Icelandic Storyteller

Settlement of Reykjavík

Ingolf and Hjörleif left Norway to settle Iceland.

Redhead (Hvalfjordur)

Left behind on Geirfuglasker, a man mysteriously survived but later became Rauðhöfði, a vengeful whale terrorising sailors, giving Hvalfjörður its name.

Egill Skallagrímsson (Borgarfjorður)

Egil Skallagrímsson, warrior-poet, feuded with kings, won mercy through verse, fought at Brunanburh, and hid a silver hoard in Iceland before his death.

Laxdæla (Snæfellsnes)

The Icelandic Saga Laxdæla is a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and revenge, chronicling the lives of Icelandic families in the Breiðafjörður area during th

Fjörulalli (Sea Monster)

Fjörulalli, an Icelandic folklore creature, lives in the sea but comes ashore, blending with sheep flocks and sometimes harming ewes.

Ísbirnir - Polar Bears in Iceland

Polar bears, or ‘hvítabirnir,’ aren’t native to Iceland but arrive on ice floes from Greenland. Rare and feared, sightings are often tied to harsh winters.

Marbendill - Hafmenn - Mermen

A Vogar farmer caught a merman, who shared secrets in exchange for freedom.

Fjalla-Eyvindur & Outlaws of Iceland

Eyvindur, cursed to be a thief, lived as an outlaw with Halla in Iceland’s wilderness.

Jólasveinarnir 13 - The Yule Lads

Grýla, a child-snatching ogress; her Yule Cat; and the prankster Yule Lads are Iceland’s eerie Christmas figures, each bringing unique mischief to holiday lore.

The Origin of the Hidden People

Huldufólk, Iceland’s hidden people, are elven beings in nature.

Þrymskviða (Þórshöfn)

When Thrym stole Thor’s hammer, Thor disguised as Freya to retrieve it. After fooling Thrym, he reclaimed Mjölnir, defeated the giants, and returned victorious.

Nordic Noir

Icelandic noir uses crime to explore themes of isolation, survival, and morality. Set in Iceland’s harsh landscapes, it delves into secrets, trauma, and soci...

Sjálfstætt Fólk / Independent people - Laxness

Independent People by Halldór Laxness tells of Bjartur, a sheep farmer in Iceland whose fierce independence isolates him and devastates his family.

Lagarfljótsormurinn (Water Monster)

The Lagarfljótsormur grew from a serpent placed in a box, terrorising people until subdued by a sorcerer. Sightings persist, though it's mostly dormant.

Sprengisandur - Kjölur & Reynistaðabræður

Sprengisandur, a haunted and harsh Icelandic pass, was avoided by many. With no shelters, no grazing, and dangerous conditions

Sænaut (Sea Monster)

Sea-cattle from Iceland's seas come ashore to attract livestock. They have air sacs to breathe underwater. If damaged, they can be caught.

Selshamurinn - The Sea Pelt

A man from Mýrdalur took a seal skin, met the seal woman, and they married. When he forgot the key, she escaped.

Westman Islands (Herjólfur and Vilborg)

Legend tells of Herjólfur from Herjólfsdalur in the Westman Islands, who charged for water.

Hekla

Hekla, a feared mountain in southern Iceland, is said to be a gateway to hell.

Nykur (Water Monster)

"The nykur, a horse-like creature in Icelandic folklore, lures riders into water, drowning them. Similar water-horses appear in folklore across Northern Europe.

Stapadraugurinn / Vogadraugurinn

The Stapadraugur, or Stapi Ghost, haunts Vogastapi in Reykjanes.

Grettis saga Ásmundarsonar

Loki - The Trickster God

Loki - The Trickster God

Guðmundur Góði

Old Maps Of Iceland

Kraken - Hafgufa

The Kraken is a legendary sea monster of enormous size,said to appear in the sea between Norway and Iceland

Sæmundur Fróði - Saemundur the wise

Njálssaga - The Saga of Burnt Njáll