VÖluspá
Translations
in English
Old Norse Poetry
I
Overview of Völuspá
Völuspá (“The Prophecy of the Seeress”) is one of the most important poems in the Poetic Edda. It is presented as a vision recounted by a völva, a staff bearing seeress who is summoned by Odin to reveal the origins of the world and its ultimate fate.
The poem begins with the creation of the cosmos, describing the emergence of gods, giants, and the first humans. It then moves through key mythological events before culminating in Ragnarök, the destruction of the world, and its subsequent renewal.
Völuspá is part of the Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems preserved in medieval Icelandic manuscripts, most notably the Codex Regius (Konungsbók) and Hauksbók. Due to its broad scope and central themes, it serves as one of the primary sources for Norse mythology and cosmology, offering a foundational narrative that has shaped later interpretations of the mythic tradition.
Themes of Völuspá
- Creation and the origins of the world
- Fate and inevitability
- Conflict between gods and chaotic forces
- World’s destruction and rebirth
II
Read Völuspá in English
Völuspá has been translated into English multiple times, each reflecting different styles and interpretations, from early scholarly translations to more modern and accessible versions.
Because Völuspá draws on a wide range of figures, events, and ideas from Norse mythology, it can be dense and sometimes difficult to follow. For this reason, the notes that accompany a translation are often just as important as the text itself, helping to clarify references and provide context.
Since each translator brings their own interpretation and emphasis, we recommend not to rely on a single edition alone. Comparing multiple translations and their commentary can provide a broader and more balanced understanding of the poem, which is why several versions are presented here.
Völuspá: The Prophecy of the Seeress
Modern English Translation (2024) by Eiður Eyþórsson
— clear and accessible modern rendering. Dual edition; English and Old Norse.
Vǫluspǫ́ - The Prophecy of the Seeress
English Translation (1928) by Lee M. Hollander
— scholarly translation balancing accuracy and poetic form.
Voluspo - The Wise Woman's Prophecy
English Translation (1923) by Henry Adams Bellows
— one of the most widely read early English editions.
Völuspá - The Soothsaying of the Vala
English Translation (1908) by Olive Bray.
— a classic early 20th-century translation with literary style. Dual edition; English and Old Norse.
Völuspá - The Vala's Prophecy
English Translation (1866) by Benjamin Thorpe.
— one of the earliest English translations of the Poetic Edda.
III
Translation samples
1
I ask for silence from all
the sacred beings,
the greater and the lesser
children of Heimdall;
you want me, Valfather,
to tell well and truly
of ancient tales of people,
those which I remember from the furthest past.
–Eiður Eyþórsson
1
Hear me, all ye hallowed beings,
both high and low of Heimdall’s children:
thou wilt, Valfather, that I well set forth
the foremost fates which befall the world.
–Lee M Hollander
1
Hearing I ask from the holy races,
From Heimdall’s sons, both high and low;
Thou wilt, Valfather, that well I relate
Old tales I remember of men long ago.
–Henry Adams Bellows
1
Hearing I ask all holy kindreds,
high and low-born, sons of Heimdal !
Thou too, Odin, who bidst me utter
the oldest tidings of men that I mind !
–Olive Bray
1
For silence I pray all
sacred children,
great and small,
sons of Heimdall
they will that I Valfather‘s
deeds recount,
men‘s ancient saws,
those that I best remember.
–Benjamin Thorpe
Keep Exploring
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