Sources and manuscripts

The medieval manuscripts that carry the text. Signum, dating, repository, and link to a digital facsimile where available (chiefly handrit.is for the Icelandic manuscripts).

  • Codex Regius (Poetic Edda) (GKS 2365 4to)

    ca. 1270 · Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, Reykjavík

    The main manuscript of the Poetic Edda. Contains 29 poems; discovered in 1643 by Brynjólfur Sveinsson.

  • AM 748 I 4to (AM 748 I 4to)

    early 14th c. · Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, Reykjavík

    Fragment of the Poetic Edda. Contains, among others, Baldrs draumar and fragments of Grímnismál, Hymiskviða, etc.

  • Hauksbók (AM 544 4to)

    early 14th c. · Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, Reykjavík

    A composite compendium containing a version of Völuspá alongside historical and geographical texts.

  • Codex Regius (Prose Edda) (GKS 2367 4to)

    early 14th c. · Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, Reykjavík

    One of the four principal manuscripts of Snorri's Edda.

  • Codex Upsaliensis (DG 11 4to)

    ca. 1300–1325 · Uppsala universitetsbibliotek

    The earliest surviving manuscript of Snorri's Edda. Contains the only known version of Skáldatal.

  • Codex Wormianus (AM 242 fol)

    mid-14th c. · Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, Reykjavík

    One of the manuscripts of Snorri's Edda; sole source for Rígsþula.

  • Codex Trajectinus (Traj 1374)

    ca. 1595 (paper copy of an older exemplar) · Utrechts universitetsbibliotek

    Late paper copy of a lost medieval manuscript; contributes variants for the textual criticism of Snorri's Edda.

  • Flateyjarbók (GKS 1005 fol)

    late 14th c. (ca. 1387–1394) · Stofnun Árna Magnússonar, Reykjavík

    The largest medieval Icelandic manuscript; contains Hyndluljóð and a long series of sagas.