History Extra podcast Inside the Viking battle of the genders
Dec 29, 2025
Dr. Jackson Crawford, an Old Norse specialist and translator, delves into the intriguing dynamics of gender in Viking mythology. He discusses the Poetic Edda and its narratives—aspects of male and female roles, from the drengr ideal of masculinity to women's agency in provoking conflict. Crawford highlights how mythological tales like Thor’s bridal disguise reveal humor and complexity around gender. He also reflects on the emotional depth of the poems and the often overlooked voices of women in Norse literature.
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Two Different Eddas, Two Different Uses
- The Poetic Edda is a compilation of traditional oral poems preserved in a 13th-century manuscript and reflects pre-Christian mythic material.
- The Prose Edda is a 13th-century single author's handbook for poetic technique that also preserves myths in a different oral form.
Translation: Clarity Without Antiquated Style
- Jackson Crawford aimed for a modern, readable translation so readers notice the stories rather than the translation style.
- He preserves original confusion where meaning is unclear and clarifies when the original is clear.
Thor Dressed As A Bride
- In Þrymskviða Thor's hammer is stolen and Thor must disguise himself as a bride to retrieve it, producing comic gender role play.
- The poem uses linguistic gender jokes and ends with Thor reclaiming Mjölnir and killing the jötnar.