder. in his version, Snorri used parts of Völuspá and well as Völuspá in skamma (Hyndluljóð 40) to elaborate this tale.
For more on this, see for example:
Dumézil, G (1958), Loki, Darmstadt
Ellis Davidson, H. R, (1990), Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London: Penguin Books. pp. 31
Harris, J (1976), 'The Masterbuilder tale in Snorris Edda and Two Sagas' (ANF 91).
Motz, L (1977), 'Snorri's Story of the Cheated Mason and its Folklore Paralells' (MoM).
Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 108
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Gylfaginning
Attributes: Horse God Landscape Oath Giants invoking a god by calling name Æsir Creation
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt Gylf 42cIII