All Things Iceland Jewells Chambers

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

A Tale from Grímsey Island

I’m sharing about a man and a polar bear in Grímsey, which is the northernmost inhabited island in Iceland. It is the only part of Iceland that is the Arctic circle. I’ve not been there yet, but I have heard it is beautiful. This story takes place many years during a harsh winter.On this day, no one on the island could keep a fire lit. It seems that they were in short supply of resources for it, which was major problem since it was so cold. The intense cold froze the water in the sound between mainland Iceland and the island, which made it impossible for a ship to get to the island to provide more fire.

Heading Out into the Harsh Winter in Search of Fire

One solution was to walk on foot to mainland Iceland to get fire but doing that is a long journey that required resilience and endurance. They decided to pick three of their strongest men to make the journey. Early one morning the men set off on their way. Most of the journey was uneventful until they are halfway across the sound. There, they encounter a big gap in the sound. They are not sure how long and wide it is but it looks like it would be difficult to jump across. Two of the men jump and barely make it. The last guy does not feel confident he can make the jump so he just stands there. The other two who made the jump suggest that he go back to the island because they need to keep going. Not wanting to give up so easily, the guy walks along the big crack looking for a place that might be easier for him to jump across.

Encountering a Polar Bear

As the time passes, it gets darker and colder. Also, a storm rolls in as well. That storm brings southerly winds that blow warmer air, which starts to melt the ice. He gets caught on a big piece of ice that broke off in the sound between the mainland island and Grímsey. That piece of ice just drifts off in the water. Eventually, the storm stops and the piece of ice he is floating on crashes into a large ice sheet.At this point, he is really hungry, tired and he has no idea how he will get back home. To make matters worse, he encounters a polar bear. For those that do not know, Polar Bear are normally vicious hunters and will not hesitate to kill a person or another animal if they are hungry.Rightfully so, he is scared. The polar bear has cubs and she looks up at him as he stands there stopped in his tracks. She gives him the once over and starts to circle around him.

How the Polar Bear Saved the Man's Life

When it seems that he is getting stronger after a couple of days, the bear is walking along with him the bear puts her head down and gestures for him to get on her back. When he does, she shakes violently, which makes him fall off immediately. He has no idea why she did that but just left it alone. For the next few days, she continues to gesture for him to get on her back and shakes so hard that he falls off. At night, she keeps him warm and provides nutrition At one point, he is on her back and she shakes but he is able to hold on. That is when the bear jumps into the water with him on her back and starts swimming to Grímsey. When they arrive to the island, the man wants to show his gratitude so he gives her milk from his best cows and slaughters some of his best sheep for her to take back to share with her cubs. She is grateful for that and she heads back to her cubs with food. Everyone in the town is shocked that he had befriended a polar bear. Right after the bear left, they see a ship in the distance and the two guys from earlier in the story were on that ship. They were bringing supplies for fire back to the island.

Random Fact of the Episode

According to a href="https://www.akureyri.

At the beginning of 2025, a new travel authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will come into effect. This new requirement aims to bolster security across Europe, addressing concerns related to terrorism and the influx of migrants and refugees.Non-EU visitors who previously didn't need a visa will now have to apply online for ETIAS, which will screen applicants against a database for criminal activities, prior overstays in the EU, and other security issues.

Iceland and the Schengen Zone



While Iceland is not part of the EU, it is a member of the Schengen zone, along with countries like Norway and Switzerland. The Schengen zone has uniform rules regarding entry and stay duration.Therefore, Iceland will implement the same ETIAS requirements as other Schengen countries. This means that if you plan to visit Iceland and then travel to other European destinations, you will need an ETIAS authorization before landing in Reykjavik.Upon arrival, your passport will be stamped for a maximum stay of 90 days, allowing you to travel freely within the Schengen zone during this period.

Do You Need an Iceland ETIAS Visa Waiver?



As long as Iceland remains in the Schengen zone, the ETIAS rules will apply. Whether you need to apply for ETIAS depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries will continue to enjoy unrestricted travel across Europe, including Iceland. Non-EU citizens are divided into two categories:* Visa-Exempt Travelers: This includes citizens from North America, Australia, and other countries who previously only needed a valid passport for short visits to Europe. Starting in 2025, these travelers must apply for ETIAS approval. The application fee is €7, and the authorization is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.* Visa-Required Travelers: Citizens from countries not covered by the visa waiver will continue to need a full visa to enter Iceland, as is currently the case.

When Do You Need to Have ETIAS?

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is set to launch in early 2025. Following its implementation, there will be a 180-day grace period.During this six-month grace period, non-EU travelers who previously did not need a visa will need to fill out an ETIAS application form. This period will allow travelers to become familiar with the new requirement and give European travel authorities time to train on the new protocols and address any technical issues that arise.After the grace period ends, all third-country nationals will be required to have ETIAS approval to enter the Schengen zone.



What will be asked on the ETIAS Application form?

The ETIAS online application will ask for basic information as part of the pre-screening check. Below is the information that is said to be required:* Valid passport / Travel document information* Full name* Current address* Citizenship status* Sex* Preferred gender* Dual citizenship status* Email address* Telephone number* Date of birth* Final destination member state* Educational background* Occupational backgroundDuring the ETIAS application or appeal process, you may be asked about your:* Criminal history* Past incarceration* Felon status* Past European travel* Drug use* Health history



How Long does Approval of ETIAS applications Take?

According to the website about ETIAS applications, it will only take a few minutes for an application to be approved once the payment is completed. While that sounds great, I would not leave applying for ETIAS to the last minute to avoid any possible issues.

Discovering Iceland's Natural Wonders

Iceland is a treasure trove of unique geological features, offering an abundance of geysers,

This is part of my Folklore Friday Series, where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024.

A King's Decree Leads To Iceland's Land Spirits Being Discovered

In the Heimskringla saga of King Olaf Tryggvason, there is a captivating tale of King Harald Bluetooth's failed attempt to invade Iceland. According to the saga, Harald tasked a sorcerer who transformed into a fearsome whale, with finding the island’s vulnerabilities. However, each time the whale-sorcerer tried to land, he was repelled by supernatural beings known as Land Spirits, Iceland’s guardians.

A Sorcerer Encounters Iceland's Land Spirits

The whale-sorcerer's first attempt to land was in the Eastern Fjords, where he encountered a ferocious dragon. This dragon was so powerful that it is said that its fiery breath could make the ocean burn. To add to that, the flaps of its wings sounded like thunder. Alongside the dragon were terrifying snakes, lizards, and slithering spirits. Fearing for its life, the whale retreated farther back into the ocean.A little shaken but still determined, the sorcerer/whale found himself in the north of Iceland, aiming to land in Eyjafjörður. Here, a massive griffin with an immense wingspan descended from the skies. Countless birds with razor-sharp talons and beaks like battle axes came with it. Together, they drove the whale-sorcerer away.For his third attempt, the whale tried to land in the Westfjords of the country, specifically Breiðafjörður, where an enormous bull awaited him. Unlike other bulls, this one was said to have a body as solid as the earth, bronze horns, and a hide as tough as stone. To add to its insane exterior, one bellow from the bull made the mountains shake. and a body as solid as the earth, the bull’s bellowing made the mountains tremble. Not surprisingly, the whale-wizard had no intention of going head-to-head with the bull, so it fled.In a final desperate attempt to find a vulnerable spot on the island to report back to the King, the sorcerer aimed for the Reykjanes peninsula. Here, he faced an enormous giant whose head towered above the hilltops. Armed with an iron staff and with a formidable army of other giants, the giant sent the whale-sorcerer fleeing back to the sea, thwarting King Harald Bluetooth’s invasion plans.

Random Fact of the Episode

These guardians protect Iceland, each overseeing a quarter of the island. To this day, these Land Spirits are deeply respected and are featured on the Icelandic coat of arms, as well as the Icelandic króna coins. They symbolize the protection and prosperity of Iceland’s land and its spiritual and physical inhabitants.

Icelandic Word of the Episode

Landvættir is the Icelandic word for land spirits.

Share This With a Friend

Facebook

Email

LinkedIn

Let's Be Social



Youtube





Tiktok





Instagram





Facebook



Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega

Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. This unique geographical setting has led to some fascinating geological features and dynamic landscapes.In this episode, I go over the geology a little bit, the main reason why Iceland does not split in two even though the tectonic plates are slowing moving apart, and where in the country you can enjoy seeing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the country.

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Iceland’s Unique Position

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a submarine mountain range that runs down the center of the Atlantic Ocean, marking the boundary between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. In most places, this ridge lies deep underwater, but in Iceland, it rises above the sea, creating a rare opportunity to observe tectonic activity on land.Iceland owes its existence to this tectonic setting. The ridge is characterized by divergent boundaries, where the plates are moving away from each other. As these plates diverge, magma rises from the mantle to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process is responsible for the volcanic activity that has shaped Iceland's rugged terrain.

The Nature of Tectonic Plates

The movement of tectonic plates is a slow and gradual process. The Eurasian and North American plates are drifting apart at an average rate of about 2.5 centimeters (.9 inches) per year. While this may seem significant, it's important to put it in perspective. Over millions of years, this movement will indeed widen the Atlantic Ocean, but the effect on Iceland is much more subtle.The divergence of these plates does cause fissures and rift valleys, such as the Þingvellir National Park, where the rift between the plates is visible. However, this does not mean Iceland will split in half. Instead, the country is constantly being reshaped and reformed by volcanic activity and the upwelling of magma, which fills in any gaps created by the diverging plates.

Volcanic Activity and Land Formation

One of the key factors that prevent Iceland from splitting is its volcanic activity. Iceland is one of the most volcanically active regions in the world, with eruptions occurring roughly every four to five years. In most recent years, we have seen an increase in volcanic eruptions with them happening multiple times in a year just in 2024. These eruptions are part of the same process that forms the mid-ocean ridges.When magma from beneath the Earth's crust reaches the surface, it cools and solidifies, forming new land. This continuous creation of new crust compensates for the divergent movement of the tectonic plates. Instead of splitting apart, Iceland is actually growing larger over time as new volcanic material is added to its landmass.

The Role of the Icelandic Mantle Plume

Adding to the volcanic activity is the presence of the Icelandic mantle plume, a column of hot, molten rock that rises from deep within the Earth. This plume provides a steady supply of magma, which fuels Iceland's numerous volcanoes. The mantle plume is thought to be responsible for the high levels of volcanic activity and the formation of Iceland itself.The mantle plume’s upwelling helps to reinforce the island’s structure. As magma rises and cools, it forms new rock that acts to fill in and stabilize any fractures or rifts caused by the diverging plates. This process ensures that while fissures and rifts are part of Iceland’s landscape, they do not lead to the island splitting apart.

Geophysical Studies and Predictions

Extensive geophysical studies have been conducted to monitor Iceland's tectonic activity. Seismologists and geologists use a range of tools, including GPS measurements, seismographs, and satellite imagery, to track the movement of the plates and the activity of the mantle plume. These studies provide valuable insights into the dynamics at play.

This is part of my Folklore Friday Series, where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024.

A Magical Woman from Norway Migrates to Iceland

In the book of the Icelanders, or Landnámabók, is a person named Þuríður syndafyllir and her son Völu-Steinn. They immigrated from Northern Norway and settled in Bolungarvík in the Westfjords of Iceland.It was rumored that Þuríður had incredible powers. One story about her when she lived in Norway was that she cast a spell that filled all the straits with fish.

Fighting Over Land – Petty or Justified?

This particular Folklore story is about a quarrel she had with her brother Þjóðólfur. One day her brother asked Þuríður to give him land at Bolungarvík. She agreed to letting him have the land he could fence in on his own in a day.While Þjóðólfur had planned to fence off land that started at Stigi and included Hlíðardalur, and Tungudalur, he only made it about half way to the middle of Tungudalur. Even though the deal was pretty clear, Þjóðólfur was not happy that his sister would not allow him to also have Tungudalur included as part of his land.To get back at her for denying him, he decided to steal one of her ox that she kept at Stigihlíð. To Þjóðólfur´s suprise, his sister caught him trying to steal the ox and ran after him. He was quick but she caught up to him at Ófæra and tried to get the animal back. However, her brother won that battle.Not one to be outdone, Þuríður cast a spell upon Þjóðólfur that would turn him into a stone that many birds would defecate on. The part about being pooped on is specifically part of this story. LOL. Well, her brother was magically inclined as well, and he cast a spell for her to be turned into a rock that is placed where the highest winds blow.

Turning Each Other to Stone

Well, both of their spells worked and each turned into stone. Þjóðólfur became a rock that rolled into the water but was never full submerged. A variety of birds would land on it and leave behind their waste. Apparently, the locals knew of this story and the stone.They called in Þjóðólfur after the brother and would talk about it when walking by. It is said that in 1936, the stone vanished probably because the end of the spell had been reached. Þuríður became a stone at the northern part of Óshlíð and might still be there to this day.

Make Your Own Itinerary with My Iceland Map



Another great resource is to grab full access to my Iceland map. This map was created for those who want to pick out places and hidden gems around Iceland to make up their own itinerary or add to one that they already created.With full access, you get over 280 places that I recommend in Iceland, along with four itineraries to use for planning your trip. Those itineraries include a 10-day Ring Road trip, a 3-day South Iceland trip, The Famous Golden Circle and a Reykjanes Peninsula Day Trip.A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access, which includes any updates I make to the map.Here is a link to my Iceland map: rexby.com/jewells/Iceland.

Random Fact of the Episode

Óshlíð, the historical road connecting Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur, began construction in the 1950s and was once the sole link for Bolungarvík residents to Iceland's road network. As of 2010, the route no longer accommodates vehicle traffic due to the opening of the new Bolungarvík tunnel. However, Óshlíð has been repurposed as a scenic outdoor area for recreation. The smooth pavement provides ideal conditions for cyclists and runners seeking a nature immersion. The imposing cliffs towering 300 to 400 meters above can make one feel quite diminutive.Óshlíð is notorious for its challenging road conditions, with frequent avalanches, rockfalls, and debris.

Rökkvi Vésteinsson was born in 1978 in Iceland. He had a multicultural upbringing, living in Chicago at age 11, and spending summers in Denmark and Sweden during his teens. By age 20, he was fluent in four foreign languages, thanks to his travels and a stint as an au pair in Germany.Rökkvi began his professional journey guiding one-day tours from Reykjavík to Kulusuk, Greenland at 23, leveraging his language skills in English, German, and Danish. He simultaneously embarked on a career in stand-up comedy starting in 2003.After completing degrees in Biochemistry and Computer Science at Háskóli Íslands, he worked in Montreal as a programmer and software tester from 2004-2005, where he continued his comedy career. He also intermittently guided tours in Greenland and Iceland.In 2017, Vésteinsson transitioned to full-time tour guiding, leading a variety of tours across Iceland, including multi-day and cruise ship tours, distillery tours, and city walks in Reykjavík. His guiding languages expanded to include Icelandic, English, German, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, and French, reflecting his continuous language learning.Vésteinsson's passion for languages led him to LingQ in 2019, where he learned French and other languages to literacy. He collaborated with LingQ's CEO, contributing significantly to their Icelandic resources and successfully advocating for free Icelandic learning on the platform.Today, Vésteinsson continues to add educational content to LingQ and promotes language learning in Iceland. He also performs comedy in multiple languages across various countries, showcasing his diverse linguistic and cultural fluency.

Have a Question for Rökkvi

Through my link for "Ask Jewells Anything", feel free to submit a question for Rökkvi. Please add into the description box that it is for him.

Learn More About Greenland

During the interview, Rökkvi and I talked about Greenland. Here is an episode where you can learn more about modern Greenland and how some Greenlandic activist are working to reclaim their culture.

Share this with a friend

Facebook

Email

Twitter

Let's Be Social



Youtube





Tiktok





Instagram





Facebook



Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumsy fljótlega.