Who Founded Iceland? A Historical Overview
Iceland is a North Atlantic island country with a rich and fascinating history. The question of who founded Iceland is a complex one as it involves a mix of myth, legend, and historical facts. The story of Iceland’s founding is rooted in Norse and Celtic mythology, and it is believed that the first settlers arrived on the island in the 9th century AD. Over the centuries, Iceland saw the rise and fall of various political and social structures, including the Commonwealth era, the Christianization of the country, the Norwegian invasion, and the Kalmar Union.
The First Settlers: Norsemen and Celts
The first settlers of Iceland were Norsemen and Celts, who arrived on the island around the 9th century AD. According to Norse mythology, the first settler was Ingólfur Arnarson, who left Norway with his family and companions in search of new lands to settle. The Celts, on the other hand, were believed to have arrived in Iceland before the Norsemen, possibly as early as the 8th century AD.
Ingólfur Arnarson: The Legendary Explorer
Ingólfur Arnarson is considered the legendary founder of Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital city. According to legend, Ingólfur Arnarson saw the smoke rising from the hot springs of the area where Reykjavík is located today, and decided to settle there with his family and companions. He is said to have thrown his high seat pillars into the sea and vowed to settle wherever they washed ashore. They washed ashore in Reykjavík, and Ingólfur Arnarson named the area after the steam rising from the hot springs, Reykjavík, which translates to "smoke bay."
The Settlement Era: 9th-11th Century AD
The settlement era in Iceland lasted from the 9th to the 11th century AD and was characterized by the arrival of Norse and Celtic settlers who established farms and settlements across the island. During this time, Iceland became a free and independent nation without a central government, and the settlers created their own laws and institutions.
The Commonwealth Era: 930-1262 AD
The Commonwealth era in Iceland lasted from 930 to 1262 AD and was marked by a period of political and social stability. During this time, Iceland became a republic with a legislative assembly, called the Alþingi, where laws were debated and passed. The Commonwealth era saw the rise of chieftains who governed their own territories and had a significant amount of power.
The Age of the Sagas: Stories of Iceland’s Founding
The Age of the Sagas, which lasted from the 12th to the 14th century AD, is a period of Icelandic history that is synonymous with the famous Icelandic sagas. The sagas are a collection of stories that tell the history of Iceland’s founding and its early settlers, and are a valuable source of information about Iceland’s past.
The Christianization of Iceland: 1000 AD
The Christianization of Iceland took place in the year 1000 AD, when the Icelandic parliament, the Alþingi, decided to adopt Christianity as the country’s official religion. This decision had significant political, social, and cultural implications, as it marked a departure from the traditional Norse religion and influenced the country’s future development.
The End of the Commonwealth: The Norwegian Invasion
The end of the Commonwealth era in Iceland was marked by the Norwegian invasion in 1262 AD. The Norwegian king, Haakon IV, imposed his rule over Iceland, and the country became a part of the Norwegian empire. This period of Icelandic history is characterized by a loss of political autonomy and a shift towards a more centralized form of government.
The Union with Norway: 1262-1380 AD
The union with Norway lasted from 1262 to 1380 AD and was marked by a period of political and social unrest. During this time, Iceland was under the rule of the Norwegian crown, and the country’s economy and political institutions were heavily impacted by Norwegian policies.
The Kalmar Union and the Reformation: 1380-1550 AD
The Kalmar Union and the Reformation period lasted from 1380 to 1550 AD and was marked by significant changes in Icelandic society. The Kalmar Union saw Iceland come under the rule of Denmark, while the Reformation brought about a shift towards Protestantism and the establishment of the Lutheran Church in Iceland.
The Danish Monopoly and the Independence Movement
The Danish monopoly period lasted from the mid-17th century to the mid-19th century AD and was characterized by Denmark’s control over Iceland’s economy and trade. This period was marked by economic hardship and social upheaval, which led to the rise of the Icelandic independence movement in the 19th century.
Iceland Today: A Modern Nation with Ancient Roots
Today, Iceland is a modern nation with ancient roots. The country has a rich cultural heritage that is celebrated through its language, literature, and music. Iceland’s history has played a significant role in shaping the country’s identity and has left an indelible mark on its people. Iceland’s unique landscape, with its volcanoes, glaciers, and hot springs, is a testament to the country’s geological history and its connection to the natural world.
