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11
Awakening
The first man to be burned for witchcraft in Iceland was Jon Rognvaldsson, from Svarf-E aðardalur. He was accused of having raised a ghost and sent it to his enemy. The judge swore that Jon was the source of the ghostly visitation, and Jon's guilt was considered proven when sheets of witchcraft notes were found in his files. Magnús Björnsson, later a lawyer, was then the newly appointed sheriff of Eyjafjörður after studying in Denmark and Germany. He quickly took up the case and had Jon burned at Melaeyrum in Svarfaðardalur in 1625. The case never came before the Althing.
Ghosts are numerous in folklore, and the people of Stranda seem to have been more skilled at dealing with them than others. One of the most famous magicians in Stranda in the eighteenth century, Jón glói, raised the ghost of Felli in Kollafjörður in the presence of Halldór
Jakobsson, the sheriff. He may have followed the following preface, but there are other letters that can be used to awaken a ghost.
To awaken a ghost:
This staff should be carved on oak and blood should be applied to the cut. The blood should be from the big toe of the right foot and the thumb of the left hand. The staff should be placed on the path and then walked three times clockwise and three times counterclockwise around the church. Three dust clouds should then rise from the path and by the third the sorcerer must be ready to receive the resurrection. He should then immediately grab the ghost by the neck and tighten that until he seeks refuge. He should provide him with the equipment that is considered necessary and appropriate, and then tell the ghost what he should do. To greatly magnify a ghost and sent it a long way, more powerful equipment and more than one sorcerer are needed.
Fascinating Iceland - Þingvellir (Ebene der Volksversammlung - Althing) und Grabenbruchzone zwischen den Kontinenten (Zwischen den Erdplatten von Amerika und Europa klafft die Silfra-Spalte auf Island).
Fascinating Iceland - Þingvellir (Plain of the People's Assembly - Althing) and Rift Zone between Continents (Between the Earth's Plates of America and Europe gapes the Silfra Fissure on Iceland).
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Þingvellir, Iceland 20200730
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is the National Park where the Althing, an open-air assembly representing the whole of Iceland, was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. Over two weeks a year, the assembly set laws - seen as a covenant between free men - and settled disputes. The Althing has deep historical and symbolic associations for the people of Iceland. The property includes the Þingvellir National Park and the remains of the Althing itself: fragments of around 50 booths built from turf and stone. Remains from the 10th century are thought to be buried underground. The site also includes remains of agricultural use from the 18th and 19th centuries. The park shows evidence of the way the landscape was husbanded over 1,000 years.
From Þingvellir National Park.
Iceland's Highway 1 at Hellisheiði, east of Reykjavík, winding through mossy lava fields. The lava flow at the top of the photo is believed to have been formed in a volcanic eruption in the year 1000 AD, the year that the Icelandic Assembly, Althing, adopted Christianity. Medieval Icelandic sagas tell that a messenger arrived at Althing during the debate over whether Iceland should remain Pagan or become Christian, and told of the eruption, which threatened the farm of a chieftain. "No wonder the gods are angry when we are considering abandoning them," one pagan is supposed to have said in response to the news. "And why were the gods angry when the lava flowed that we now stand upon?" retorted a Christian.
Acrylic on canvas 21" x 13" March 16, 2023 www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Low-Orbital-Tracking-Stat... #painting #peinture #kunst #konst #architecture #technology #space #cosmos #spazio #weltraum #futurism #futurismo #futurist #geometric
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is the National Park where the Althing, an open-air assembly representing the whole of Iceland, was established in 930 and continued to meet until 1798. Over two weeks a year, the assembly set laws - seen as a covenant between free men - and settled disputes. The Althing has deep historical and symbolic associations for the people of Iceland. The property includes the Þingvellir National Park and the remains of the Althing itself: fragments of around 50 booths built from turf and stone. Remains from the 10th century are thought to be buried underground. The site also includes remains of agricultural use from the 18th and 19th centuries. The park shows evidence of the way the landscape was husbanded over 1,000 years.
This chapel is at Þingvellir (Thingvellir). Þingvellir is part of the rift valley where the Eurasian and North American plates are pulling apart from each other by about 2 cm per year. It is one of the rare places on Earth where a so-called 'spreading centre' is exposed above sea level. Þingvellir is also the location of Iceland's first parliament, the Alþingi (Althing), said to be the world's first.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) - Iceland 20200730
Þingvellir was the site of the annual parliament of Iceland from 930AD to 1798AD when the parliament moved indoors to the Althing in Reykjavik.
Þingvellir is now a national park in the municipality of Bláskógabyggð in southwestern Iceland, about 40 km northeast of Iceland's capital, Reykjavík.
Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.
The park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing.
The park was later expanded to protect the diverse and natural phenomena in the surrounding area and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
From Wikipedia.
Hikers in Thingvellir National Park, a historic site and national park in Iceland, east of Reykjavík. It's known for the Alþing (Althing), the site of Iceland's parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries.
“Standing at the end of Skolavordustigur Street in front of Hallgrimskirka Church is one of the best known landmarks in Reykjavik, the statue of Leif Eriksson. Leif is probably the best known hero of Iceland’s Viking Age, known as the first European to arrive in America (preceded Columbus’ voyage by half a millennia.) The Alexander Sterling Calder Statue was a gift to Iceland from the US to commemorate the 1000 year anniversary of Althing, the parliament of Iceland First convened at Thingvillur in the year 930 AD.” - excerpt from Iceland Magazine article “Ten Fascinating Facts about the Statue of Leifur Eiríksson” by Magnuss Sveinn Helgason, 11-2-2015. [icelandmag.is] accessed 9-16-2019 [photo: R. S. McClure] #sonyrx10m4 #rekjavik #rekjavikiceland #hallsgrimskirkja #bnw_worldwide #bw_architecture_photography
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is a historic site and national park in Iceland, east of Reykjavík. It's known for the Alþing (Althing), the site of Iceland's parliament from the 10th to 18th centuries. On the site are the Þingvellir Church and the ruins of old stone shelters. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá fault.
Thingvellir, or "Parliament Plain" in Iceland's central highlands was the site of the world's first semblance of a parliament, the Althing.
Þingvellir is a place in the administrative district of Bláskógabyggð in southwestern Iceland, near the Reykjanes peninsula and the Hengill volcanic area. Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological importance and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. It lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is at the northern end of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Parliament or Alþingi ("Althing" in English) was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798.[3] Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area, and became a World Heritage Site in 2004.
At Þingvellir - literally "Parliament Plains" - the Alþing general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Major events in the history of Iceland have taken place at Þingvellir and therefore the place is held in high esteem by all Icelanders. Today Þingvellir is a protected national shrine. According to the law, passed in 1928, the protected area shall always be the property of the Icelandic nation, under the preservation of the Alþing. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley.
Iceland
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%9Eingvellir
Just in the left corner is the oldest parliament in the world,located between the European and American plates,the Althing foounded by the Viking in 930.
Þingvellir lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is at the northern end of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. Alþingi (Althing in English), the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930, and remained there until 1798.
Þjóðhildarkirkja (Thjodhild's church) in Brattahlíð, south-west Greenland.
Brattahlíð (the name means "the steep slope") was Erik the Red's estate in the Eastern Settlement Viking colony he established in south-western Greenland toward the end of the 10th century. The present settlement of Qassiarsuk is now located in its place. The site is located about 96 km (60 mi) from the ocean, at the head of the Tunulliarfik Fjord (Eriksfjord), and hence sheltered from ocean storms. Erik and his descendants lived there until about the mid-15th century.
Brattahlíð hosted the first Greenlandic Þing (parliament), based on the Icelandic Althing.
Erik the Red was the first permanent European settler in Greenland. In 982, Erik, outlawed for three years from Iceland, sailed to a mysterious western land. He rounded the southern tip of the island (later known as Cape Farewell) and sailed up the western coast. He eventually reached a part of the coast that, for the most part, seemed ice-free and consequently had conditions—similar to those of Iceland—that promised growth and future prosperity (at that time temperatures were milder and glaciers much more retreated inland). According to the Saga of Erik the Red, he spent his three years of exile exploring this land.
When Erik returned to Iceland after his exile had expired, he is said to have brought with him stories of "Greenland". Erik deliberately gave the land an appealing name in order to lure potential settlers. His salesmanship proved successful, as many people became convinced that Greenland held great opportunity.
After spending the winter in Iceland, Erik returned to Greenland in 985 with a large number of colonists. The Icelanders established two colonies on the southwest coast: the Eastern Settlement or Eystribyggð, and the Western Settlement or Vestribyggð, close to present-day Nuuk, further north. The Eastern and Western Settlements, both established on the southwest coast, proved the only areas suitable for farming.
In Eystribyggð or Eastern Settlement, Erik built the estate of Brattahlíð. He held the title of paramount chieftain of Greenland and became both greatly respected and wealthy.
The settlement flourished, growing to 5000 inhabitants spread over a considerable area along Eriksfjord and neighboring fjords. Groups of immigrants escaping overcrowding in Iceland joined the original party. As the Western settlement, the colony thrived and survived until the Little Ice Age made the land marginal for European life-styles in the 15th century (shortly before Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas in 1492).
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Na een twveedaagse trip richting Lehrte kwam op dag twee een van de hoofddoelen van deze trip langs, de zwaar vertraagde PKP-shuttle naar Rheinhausen welke sinds kort met gloedje nieuwe Vectrons rijdt. Ons geluk kon niet op toen ook nog eens bleek op een eerdere spot dat deze trein welke normaal als 41410 rond 13:00 langs komt en dan fout voor de zon rijdt, met twee van deze fraaie Roze/Grijze uitgedoste vectrons aan kop onze kant op kwam. Met een vertraging van +165 minuten en onder een ander treinnummer passeert het geheel hier Althen onderweg van Rzepin naar Rheinhausen.
I saw this plant in many places in Iceland. This specimen was at Þingvellir (Thingvellir), the National Park where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are spreading apart. Þingvellir is also the site of the first Icelandic Parliament, the Alþingi (Althing). Formed in 930 CE, it is arguably the longest existing parliament in the world.
The statue of explorer Leif Erikson (c.970 – c.1020) by Alexander Stirling Calder in front of the church predates its construction. It was a gift from the United States in honor of the 1930 Althing Millennial Festival, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the convening of Iceland's parliament at Þingvellir in 930 AD.
Hallgrímskirkja Church of Hallgrímur) is a Protestant Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church in Reykjavík, Iceland. At 74.5 metres (244 ft) tall, it is the largest church in Iceland and second tallest building in the country. Known for its distinctively curved spire and side wings, it has been described as having become an important symbol for Iceland's national identity since its completion in 1986. The church is named after the Icelandic poet and cleric Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614–1674), author of the Passion Hymns.
Þingvellir is a historically and geologically significant site in southwestern Iceland, located about 40 kilometers northeast of Reykjavík. It is one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks and forms part of the popular Golden Circle route. Þingvellir is both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique combination of natural features and its central role in Iceland’s history.
The area lies within a rift valley created by the separation of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, making it one of the few places in the world where this geological boundary is clearly visible on land. Over time, the shifting plates have formed dramatic fissures, lava fields, and clear freshwater springs, including the well-known Silfra fissure, where the two continental plates can be observed diverging. The landscape is characterized by rugged cliffs, open plains, and the nearby Þingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest natural lake.
Historically, Þingvellir holds exceptional importance as the site of the Althing, one of the world’s oldest existing parliaments, established around the year 930 during the early period of Icelandic settlement. For centuries, chieftains and representatives from across the island gathered here annually to make laws, settle disputes, and conduct assemblies, making Þingvellir the political and social heart of medieval Iceland. The location was chosen for its accessibility and natural amphitheater-like setting created by the surrounding cliffs.
Throughout the centuries, Þingvellir has remained a symbol of Icelandic identity and independence. It was here that Iceland formally declared independence from Denmark in 1944, reinforcing its deep national significance. Today, the park is protected for both its cultural heritage and its distinctive geological environment, attracting visitors interested in history, nature, and photography. The combination of tectonic activity, historical legacy, and scenic beauty makes Þingvellir one of the most iconic and meaningful locations in Iceland.
Þingvellir is now a national park in the municipality of Bláskógabyggð in southwestern Iceland, about 40 km northeast of Iceland's capital, Reykjavík. Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. The park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Þingvellir National Park (þjóðgarðurinn á Þingvöllum) was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. The park was later expanded to protect the diverse and natural phenomena in the surrounding area, and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004. (wiki)
Goðafoss 20210719
Located in North Iceland between Akureyri and Lake Myvatn, this picturesque Godafoss or ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ is one of the most impressive in the country. Ice-blue glacial water flows over an elegant semi-circular arc. It creates blue-green swirling patterns in the water below among the surrounding lava.
The water in Skjalfandafljot river falls 12 meters in Godafoss waterfall. The river has its origin in the Icelandic Highlands, running north through Bardardalur valley.
According to the myth, in the year 1,000 Law-speaker of the Althing, Chieftain Thorgeir Thorkelsson, returned from Thingvellir with the decision that the nation of Iceland would convert to Christianity. He ceremoniously disposed of Norse pagan idols into the falls.
Source Iceland Travel.
Þingvellir lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is at the northern end of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland. Alþingi (Althing in English), the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930, and remained there until 1798.
Einar Jónsson (11 May 1874 – 18 October 1954) was an Icelandic sculptor. At a young age Einar proved himself to be an unusual child with an artistic bent. At that time there was little or no tradition of sculpture in Iceland, so Einar moved to Denmark where he attended the Copenhagen Academy of Art.
His ideas were related to German symbolism, and he developed a figurative language composed of interpretable symbols, personification and allegory.
In 1909, after living abroad for almost 20 years he made an arrangement with the Althing to provide him with a home and studio in Reykjavík. In return, he agreed to donate all his works to the country.
Einar's works fall into three general categories. First, there were the public monuments that he was commissioned by the government to produce. The second group was private commissions that he obtained, consisting of portraits and cemetery monuments. The third collection consisted of the private works that he labored over as he became increasingly and deeply spiritually attuned and reclusive. In this large body of works Einar's spiritual nature is clearly seen, though it is often difficult to describe. The themes for these works are frequently drawn from Christ's consciousness, deep Cosmic spirituality like the eternal, infinite body and consciousness of the universe or God, Icelandic Mythology
In recent years Einar's plasters have been cast in bronze and placed in the garden of his home and studio or in city parks in Reykjavík and throughout Iceland. He donated his work to the Einar Jónsson Museum in Reykjavík, which opened in 1923
Continuing on our way around the so-called 'Golden Circle' near Reykjavik, Iceland we arrived at Thingvellir National Park. It's not as spectacular on Gullfoss or Geysir but I found the place very photogenic, maybe not least because it actually stopped raining / sleeting / snowing for more than ten minutes.......
You can see more of my Iceland photos here : www.flickr.com/photos/darrellg/sets/72157650886963062
From Wikipedia : "Þingvellir (Icelandic: Thing Fields) is a place in the administrative district of Bláskógabyggð in southwestern Iceland, near the Reykjanes peninsula and the Hengill volcanic area. Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological importance and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. It lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It is at the northern end of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Parliament or Alþingi ("Althing" in English) was established at Þingvellir in 930 and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area, and became a World Heritage Site in 2004."
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Panoràmica de 17 fotos de Þingvellir National Park
(si voleu veure millor els detalls descarregueu-la a max resolució i amplieu en un ordinador)
La importància de Þingvellir, per la qual va ser declarada Patrimoni de la Humanitat el 2004, es deu al fet que aquí va tenir lloc en l'any 930 la primera assemblea, anomenada Althing, que va reunir representants de tots els habitants d'Islàndia. De fet, Þingvellir significa plana de l'assemblea. Aquest va ser el primer Parlament democràtic de la història del món.
Però Þingvellir té importacia en un altre aspecte més del cultural. Pel geològic per aquí es produeix la separació entre les plaques tectòniques continentals europea i americana.
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Overview of 17 pictures of Þingvellir National Park
(If you want to see the details better, download it at max resolution and extend it to a computer)
The importance of Þingvellir, for which it was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004, is due to the fact that in 930 the first assembly, called Althing, was held here, which brought together representatives of all the inhabitants of Iceland . In fact, Þingvellir means plain of the assembly. This was the first democratic Parliament in the history of the world.
But Þingvellir is important in another aspect of culture. The geological area around here takes place between the European and American continental tectonic plates.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) - Iceland 20200730
Þingvellir was the site of the annual parliament of Iceland from 930AD to 1798AD when the parliament moved indoors to the Althing in Reykjavik.
Þingvellir is now a national park in the municipality of Bláskógabyggð in southwestern Iceland, about 40 km northeast of Iceland's capital, Reykjavík.
Þingvellir is a site of historical, cultural, and geological significance, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland.
The park lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
To its south lies Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Þingvellir National Park was founded in 1930, marking the 1000th anniversary of the Althing.
The park was later expanded to protect the diverse and natural phenomena in the surrounding area and was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2004.
From Wikipedia.
Northern lights over the historical buildings of Althing in Þingvellir, seen on the 10th of March. I was extremely happy with the outcome of the night - the crescent moon lit up the landscape, the aurora was strong and moving eagerly over the sky.
I'm so glad I could experience this: I hitchhiked 200km to get there (I don't drive, for environmental reasons), stayed awake the whole night long (it was too cold to sleep anyway) and had to hitchhike all the way back to Grundarfjörður deadly tired. But everything went as perfect as could be: once again, all my effords were hugely rewarded! Thank you, Iceland, thanks a lot! :-)
ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK
Situated on the northern shore of lake Þingvallavatn, Þingvellir is the national shrine of Iceland.
It is, for one, a key location in Icelandic history as the oldest existing parliament in the world first assembled there in 930 AD. Þingvellir has for this reason been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Besides being a location of historical significance, Þingvellir is also protected as a national park due to its unique geology and natural features. Within the park, Almannagjá is a canyon formed between two tectonic plates, a visual representation of continental drift.
(Lögberg - the wooden bridge tourist attraction overlooking the valley representative of the location for the assembly of the country's Althing parliament)
www.visiticeland.com/things-to-do/national-parks-in-Icela...
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) is a historical site and national park in Iceland, east of Reykjavík, famous for the Althing, Iceland's parliament from the 10th to the 18th century. It is also the site of Thingvellir Church and the remains of ancient stone houses. The park is located in a rift valley created by the drifting apart of 2 tectonic plates. At Almannagjá Gorge this is visible in the imposing rock crevices and cracks.
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) ist ein historischer Ort und ein Nationalpark in Island, östlich von Reykjavík, bekannt für das Althing, das Parlament Islands vom 10. bis zum 18. Jahrhundert. Dort befinden sich außerdem die Thingvellir-Kirche und die Reste alter Steinhäuser. Der Park befindet sich in einer Grabenbruchzone, die durch das Auseinanderdriften von 2 tektonischen Platten entstanden ist. An der Almannagjá-Schlucht wird das an den imposanten Felsspalten und Rissen sichtbar.
Acrylic on canvas 21" x 13" March 16, 2023 www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Low-Orbital-Tracking-Stat... #painting #peinture #kunst #konst #architecture #technology #space #cosmos #spazio #weltraum #futurism #futurismo #futurist #geometric
To celebrate the 1000 year anniversary of Iceland’s parliament, Alþingi, this building was built for the festivities at Þingvellir in 1930. The building has served as the official summer residence of the Prime Minister since 1974.
Þingvellir (anglicized as Thingvellir) is an important site of historical, cultural, and geological importance and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Iceland. It lies in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge; the crack between the two continental plates is visible running through the center of this image. It is at the northern end of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake in Iceland.
Alþingi (Althing in English), the Icelandic Parliament, was established at Þingvellir in 930, and remained there until 1798. Þingvellir National Park (or Thingvellir National Park) was founded in 1930, marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Althing. It was later expanded to protect natural phenomena in the surrounding area, and became a World Heritage Site in 2004.