In 2021 we took a Journey to the Bifrost. In 2022 we went Viking Across England. This year, we embarked on an Eddic Odyssey. Spanning 340 total miles and taking place from June 22-September 22, 2023, the third annual Virtual Voyage explored Norse myth through the Eddas as we virtually traveled through the Land of Fire and Ice.
​
Intrigued? Read on for more details.
theeddas
Two key Icelandic texts - the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda - combine to represent the primary sources of Norse mythology that have survived to this day. The Poetic Edda is a compilation of poems from the Viking Age about the Norse gods and heroes. It was written by an unknown number of contributing authors and skalds during the Viking Age. The Prose Edda was penned by a single author (Snorri Sturluson) who envisioned it as a manual for how to compose old Norse poetry and an attempt to merge all the myths into a single, cohesive narrative. Throughout your voyage, we will explore the myths captured and preserved through these important tomes. Whether you are highly familiar with the Eddas or new to them, this Icelandic adventure is sure to stir discovery.
theodyssey
There is no place on Earth that better captures the world of Norse myth than Iceland. In joining this Eddic Odyssey, you embark on a one-of-a-kind discovery of the Norse, their beliefs, and the lands they called home. Iceland is also ripe with geological wonders onto themselves. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, it is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe as well as some of the world's most active volcanoes. Thermal springs, waterfalls, mountains, and caves abound while the breathtakingly vast empty plains will give you pause to reflect. Starting near Hálsanefshellir Cave on Iceland’s southern coast and traveling to the Coastal Cliffs of Króksfjarðarnes on the northwest shore, we will explore Iceland’s geography and the stories it inspired.
themultiplier
Select the distance that’s right for you! This voyage is designed to cover 340 miles in three months (92 days). New this year, is the Miles Multiplier, which you can use to tailor the voyage to your personal goals and fitness level. On day one of the voyage, you will be asked to declare your Miles Multiplier. There are three choices: 1:1 for those who want to do the full 340 miles tracking each mile you actually walk-run-bike; 1:1.5 for those who prefer a slightly shorter realworld voyage (267 total miles) achieved by recording 1.5 miles for every 1 mile you walk-run-bike; or 1:2 (recording 2 miles for every 1 mile actually travelled) for a 170 mile total voyage. Regardless of what distance is traveled in the real world based on the Multiplier selected, all voyagers will have access to the full experience of the event. The Eddic Odyssey is not a race, so pick your own pace.
thefun
This epic voyage is not all fitness, there is also plenty of fun. Virtual Voyages were started as a way of building community, and that is what they continue to be. From contests to virtual mead halls to chatting in the app, you will learn, laugh and discover people with common interests as you make your way around the beautiful landscapes of Iceland. Participate as much or as little as you wish as you enjoy this unique virtual event.
thesteps
Being a part of this Eddic Odyssey
is as easy as 1,2,3. Simply:
​
-
Pick your level
-
Register for the voyage.
-
Start your journey on (or after) June 22.
​
The Eddic Odyssey has come to a close.
Watch for information on the next
Virtual Voyage here.
