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explanatory of the expressions contained in the Poetical Dictionary. He gave this abridgment the form of a Dialogue, whether in imitation of the ancient northern poets, who have ever chosen this most natural kind of composition, or whether from some ancient tradition of a conversation similar to that which is the subject of the Edda.
This name of Edda hath frequently exercised the penetration of the etymologists. The most probable conjectures are, that it is derived from an old Gothic word signifying Grandmother. In the figurative language of the old poets, this term was, doubtless, thought proper to express an ancient doctrine. The Edda is preceded by a Preface[1], of greater or less extent, according to the different Original Copies, but equally useless and ridiculous in all[2]. Some people have attributed it to Snorro, and he might perhaps have written that part which contains the same facts that are found in the beginning of his Chronicle; but the rest has certainly been added by some scholar
