ICELAND: IN THE SHADOWS OF THE NORSE

ICELAND'S CULTURE

• Found in 900 AD by wandering Norse(Vikings)
• Most peaceful country four years in a row
• Norse settled first where the glaciers were, hence "Iceland"
• They spread out, and then more explorers came

LANGUAGE

• Book of Settlements: first record of Norse settlers
• Used to develop the modern Icelandic language
• Very detailed-over 100 chapters
• Icelandic is based off of the Norse language

THE "HIDDEN PEOPLE"

• "Hidden people" are creatures like elves and dwarves
• The Norse believed they were invisible
• 40% of Icelanders believe in them
• 20% don't doubt their existence
• Foods and holidays dedicated to them

RELIGION

• Helgi was practiced by the modern Norse settlers
• Involves a belief in God and in guardian spirits
• They believe the "Hidden people" protect the land
• Large church in Icelands capital

CONCLUSION

• Icelanders have a strong connection with their history
• Book of Settlements
• Relgion-Helgi
• Beliefs-passed down