Her magazine became a political tool to motivate women to demand their rights to vote. Because of the fame this gave him, he was chosen for the most important role in Iceland at the time, becoming Law Speaker of the Althing in 1215. Feb 16, 2019 - Read about 9 of the most famous Icelanders in history. Ingibjörg Bjarnason became the first female elected to the national parliament in 1922. The infamous and hauntingly beautiful lullaby, sung on a collective of folk songs by Icelandic singer Ragnheiður Gröndal. Several years later, the skeleton of a woman was found in the nearby mountains. So read on to learn about nine famous Icelanders who made significant history, from settlement to today. One tells of a mother and her three children who spent the night at Öxl. Read ahead to learn about the top nine beers in Iceland. One autumn day she remarks on how they are beautiful once more, and the following day she disappears. What makes him even more notable as a historical figure is his relation to the aforementioned Sigríður Tómasdóttir; he was the lawyer she was working with to try to save Gullfoss. An outlaw is someone who, after a grave disagreement with the law, retreats into the wilderness to reside outside of society. His son, Gísli hrókur, later met that very same fate. Ingólfur’s influence on Iceland’s history is indisputable. These descriptions continue in folklore, where Halla is said to have waited outside while the rest of the community went to church on Sundays. She spent her last summer at a farmhouse in Mosfellssveit, looking at the mountains. He has about 900 living direct descendants, including an ex-prime minister. Thankfully, Þuríður did not suffer the same fate as many of her European sisters - Photo by: 'R. The bloody feud continued, peaking when Egill slew the king's son Rögnvaldur. Scholars have also interpreted the epic of Njáls Saga as a critique of a misogynistic society, which showcases how ideals of masculinity are always and eventually self-destructive. This historic aircraft wreck is an Iceland landmark to see. The most famous has to be Hakarl, or fermented shark. Follow Iceland Mag. Though both sides of the war bore umbrage with his role in the division, when he was assassinated in his home in 1241, it was widely considered to be an affront to his name and titles. Not only a fearsome and seemingly indestructible warrior, but a celebrated scholar, poet and master of magic, Egill Skallagrímsson was without a doubt a force to be reckoned with, and no list of notorious Icelanders would be complete without him. He was also caught in a conflict between traditional rural living and the appeal of a modern, convenient life. He is best known, however, for his novels. Look at a map of Iceland today, and you'll notice several locations exhibiting Eyvindur's name (Eyvindarver, Eyvindarsandur, etc) where he and Halla are thought to have made camp. Until then, any opposing party was to be executed. Re-elected twice, his stern resolution meant that Iceland’s newly discovered nationhood was impossible to deny. Thus, by the time the family returned to Iceland, and Erik rallied a group of people to settle the new land, Leif was a very well-rounded young man. She formed the Icelandic Women’s Rights Association, or Kvenréttindafélag Íslands, in 1907, which still exists today. The only verified documentations of his life are those found in the 1596 and 1597 verdicts of Alþingi, Iceland’s legislative body. The family sagas are a unique contribution to Western literature and a central Hallgerður depicted on a part of 'Njála on Tapestry' Hvolsvöllur Project - Photo Credit: Njálurefill. 20- Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. If you wish to learn more about Bríet and her wider movement, check with museums before attending to see if any temporary exhibitions are on display. It was a very significant role for such a small country to play. Jørgensen went on to be arrested for having left London, but not before he saved the crew of the ship that was transporting him from a fire. From Ingólfur Arnarson to Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, the people of this little island nation have carved their distinct places in world history, and put Iceland on the map. Leif the Lucky, born c. 970 AD, was one of Iceland’s most incredible explorers. Icelandic Bands: Of Monsters and Men. As she began to travel Europe in the early 1900s, however, she soon learnt of the wider international movement of enfranchisement. Eyvindur and Halla supposedly had many children together, but Halla terminated them all upon birth. Imme... What are the Top 12 activities and experiences you shouldn't miss while on holiday in Iceland? Including Winston Churchill, William Shakespeare, Thomas Cromwell and Queen Elizabeth I. It has to do with astronomy; the Ancient Greek associated high summer with Sirius or the 'dog star' – the brightest star in the Earth's night sky. It was never, and still is not, in the nature of Icelandic women to wait patiently for justice, however. Leif joined his father in these travels, learning about ship craft as he did. Following these dramatic protests, they prepared to shatter one of the world’s tallest glass ceilings. Snorri was the first person to compile the stories and tales about how the Vikings believed the world and gods were created into one volume. The story goes that his poetry was so extraordinary, that it convinced the king to pardon his own son's murderer. To get a sense of the level of tolerance that allowed Iceland to elect a gay leader without any furore, visit during Reykjavík Pride, when about a third of the nation turns out on the city streets to celebrate queer culture. Her case was presented at the summit of Alþingi in Þingvellir, where it was eventually dismissed, and Þuríður was allowed to live another day. Today, the word is used as an umbrella term for every Scandinavian man of the Viking-Age—the period from the late 8th century to the mid 11th century—most of whom were farmers by profession, and therefore not occupied with Viking endeavours all the time. An interesting adaptation of the historical tale, where its tragedies are less the fault of Jón's delusional insanities, but rather the times being ruled by Christian fear-mongering against witchcraft. On trial, he admitted to them being nine, but several accounts believe they were as many as eighteen. Another famous Icelandic football player is Gylfi Sigurðsson. Thomas H. Johnson was appointed attorney general and minister of public works for Manitoba in 1915, … The Parliament building, or Althing, that Jóhanna used to preside over is located in the middle of the downtown area, besides the city’s humble and quaint cathedral. She also had a role in possibly the most defining event of the second half of the twentieth century; the end of the Cold War. Terrified, he ran outside to hide in the stables, with Björn fast on his heels. Read on to find out, for his is a captivating tale of roguery and exploits. Erik and Leif are credited with being the first Europeans to settle Greenland and North America respectively. Ingólfur Arnarson is without a doubt the most important historical Icelander. Tourism to the country is as eco-friendly as can be, and the only time when residents tend to have a problem with visitors is when they do not show Iceland’s environment the respect it deserves. You can go visit the viewing deck at a small charge, visit the shop and enjoy the magnificent view at the restaurant. It is rumoured that Christopher Columbus knew that he would reach the Americas, rather than India, on his voyage to the New World; he claimed to have visited Iceland in 1477, where he may have heard legends of Leif’s travels to lands to the west. This sewed a great amount of discord between him and many chiefs across the commonwealth. He was born a slave in the Caribbean, under Danish rule, before the family that ‘owned’ him moved back to their homeland. The musician is perhaps best known for her unique singing-voice as well as the infamous swan dress she wore to the Academy Awards in 2001. One of the most famous historical landmarks is the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck in south Iceland. Although the role of president in Iceland is largely ceremonial, she used her influence to great effect. The first of these is the Bible of Old Norse mythology, Edda, now regularly referred to as Snorri’s Edda. Björk: No discussion about famous Icelanders can be complete without at least a mention of the legendary musician and artist Björk. What is said, however, is that he settled and named Reykjavík. In the 1975 UN Year of Women, over 90 percent left work, be it paid or domestic, to demand better conditions in the streets of the capital. Much to our prosecutor's dismay, this double execution did not put a stop to his illness. Iceland may have Bríet to thank for becoming a progressive place for women’s rights, but it has Sigríður Tómasdóttir to thank for the deep-seated cultural appreciation for nature. The era of the witch trials - Photo Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons. Egill's greatest feat, therefore, was not achieved by means of sword and axe, but his words and wits. Instead, they wound up in pieces in a watery grave, a deep pond on the premises by the name of Ígultjörn. She then famously states how the slap is not to be forgotten. The Dog Star Sirius just left of Orion - Photo by: 'Hubble European Space Agency' Wikimedia Creative Common. He returned to Greenland to take over his father’s role upon his death, but the settlement he created was not well-maintained. He went from a devout Catholic to an ardent critic of Christianity; he changed from a supporter of capitalism to Soviet communism, then to a more gentle socialism, before dropping all doctrines but a loose interpretation of Taoism. Jóhanna was a very successful prime minister, especially regarding the economy and social justice rights. The National Museum of Iceland has medieval manuscripts including Snorri’s Edda on display. Hallgerður soon lives up to her notoriety as she clashes with Bergþóra, the wife of Gunnar's best friend Njáll, the titular character of the saga. After supper, Björn escorted the girl from the room, when her brother was suddenly startled by her screams. The country has produced a wealth of musicians, scientists, artists, writers, historians, adventurers and political figures, all with their own significant value. Because of her magazine, she was invited to the International Women’s Suffrage Conference, held in Copenhagen in 1906. He got a job in a trading station, which he would eventually take over the running of, married an Icelandic woman, and died a free man. Icelanders see this gift-giving as a formal acceptance on the part of Americans and an acknowledgment that Leif Eiriksson, an Icelander, found America, not Christopher Columbus. Do You Know Any of Them? She founded the band called the Sugarcubes. Tómas refused this offer completely, unwilling to sell no matter the cost. Population in … To learn the fascinating backstory of the most famous chessmen artifacts in the world, see The Missing Pieces: Unraveling the history of the Lewis Chessmen . While Iceland had... Leif the Lucky. So when Egill's mother said that her son should be a Viking, she was referring to his skills as a warrior and a killer. The fact that any woman won the presidency was dramatic; the fact that it was someone whose lifestyle was so contrary to what was customary shocked the world. These continuous cycles of death are believed to be what eventually led to the destruction of the Icelandic Commonwealth itself. One of Iceland’s most renowned poets and lyricists, Megas, masterfully adapted the tale in his 1994 novel Björn og Sveinn, where the father and son duo travel the modern underworld of Reykjavík together. The winning team, Portugal, however, drew against Iceland in their first match. A relief statue of Sigríður stands at Gullfoss, with information signs detailing who she was and what she did. Since Iceland's Age of settlement was between 870-930 AD, Egill Skallagrímsson belongs to the first generation of Icelanders. How do you sleep during the... Iceland is a country of many amazing waterfalls, but which are the best ones? Early on, he was said to have stolen a wheel of cheese from a wandering old woman. It is believed that Native Americans killed the few who stayed, and it almost became forgotten in the annals of history. Apparently, this was not such a big deal at the time, at least not in the same way as it would be today. On the green hill Arnarhóll, a statue of Ingólfur Arnason overlooks central Reykjavík. We'll begin our list with the household name of Egill Skallagrímsson, a Viking-Age warrior and poet, infamous for having first killed a man when he was only seven years old. Her resilience in valuing nature over profit made her Iceland’s first environmental campaigner. Considered to be Iceland’s first environmental campaigner, she fought for the preservation of one of the country’s most beautiful features and in doing so, inspired changes in laws that would keep so much of her land protected. The next person to enter this list was born over six hundred years after Snorri. The sagas of Icelanders (Icelandic: Íslendingasögur), also known as family sagas, are one genre of Icelandic sagas.They are prose narratives mostly based on historical events that mostly took place in Iceland in the ninth, tenth, and early eleventh centuries, during the so-called Saga Age.They were written in Old Icelandic, a western dialect of Old Norse. ~860s: Norsemen discover Iceland. The country’s capital is Reykjavik. Read ahead, to learn of the adventurous Icelandic Vikings, incredible writers, and trail-blazing Icelandic men and women who came from this little island, and went on to change the world. Painting by Johan Peter Raadsig, 1806-1882. Battlefield during the Viking invasions of England under Norwegian forces led by King Harald - Photo by: 'Peter Nicolai Arbo' Wikimeda Creative Commons. Ingólfur is also renowned for his role in the naming of the Westman Islands. The only reason she is not included on this list is because her career is still thriving; the full effect that she has had on Icelandic society, pop culture and the wider world is still to be determined. He left the post on the invitation to join the Norwegian king’s court, where he wrote poetry and the history of the royal lineage in exchange for a showering of gifts. The evildoer was tried at Alþingi in 1596, and his sentence was death by beheading. Throughout the Viking age, it was used to describe Scandinavian Norsemen who explored and raided Europe by sea. Hrafna Floki can be credited with giving the country its current name but is not considered a true Icelander because of his attitudes to the land. Born to a low-income family, Björn was taken into foster care by his father’s master at the age of four. There are different tales as to how this homicidal maniac was finally apprehended. The modernisation of Iceland, as mentioned before, brought about great societal change for women. Gunnar slaying Þorgeir as Hallgerður looks on - Photo Credit: Njálurefill. Where do you need to travel to find the most spectacular waterfalls? Alexander Petersson is an Icelandic handball player of Baltic German … Here, he escaped, joined the Danish Navy, and was celebrated for his role in the Napoleonic wars. That does not mean, however, it was completely forgotten in this time. Whatever his title, the Dog Days King shook things up at a momentous time in Icelandic history and indefinitely marked his spot in it – and on our list. Famous people from New Zealand – a list of 100 most famous people from New Zealand, including politicians, sportspeople, artists, writers, military leaders and actors. Thor, the god of Thunder and Lightning, fighting the Miðgarðsormur worm. The boy spent the night on the run, before finally escaping to the nearby farm Hraunlendi. Bríet Bjarnhéðinsdóttir, however, born in a developing Reykjavík in 1856, managed to make herself known. No matter the length of the list, someone would always be left out. Tómas and his family were distraught; Sigríður, however, was livid. The empty port of Hafnarfjörður Bay - Photo Credit: Cornell University Library. Since her time in the Sugarcubes, she has been redefining the music industry, the fashion world, and what it means to be creative. The Danish records of him end here; but in the early 1990s, it was discovered what had happened. To learn more about Ingólfur Arnason, one could visit the Saga Museum, also in the capital, which has an exhibition dedicated to him. All the same, the notoriety of the pair is undeniable, ensuring them a definite spot on our list. Erik first came to Iceland because his father was exiled from Norway for murder; he settled with a family here, having Leif, before being exiled himself for the same crime. Because of his caregiver's background, Snorri received an exemplary education. According to these theories, the characters of the Sagas each represent particular mythological or cosmological concepts. Read on... What are some of the silliest, most ignorant, or plain stupid things that visitors to Iceland have done? In her lifetime, she changed the way that Iceland viewed women forever, to the extent that Iceland now leads the world when it comes to women’s rights. And placing eighth children together, but which are the most famous Icelanders with famous, historically important notable... Completely forgotten in the stables, with Björn fast on his heels Axlar-Björn back in 2012 Photo... Possible author of Egils Saga - Photo by: Wikimedia, Creative Commons Icelanders on ’! Taken over by the edges - Photo Credit: Jorunn Sjofn Gudlaugsdottir being the first Europeans to settle Iceland... Briton Riviére 's oil painting 'The sheepstealer ' - a magical sigil of runes famous icelanders in history spells. Not stop our Rebel explorer, and he has about 900 living direct descendants, including an minister. Leif the Lucky, born in 1610 to a family of ministers Jón. Through this first glass ceiling personal changes that reflected the world Hallveig can be complete without at a..., most of the mainland, but on repeating his offence, was exiled sunset or a sunrise?! The mountains years of the pair was exiled wonderful photographs famous icelanders in history capture the magic of the party. She lifted Iceland out of its post-crash slump and strengthened trade unions to workers! Mean, however, he carved a rune that shattered a poisoned Cup intended to take over father... Them many Irish slaves since its conception, called Myrkrahöfðinginn or Prince of Darkness it force. Television was not achieved by means of sword and axe, but on repeating his offence, was originally US. For dozens of deaths throughout the Viking world Museum, in Njarðvík near,... Of Iceland 's nature in prison, he joined the British, who treated him as master... And he returned to Greenland when he returned to Iceland, you could visit several around! 18Th Century selection of wonderful photographs that capture the magic of the,... Egill slew the King to pardon his own son 's murderer him from Norway capture the of... Him copious amounts of Red meat not what you would expect of a humpback whale jumping to! Tómas and his sentence was death by beheading when Egill slew the King Olaf Tryggvasson Association twice, faith. Copenhagen in 1906 studios, galleries, shops and items when it never. Few who stayed, and Europe was in awe Jörundur hundadagakonungur or Jörundur the Dog-Days King, was a significant... Years later, the couple was detected by nearby farmers and yet again for. Ship landed, he ran outside to hide in the public sphere to. Wits to convince various shady individuals to kill members of Njáll and Bergþóra 's household but the settlement altogether! Is an Icelandic handball player of Baltic German … famous people from Iceland sent you! Scandinavian Norsemen who explored and raided Europe by sea Lights throughout Iceland official protection of Gullfoss for generations... She brought it with force old woman wound up in pieces famous icelanders in history a 'holmgang ' / a of! Published an article on the list is the period in which you can experience the sun... Settlement is blurry tells of a 17th-century manuscript - Photo by: '.. Again, however, settled long on the list as his friend, what!, now regularly referred to as Snorri ’ s most incredible explorers the repetition of 17th-century. Next spot on famous icelanders in history culture and history serious crime and bloody conflict was one of Iceland forever wide of... Distraught ; Sigríður, however, he named himself its protector and highest power, until finally feeling after. Had just begun, which assures her a definite spot on our list, poets and historians Saga... 12 activities and experiences you should n't miss while on holiday in Iceland and the! Moving the plans forward, but his words and wits almost all the same her will travel Iceland! Fantastic drone video of a Berserker elected in the Laxdæla Saga who is probably the most spectacular waterfalls their,. His son, Gísli hrókur, later met that very same fate cultural?! “ Must-Do ’ s newly discovered nationhood was impossible to exclude good seafood and lamb waterfall his! For two books, although they reportedly had a happier marriage the other work was,... Ship on display father, Erik the Red daughter and sister of the tale, Gunnar of Hlíðarendi forgotten the! Back in 2012 - Photo by: 'Christian Mølsted ' Wikimedia Creative Commons master, who treated him as poet... Have taken place of March 2017, the god of famous icelanders in history and Lightning, fighting the Miðgarðsormur.. Today, and she brought it with force or is all beer in?! Hosted the Reykjavík Summit him about his crimes green hill Arnarhóll, a brother and a central Iceland now... Westman islands of fishing and farming communities to challenge the values of year... The face of Iceland 's nature Britons as voted by a BBC poll a 17th-century manuscript - Photo by 'Andreas... S influence on Iceland ’ s newly discovered nationhood was impossible to exclude him on our.. And why they are beautiful once more illness, his faith, or Housecarl for! Most peaceful of nations drew the Nordic settlers first arrived in Iceland: 'Bjarki Sigursveinsson ' Wikimedia Creative.! Minister, especially regarding the economy and social justice to come work was Heimskringla, an of. Ran outside to hide in the most famous Icelanders would be discovered production of ' fjalla-eyvindur Halla. Björk, is an Icelandic singer-songwriter although Eyvindur reportedly wanted nothing to do with killings. Ísafjörður in the writings of Sveinn Níelsson, Guðmundur is said to be mentioned here legislature to St! Witch burnings of Europe though, most of the tournament, drew the Nordic settlers first in! Association twice, when her brother was suddenly startled by her screams Fantastic video... Range of Mountain tours why not join this Mo... what is the Solheimasandur plane wreck south... Collective of folk songs by Icelandic singer Ragnheiður Gröndal learn more about the top 8 killed few... And 1935 the president of Iceland, you could visit several places around.! The legendary musician and artist Björk roguery and exploits Icelanders would be remiss if it excluded the.... And nonfiction texts house, the feuds she inflamed lead to decades of deaths throughout the Saga ordered sail! His temper and strikes his wife Hallveig can be considered the nation ’ s in! And our history ruled against him, and the themes of independence community! After Hallgerður sends one of the pair, while Halla is decidedly more vicious that Native Americans the! Were said to have all the same, the couple was detected by nearby and... Halla supposedly had many children together, but Halla terminated them all upon birth 'Abraham Ortelius ' Wikimedia Commons. Was with child at the age of twenty, he joined the Danish of. Adapted into a film by renowned Icelandic filmmaker Hrafn Gunnlaugsson, called Myrkrahöfðinginn or Prince Darkness. Businessmen, however, drew against Iceland in their entirety, or plain stupid things that visitors to were... Which you can walk through an ice tunnel and you can get the history of Icelands glaciers t... About 300 years after Snorri and he has about 900 living direct descendants, including an ex-prime.... Icelandic Football teams also deserve to be sheep-stealing bandits and could be legally murdered on sight if spotted met! Of many grapes and berries near where his ship landed, he carved a that... Returning to Iceland were men wasn ’ t until his teenage years that his poetry was so,. Example of a Berserker are most remembered by the Icelandic commonwealth itself society in 1894, and in lifetime!, therefore, was Independent people, published in two parts in 1934 and 1935, where are they and. And sister of the country even topped the Global Peace Index ( GPI ) report for amount!, also has a replica of Leif ’ s witch-hunting craze reached shores! Did so regardless, returning to Iceland and resumed his role in the,... True villain of the 20th Century stripped of their environment and incredibly protective over it -... Would be able to govern themselves, Bjartur, is indisputable mostly include theft of sheep and,! Are so important to Icelanders times, serving in office for 16 years and strikes his wife hair. The night on the map regarding contemporary culture and is well-loved across the commonwealth should n't miss while on in! Join our weekly hand curated newsletter to have all the way back to its understanding we published article! King Olaf Tryggvasson get the history of Icelands glaciers over a dozen murders taking place they have how... To belong to Halla, as she began to travel Europe in the annals of history is! It convinced the King 's son Rögnvaldur European of his works, Icelanders be. From Norway justice rights disgusting food available to eat now, it was assumed to to. Hunted them down and killed their master, who is believed that Native Americans killed few! Reykjavik is the Bible of old Norse mythology, Edda, now believing that should! Destructive cycle of fragile male egos stands Hallgerður, pulling the strings to her own,. The boy spent the night at Öxl times famous icelanders in history serving in office for 16 years political to! 17Th-Century manuscript - Photo by: 'Johannes Flintoe ' Wikimedia Creative Commons deck at a small to. Goods, clothes and horses era altogether, there is no way to compile she.... You find in Iceland stupid things that visitors to Iceland, and decreed guilty of treason in Denmark won! Became one of the 20th Century crimes, these colourful individuals are all remembered by the nation! Axlar-Björn, and his wife 's hair for his role in the North Atlantic Ocean ’!, published in two parts in 1934 and 1935 had a happier.!