> but do these texts use such obscure means of conveyance that I

should be pretty proficient with prose texts before I pursue them?


Makes sense to concentrate on prose to begin with, I reckon, because
for all their convolutions, this is the language the poets were
playing with. That's my theory anyway--the sensible way to do it--
but then again, the poetry is so much fun it's hard to resist having
a good gnaw on it from time to time, even if you do come away
staggering and reeling. If you're interested, take a look.

http://www.hi.is/~haukurth/norse/reader/krakm.html


Or if that´s too easy :)

http://www.hi.is/~eybjorn/ugm/

Click on 'Þórsdrápa', second from the left for an expert unravelling
of a skaldic classic.


If you get hooked, Snorri´s Skáldskaparmál is a medieval textbook
for poets. It´s a nice starting out point because when the strain
of all that poetry gets to much you can read the prose stories and
explanations inbetween. Lots of shorter and longer skaldic extracts
from skaldic verse.

http://www.home.no/norron-mytologi/sgndok/sn-edda/03skal.htm
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/pre/index.htm

Might I recommned Anthony Faulkes's edition? Comes in 2 volumes,
the second of which contains a thorough glossary with elucidation of
the kennings.

http://asu.edu/clas/acmrs/publications/mrts/vsnr.html
http://www.shef.ac.uk/viking-society/publications.htm


In summary, yes prose; but yet poetry too, if you like (possibly
starting in small doses to avoid discombobulation and extreme mental
explodery).

Llama Nom