Edda essentials

[Merlick]

Some years ago I was gifted an empty book, one of the good ones with hand made paper and leather covers but never knew what to do with it. It's too nice to be used as a diary (I still want to display it), too small for a collection of personal writings (it's only got 180 pages) and I feel like not appreciating the gift while it's just collecting dust in a metaphorical way sitting on my shelf.

Now I was wondering if it wouldn't make a good edda? I've alread got six different versions but they're not what I'd call blót-compatible (mostly e-books, copys from the library and one from Reclam, which is like Penguin). I'd just like one with a bit more style.

There are just a few problems.

1. Keeping it short. With my limited space not everything will fit, especially since it will be hand written. So, which parts do you think of a essential?

2. Mixing translations. Völuspá from one translator and Hávamál from another one or would you stick to just one translator?

2b. Mixing languages. If you're ok with mixing translators would you find it acceptabel to also mix translations from different languages?

Just tell me what you think about it. I'm open for any advices.

[Dam]

Some years ago I was gifted an empty book, one of the good ones with hand made paper and leather covers but never knew what to do with it. It's too nice to be used as a diary (I still want to display it), too small for a collection of personal writings (it's only got 180 pages) and I feel like not appreciating the gift while it's just collecting dust in a metaphorical way sitting on my shelf.

Now I was wondering if it wouldn't make a good edda? I've alread got six different versions but they're not what I'd call blót-compatible (mostly e-books, copys from the library and one from Reclam, which is like Penguin). I'd just like one with a bit more style.

There are just a few problems.

1. Keeping it short. With my limited space not everything will fit, especially since it will be hand written. So, which parts do you think of a essential?

2. Mixing translations. Völuspá from one translator and Hávamál from another one or would you stick to just one translator?

2b. Mixing languages. If you're ok with mixing translators would you find it acceptabel to also mix translations from different languages?

Just tell me what you think about it. I'm open for any advices.

 
I think you should do whatever you feel is good.

Personally, I wouldnt mix different translations within a single text for the sake of the finished product being consistent. So all of the Hávamál is from the same translation, but others dont have to be from that same translation.

It sounds like a good use for this book, and after reading your entry in the thread on 'the moment' heathenry called to you I think it is pretty fitting. You could always divide the pages into two columns and write the translation of your choice on one side and have the original on the other. That might be time consuming and difficult at first.