Summary
Euhemeristic introduction: the gods are explained as Asian war-leaders. Contested; likely Snorri's own frame.
Sections
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1. On the beginning of the world
Snorri opens with a Christian cosmology: God created heaven and earth, and the earth was divided into three parts.
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2. On the forgetting of mankind
Mankind forgot God's name and began worshipping the earth, animals, and stars. This is how paganism arose.
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3. On Troy and the Trojans
In the middle of the world lies the mighty city of Troy, ruled by twelve kingdoms under the high king Príamos.
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4. On King Þórr
Among the Trojan princes is Tror, the young warrior raised in Thrace. He is handsome, strong, and slays the berserker Herleiðr.
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5. On the lineage of Þórr
From Tror and his descendants runs a long genealogical chain connecting Trojan ancestors to Norse royal lines.
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6. On Óðinn's journey from Asia
Óðinn, a human king, leads his people from Ásíaland northward. He possesses great wisdom and magical arts.
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7. On Óðinn's settlement in Saxony and Frankland
Óðinn arrives in Saxony and places his sons as rulers: Vegdegr in eastern Saxony, Beldegr in Westphalia, and Siggi in Frankland.
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8. On Óðinn in Sweden
Óðinn reaches the Mälar lake and settles at the place that becomes Sigtuna. He establishes laws and customs for the land.
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9. On the arts of Óðinn
Óðinn teaches runes, poetry, and sacrificial rites. He can change shape and speak in verse. He establishes the temple at Uppsala.
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10. On the legacy of the Aesir
The language and customs of the Aesir spread across the North. Over time, people came to believe they were gods, and from these historical memories the Norse myths grew.