This article is part of a series on: Old Norse

Dialects Old West Norse (Old Icelandic · Old Norwegian · Greenlandic Norse) Old East Norse (Old Danish · Old Swedish) Old Gutnish Use Orthography Runic alphabet (Younger Futhark · Medieval) Latin alphabet Grammar Phonology Morphology Literature Poetry (Alliterative verse) Sagas (Sagas of Icelanders) Edda (Poetic Edda · Prose Edda) First Grammatical Treatise Ancestors Proto-Indo-European Proto-Germanic Proto-Norse Descendants Danish Faroese Icelandic Norn (extinct) Norwegian Swedish See also: English borrowings

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The term Edda (Old Norse Edda, plural Eddur) applies to the Old Norse Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, both of which were written down in Iceland during the 13th century in Icelandic, although they contain material from earlier traditional sources, reaching into the Viking Age. The books are the main sources of medieval skaldic tradition in Iceland and Norse mythology.

Etymology[link]

There are several theories concerning the origins of the word edda. One theory holds that it is identical to a word that means "great-grandmother" appearing in the Eddic poem Rígsþula.^[1] Another theory holds that edda derives from Old Norse óðr, "poetry." A third, proposed in 1895 by Eiríkr Magnússon, but since discredited, is that it derives from the Icelandic place name Oddi, site of the church and school where students, including Snorri Sturluson, were educated.^[2] The derivation of the word "Edda" as the name of Snorri Sturluson’s treatise on poetry from the Latin "edo", "I compose (poetry)" by analogy with "kredda", "superstition" from Latin "credo", "creed" is now widely accepted.^[3]

[edit] The Poetic Edda

The Poetic Edda, also known as Sæmundar Edda or the Elder Edda, is a collection of Old Norse poems from the Icelandic medieval manuscript Codex Regius ("Royal Book"). Along with the Prose Edda, the Poetic Edda is the most expansive source on Norse mythology. The first part of the Codex Regius preserves poems that narrate the creation and foretold destruction and rebirth of the Old Norse mythological world as well as individual myths about gods concerning Norse deities. The poems in the second part narrate legends about Norse heroes and heroines, such as Sigurd, Brynhildr and Gunnar.

The Codex Regius was written down in the 13th century but nothing is known of its whereabouts until 1643 when it came into the possession of Brynjólfur Sveinsson, then the Church of Iceland's Bishop of Skálholt. At that time, versions of the Prose Edda were well known in Iceland, but scholars speculated that there once was another Edda—an Elder Edda—which contained the pagan poems Snorri quotes in his book. When the Codex Regius was discovered, it seemed that this speculation had proven correct. Brynjólfur attributed the manuscript to Sæmundr the Learned, a larger-than-life 12th century Icelandic priest. While this attribution is rejected by modern scholars, the name Sæmundar Edda is still sometimes encountered.

Bishop Brynjólfur sent the Codex Regius as a present to King Christian IV of Denmark, hence the name Codex Regius. For centuries it was stored in the Royal Library in Copenhagen but in 1971 it was returned to Iceland.

In 2009, HarperCollins posthumously published J.R.R. Tolkien's retelling of the Poetic Edda. Titled, The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun, the book was composed in an English language recreation of Old Norse alliterative verse.

[edit] The Prose Edda

The Prose Edda, sometimes referred to as the Younger Edda or Snorri's Edda is an Icelandic manual of poetics which also contains many mythological stories. Its purpose was to enable Icelandic poets and readers to understand the subtleties of alliterative verse, and to grasp the mythological allusions behind the many kennings that were used in skaldic poetry.

It was written by the Icelandic scholar and historian Snorri Sturluson around 1220. It survives in seven main manuscripts, written down from about 1300 to about 1600.

The Prose Edda consists of a Prologue and three separate books: Gylfaginning, concerning the creation and foretold destruction and rebirth of the Norse mythical world, Skáldskaparmál, a dialogue between Ægir, a supernatural figure connected with the sea, and Bragi, a god connected with skaldship, and Háttatal, a demonstration of verse forms used in Norse mythology.

See also[link]

Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Edda.

• Gesta Danorum
• Heimskringla

Notes[link]

v t e Norse mythology Deities, heroes, and figures Æsir Baldr Bragi Forseti Dellingr Freyr Heimdall Hermóðr Höðr Hœnir Kvasir Lóðurr Loki Meili Mímir Móði and Magni Njörðr Odin Óðr Thor Týr Ullr Váli Víðarr Vili and Vé Ásynjur Bil Eir Freyja Frigg Fulla Gerðr Gefjon Gná Hlín Ilmr Iðunn Irpa Jörð Lofn Nanna Njörun Rán Rindr Sága Sif Sigyn Sjöfn Skaði Snotra Sól Syn Þorgerðr Hölgabrúðr Þrúðr Vár Vör Others Ask and Embla Dís Norns Valkyries Dwarf Einherjar Elves Light elves Dark elves Black elves Fenrir Hel Jörmungandr Jötunn Níðhöggr Sigurd Völundr Vættir Locations Asgard Bifröst Fólkvangr Ginnungagap Hel Jötunheimr Midgard Múspellsheimr Niflheim Valhalla Vígríðr Wells Mímisbrunnr Hvergelmir Urðarbrunnr Yggdrasil Events Æsir–Vanir War‎ Fimbulvetr Ragnarök Sources Gesta Danorum Poetic Edda Prose Edda Runestones Sagas Tyrfing Cycle Völsung Cycle Old Norse language Orthography Later influence Society Blót Félag Germanic calendar Heiti Hörgr Kenning Mead hall Nīþ Norse pagan worship Numbers Seiðr Skald Viking Age Völva See also Norse gods Mythological Norse people, items and places Germanic paganism Ásatrú

Edda Művek is a highly successful Hungarian rock band formed in 1973 under the name "Griff". The word "művek" (works) symbolizes the band originally starting off its career in Miskolc, a typical Central European industrial city also dubbed as "Steel City"

Edda's catchy, melodic rock tunes and touching ballads primarily focus on the social and emotional life of youth. The band performs more than one hundred shows annually throughout Hungary and surrounding Hungarian communities around the Carpathian Basin. However, the energetic and inventive musicianship that EDDA's known for, is best reflected through their dynamic live performances.

Nowadays[link]

The last member change occurred in 1997 with drummer, Hetényi Zoltán replacing Donászy Tibor. In 1998 the band released their first English language album, "Fire and Rain". Presently, the band releases original studio material every three to four years, while maintaining a vigorous tour schedule. The band regularly holds special concert events commemorating significant turning points of its career. The release of their classic, self-titled debut album in 1980 marked the official start of EDDA Művek as a professional musical outfit, hence the special Birthday Party events organized by the band every five years celebrate 1980 as the band’s true inception date. Occasionally, past members of EDDA’s classic line-up (1980-1984 era) also make guest appearances and perform alongside the band, an indication of singer Attila Pataky’s reconciliation with old band mates over the years

Band history[link]

The beginning[link]

The band was formed in 1973 in the city of Miskolc, Hungary by founding member, Jozsef Halász. Halász was attending university at the time the city organized a large-scale, local rock festival. Having been inspired by the event, Halász decided to form his own rock group, recruiting several friends as musicians. Initially performing under the name Griff, the band eventually switched to Edda (taken from the title of books of prose and poetry of Old Norse mythologies) several months later. With regular performances at the campus club of the University of Miskolc, Edda’s popularity gradually grew. In order to get positive crowd response, the band’s regular set lists were mainly composed of international pop hits.

Due to the pursuit of academic studies, members often left resulting in frequent lineup changes within the band; an ongoing trend that would continue throughout the 1980s and 90’s resulting in high turnover rate in membership. Lead vocalist, Zoltán Zsiga was replaced with Attila Fodor who was eventually succeeded by current band leader, Attila Pataky. Pataky was the only member who’s intent to pursue music as a full time career, aimed to vigorously elevate the band to a professional level. Jozsef Halász decided to relocate to the city of Zalaegerszeg, granting the rights to the name “Edda” to Pataky. (As band leader, Pataky would shortly rename the band form “Edda” to “Edda Művek”) Halász’s position on drums was temporarily filled by József Szepcsik who unexpectedly died from a severe illness in 1977 prompting Pataky to ask Halász to rejoin the group. Misfortune struck yet again as Halász, shortly after his return, was diagnosed with terminal cancer, eventually passing away in 1980.

1977 arrived and with the intent to shape Edda Művek into a prominent rock band, Pataky recruited accomplished musicians from around Miskolc, including a new song-writing partner and lead guitarist, Istvan Slamovits. They decided to conquer the Hungarian music scene, a feat that was extremely difficult for any musical act originating outside of Budapest during the 1970s.

The classic Edda[link]

The band's Budapest debut performance took place in 1979. The first show was a flop (with only 178 viewers), yet their popularity grew quickly across the country. The band recorded its first single (Minden Sarkon Álltam Már / Álom) in 1979, and the eponymous debut album: "Edda Művek 1." the following year. The release is currently a certified diamond disc in Hungary, with more than 500,000 units sold. Many of the songs on the landmark debut also became poular hits. The success continued as the band made an appearance in the movie "Ballagás", also featuring their own soundtrack. Edda Művek continued performing and composing new music, however tensions between members were escalating. Alfonz Barta left for Switzerland never to return and there were further replacements among musicians with bass guitarist and drummer positions changing. In 1983, continuing internal conflicts within the band, differences between Pataky and Slamovits led to the disbanding of Edda Művek. The group performed an emotionally charged farewell concert in Miskolc on December 17, 1983. The performance was recorded live and would ultimately become the band’s fourth and final release.

Forming a new band[link]

After a two year hiatus, Pataky decided to revive Edda Művek. He left for Norway with László Fortuna (the only other band member from the original Edda lineup), Péter Csomós, and Endre Csillag in 1984. The band performed clubs in the evening, and wrote new material during the day. In 1985, Pataky and Fortuna returned to Hungary and restarted Edda Művek with hired musicians from Budapest. The comeback performance, highly anticipated by fans, turned out to be a success. Similarly to the band’s final show, this comeback event was recorded and released as the band’s 5th album, with a track list featuring entirely new material recorded live. After additional lineup changes through the years following, Edda finally formed a stable roster in 1988. Engaging in a vigorous touring schedule the band played numerous venues and some unusual places that included a steel factory and correctional facilities. In 1991, Péter Kun replaced lead guitarist István Alapi who briefly left for Canada. Sadly, after only a brief period with the band, Kun died in a tragic motorcycle accident in 1993. The band held numerous memorial concerts to the many fans overcome with shock and grief over the passing of the young, talented guitarist. At the request of Pataky, István Alapi rejoined the band.

Nowadays[link]

The last member change occurred in 1997 with drummer, Zoltán Hetényi replacing Tibor Donászy. In 1998 the band released their first English language album, "Fire and Rain". Presently, the band releases original studio material every three to four years, while maintaining a busy tour schedule. The band regularly holds special concert events commemorating significant turning points of its career. The release of their classic, self-titled debut album in 1980 earned national recognition and breakthrough for Edda Művek, establishing the band as a professional musical outfit. The special Birthday Party events organized by the band every five years therefore, commemorate 1980 as the band’s official start. Occasionally, past members of Edda’s classic line-up (1980-1984 era) also make guest appearances and perform alongside the band, an indication of Pataky’s reconciliation with old band mates over the years.

Band members[link]

Old Edda (1973–1978)[link]

• Zoltán Zsiga (vocal) 1973
• István Darázs (vocal) 1973-1974
• Fodor Attila (vocal) 1974 (†2006)
• Attila Pataky (vocal) 1974-
• József Halász (drums) 1973-1977 (†1980)
• József Szepcsik (drums) 1977-1978 (†1978)
• Zoltán Ferenczi (guitar) 1973-1977
• Katalin Beély (bass guitar) 1973-1977
• Zoltán Fancsik (keyboards) 1974-1975

Classic Edda (1978–1983)[link]

New Edda (1984–)[link]

In 1985, Pataky and Fortuna were the only core members of Edda Művek with the other musicians being hired personnel. Following the success of the band's reformation, Pataky decided on hiring professional, permanent members. For a brief period in 1987, Alapi and Csillag both performed together as guitarists. Shortly after Csillag decided to go to Austria.

Discography[link]

25 gold records, 4 platinum albums, 2 diamond records. More than 5 million units sold in Europe

Note: Initially two albums, Pataky-Slamovits and Karaoke Edda have not been recognized as official Edda Művek albums at the time of their release. Eventually, these have been designated as albums #9 and #25, respectively.

Filmography[link]

• One Day Rock - a documentary about a rock festival in 1981. Edda is one of the performers.
• Valediction - soundtrack and cameo appearance
• The Protegé - small appearance
• I Was Your Kid - documentary about the last days of the classic Edda
• Edda in Petőfi Hall, 1988 - VHS
• Unplugged
• Edda Camp - video about the 1994 concert in Agárd
• 15th Birthday - VHS
• 20th Birthday Concert, Small Stadium
• She won't forget, 'til she live - concert DVD

Books about Edda[link]

• Géza Riskó: Edda Művek, Miskolc (Ifjúsági Lap- és Könyvkiadó, 1984) ISBN 963-422-571-3
• Géza Riskó: Iron Rock (Közgazdasági és Jogi Könyvkiadó, 1987) ISBN 963-222-036-6
• Attila Pataky: Wine, sex, rock 'n roll... and soul (Pataky Menedzsment, 2007) ISBN 978-963-06-3463-2

Links and sources[link]

• http://www.edda.hu Official site
• http://dragon.unideb.hu/~balintcs/edda.htm