Draft:Olive Bray

Olive Bray (17 June 1878 – 15 November 1909) was an English translator based in London. Despite the limited information on her personal life, Bray is renowned for her translation work. One of her notable contributions is the translation of 'Eddkväður' (also known as 'The Elder or Poetic Edda' and commonly referred to as 'Sæmund's Edda'), published in 1908. The edition was distinguished by illustrations from W.G. Collingwood. Bray's translation is still in publication, valued for its dual-language format and appreciated for the comprehensive notes and introduction, showcasing Bray's thorough research.

Early life
Olive Bray was the daughter of Reginald More Bray (1842–1923), a High Court judge, and Emily Octavia Bray, a novelist. Demonstrating early intellectual promise, Bray's first published work, a riddle poem, appeared in 'Little Folks: The Magazine for Boys and Girls' on April 1, 1888, within the 'Our Little Folks’ Own Puzzles' section. She pursued her education at King's College London, where she achieved first-class standing. Among her contemporaries was Virginia Woolf. Bray was actively involved in the Viking Society for Northern Research, joining in 1902 and serving as Vice-President in 1909.

Translation
Bray's work on the Poetic Edda was distinguished by its approach and depth during her time. Her translation was particularly noted for its treatment of poems, which she rendered in dual-language verse accompanied by critical and explanatory notes. Henry Adam Bellows, a fellow translator and scholar, commended her efforts, describing her translation as 'an excellent' rendition of these mythological texts. While there has been some criticism of Bray's translation of names and her moral lens on the myths, her work remains valued for its fidelity and meaningful contribution, offering a translation that is true to the original and accessible to readers

Death


She died in 1909, only a year after her translation was published. Her grave can be found in St. James Churchyard in Shere, England.