Myths and legends

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Local legends

Islands & Polar RegionsStories rooted in place

According to the 'Book of Settlements', Ingólfr Arnarson and his foster brother Hjörleifr sailed from Norway to Iceland. On sighting land he threw the pillars from either side of his high seat into the sea, vowing to settle wherever the gods let them wash ashore. Two slaves searched the coast for three years before finding the pillars in a small bay — the place that later became Reykjavík.

Places and connections

Related cities: Reykjavík

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