THE EAGLE

Some of the most fascinating chapters of Viking history unfold in the rugged, volcanic landscape of Iceland. One of the most remarkable contributions of the Vikings to Icelandic society was the establishment of the Althing in 930 AD. This national assembly, held at Þingvellir, is considered one of the oldest parliaments in the world.
Icelandic Vikings were not just settlers but also explorers. Their ventures underscore the Vikings’ unparalleled seafaring skills and adventurous spirit. Iceland’s Viking history is a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and adventurous spirit of the Viking settlers.
In 874 AD, Hjörleifur and Ingólfur set sail from Norway, driven by a vision of a new life in a land free from the political and social upheavals of their homeland. After a gruelling voyage across the North Atlantic, they arrived on the southern coast of Iceland. While Ingólfur famously threw his high seat pillars into the sea to let the gods decide his settlement location, Hjörleifur chose a more pragmatic approach.
Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson was born in Norway, where he grew up amid the turbulent environment of the late 9th century. He was driven by the spirit of exploration and the pursuit of new opportunities in uncharted lands. Hjörleifur was a close friend and foster brother to Ingólfur Arnarson, and their bond would lead them to the distant shores of Iceland.
The saga recounts that Hjörleifur was a brave and skilled warrior but notably reluctant to engage in Viking raids, a common pursuit among his peers. Instead, he focused on settling new territories and establishing a stable livelihood.
Hjörleifur settled in Hjörleifshöfði, a promontory on the southern coast, where he established a farmstead. This area, with its fertile soil and proximity to the ocean, seemed ideal for a new beginning. However, the reality of Iceland’s harsh environment and the isolation it imposed would soon test his resolve.
The saga of Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson takes a dark turn with his tragic demise, a story that underscores the brutal challenges faced by the early settlers. According to legend, Hjörleifur brought Irish slaves, captured during his voyages, to help build and maintain his farm. Unlike other Norse settlers, he refused to make offerings to the local spirits or gods, adhering strictly to his own beliefs.This decision, coupled with the harsh treatment of his slaves, led to a dire consequence. One day the slaves told Hjörleifur that a polar bear had attacked them. As a result, they received weapons from the Vikings, which they then used to kill Hjörleifur and his men. They then fled in a stolen boat, seeking refuge on the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). This act of betrayal and the subsequent flight of the slaves became a notable part of Icelandic history.
Upon discovering his friend’s fate, Ingólfur Arnarson tracked down the fleeing slaves and exacted revenge, killing them on the Westman Islands. Hjörleifur’s death was a stark reminder of the volatility and danger inherent in the early years of Icelandic colonization.
Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson’s story, though marked by tragedy, is an essential chapter in the saga of Iceland’s Viking Age. His experiences reflect the resilience, courage, and complexities of the settlers who ventured into this new land. While not as celebrated as Ingólfur, Hjörleifur’s legacy endures in the place names and stories that continue to be part of Iceland’s rich cultural tapestry.
Today, Hjörleifshöfði stands as a silent monument to Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson’s pioneering spirit. This promontory, shaped by volcanic activity and the relentless North Atlantic winds, embodies the rugged determination of those who first made Iceland their home. Visitors at Viking Park Iceland can reflect on the enduring legacy of Hjörleifur and the other early settlers who braved the unknown to forge a new life.
The saga of Hjörleifur Hróðmarsson is a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the grand narratives of exploration and settlement. It is a tale of friendship, ambition, and the unforgiving realities of life in the Viking Age. As we remember Hjörleifur, we honour not just his memory but the indomitable spirit of all who dared to venture into the wild frontiers of history.