in progress
The first humans, Askr and Embla, are created by the sons of Bor.
text
Gylf ch. 9c
9c. The origins of humans
Þá mælti Gangleri: "Mikið þót... | Then spoke Gangleri: 'A great... |
[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 believed 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
We can read about Ask and Embla in both Gylfaginnins as well as in Völuspá 17 and 18. Contrary to the tale in Gylfaginning, Völuspá relates Óðinn, Hænir and Loðurr as the gods who give the wooden shapes breath, soul, warmth and healthy appearance. Etymologically, Askr is related to the ash tree (*ask/r) while Embla might relate to elm (*alm/r). Askr and Embla are said by Snorri to be the origins of the human race who inhabits Miðgarðr. Naturally, parallels between Askr and Embla and Adam and Eve have been argued by many. However, as pointed out by Steinsland (2005: 119), in contrast to the Judeo/Christian tradition, it is clear that the Norse version of the ancient couple present them as equal individuals as man and woman, something which may argue strongly for a pre Christian origin of the Norse idea of mythological creation presented in Askr and Embla.
For more, see for example
Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 21, 74.
Steinsland, Gro (2005), Norrøn Religion. Myter, Riter, Samfunn. Oslo: Pax Forlag. pp. 94-95, 117-119.
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Gylfaginning
Attributes: Mythological Trémenn/wood statues Creation Cosmology
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt, Gylf ch. 9c