There is described a process for the production of pure sodium polysulfides directly from the elements sodium and sulfur. For this purpose, the sodium and the sulfur under a protective gas and in a stoichiometrical ratio corresponding to the desired polysulfide are alternatingly dosed into a previously present melt of a polysulfide with vigorous stirring, the dosing being in portions such that upon introduction of the sodium the reaction mixture remains in the condition of a stirrable suspension and upon introduction of the sulfur this is completely reacted to a polysulfide of the desired or higher sulfur content.