The Eastfjord’s Prophetess – Folklore Friday

All Things Iceland

At the summit of Hólmaháls, just above the road, lies the grave mound of a Völva, or prophetess, who has been believed to protect Reyðarfjörður and Eskifjörður from sea attacks for centuries.

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This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing a folklore story every Friday in 2024.

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How the Prophetess Protects the Fjord

According to legend, the prophetess lived in Sómastaðir in the 17th century. Before her death, she requested to be buried in a location that offered the best view of Reyðarfjörður. She claimed that as long as her bones remained undisturbed, the fjords of Eskifjörður and Reyðarfjörður would be safe from maritime attacks.

Later, when Algerian Turks attempted to invade the East Fjords, intending to sail into Reyðarfjörður and plunder the area, they encountered an impenetrable fog at the fjord’s entrance, which forced them to retreat.

The legend further states that as long as stones are regularly added to the prophetess’ grave, the fjords will remain protected from disaster.

Random Fact of the Episode

Reyðarfjörður’s strategic location and harbor conditions played a role in WWII because it was the second-largest of the Allied bases in Iceland during the war. There is a WWII museum in this fjord.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Völva – prophetess

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