The Eastfjord’s Prophetess – Folklore Friday

The Eastfjord’s Prophetess – Folklore Friday

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.

Want to hear more Icelandic Folklore Stories?

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

Click Here

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

Share this with a Friend

Facebook
Email
Twitter

Let’s Be Social


Youtube


Tiktok


Instagram


Facebook

Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega.

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(272)

Iceland’s New Road Tax Explained (2026): What Every Tourist Needs to Know

Iceland’s New Road Tax Explained (2026): What Every Tourist Needs to Know

Planning to rent a car in Iceland? Learn how Iceland’s new road tax works, why it was introduced, how it affects tourists, and how you can save money on your rental. I’ll also explain why not all rent...

5 Elo 12min

I Just Finished 8 Months of Maternity Leave in Iceland. Here’s What It Was Really Like.

I Just Finished 8 Months of Maternity Leave in Iceland. Here’s What It Was Really Like.

After eight months of maternity leave in Iceland, I’m finally back to work. Looking back, I can honestly say that this experience has given me an entirely new appreciation for Iceland’s parental leave...

23 Heinä 23min

Iceland’s Glaciers & Coastline are Disappearing – Here’s how Your Visit Can Help Scientists

Iceland’s Glaciers & Coastline are Disappearing – Here’s how Your Visit Can Help Scientists

What if your next trip to Iceland could do more than create unforgettable memories? In this episode, I sit down with Anne Peters and geologist Johannes Marteinn from Katla UNESCO Global Geopark to exp...

9 Heinä 53min

I Tested the Icelandic AI Learning Platform So You Don’t Have To – The Pros & Cons

I Tested the Icelandic AI Learning Platform So You Don’t Have To – The Pros & Cons

Learning Icelandic can honestly feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever tried to learn the language, you probably already know that there are a lot of scattered resources online, different classes, private ...

28 Touko 22min

From Venezuela to Iceland: How Valenttina Griffin Built a Life Across Cultures

From Venezuela to Iceland: How Valenttina Griffin Built a Life Across Cultures

I sat down with an inspiring Venezuelan-born entrepreneur, Valenttina Griffin, who has made Iceland her home. Through a lively conversation, Valenttina shares her experiences of navigating different c...

15 Touko 1h 30min

The Cost of a 5-Day Trip to Iceland. Local Expert Advice on how to budget for it.

The Cost of a 5-Day Trip to Iceland. Local Expert Advice on how to budget for it.

Along with hearing about volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and gorgeous landscapes, one of the biggest things people associate with Iceland is how expensive it is. And honestly, that conversa...

14 Touko 39min

5 Places in Iceland Worth the Detour (That Most Travelers Miss)

5 Places in Iceland Worth the Detour (That Most Travelers Miss)

There are places in Iceland that are easy to visit. And then there are places that require a bit more effort, but reward you in ways you honestly don’t expect. I’m sharing 5 places across the country ...

4 Touko 23min

Why Thousands Are Visiting Iceland for the Rare 2026 Solar Eclipse

Why Thousands Are Visiting Iceland for the Rare 2026 Solar Eclipse

The 2026 total solar eclipse is already drawing attention from travelers around the world, and for good reason. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible in Iceland was in 1954, and the next one...

11 Huhti 10min

Suosittua kategoriassa Koulutus

rss-murhan-anatomia
psykopodiaa-podcast
voi-hyvin-meditaatiot-2
rss-arkea-ja-aurinkoa-podcast-espanjasta
rss-vapaudu-voimaasi
kesken
adhd-podi
ilona-rauhala
rss-liian-kuuma-peruna
aamupore
jari-sarasvuo-podcast
rss-koira-haudattuna
psykologia
rss-hereilla
leikitaanko-laakaria
rss-tietoinen-yhteys-podcast-2
rahapuhetta
rss-niinku-asia-on
aamukahvilla
rss-metropolia-ammattikorkeakoulu