The name “Iceland” evokes images of a rugged, icy land where glaciers dominate the landscape. Many people wonder how this island in the North Atlantic received such a seemingly foreboding name.
The story behind Iceland’s name is a fascinating journey through Viking exploration, medieval chronicles, and the myths that have shaped our perceptions of the country for over a thousand years.
The First Inhabitants: Before the Vikings
Long before the name “Iceland” was ever uttered, the island was already known to a few. Archaeological evidence suggests that Irish monks, known as Papar, may have lived on the island as early as the eighth century.
These early settlers likely called the land by a different name, though none has survived in written records. The true naming of Iceland began with the arrival of the Norse.
The Arrival of the Norse
The Norse explorers, hailing from Scandinavia, were the first to settle Iceland permanently. The earliest recorded Norse settler was Naddoddur, a Norwegian Viking who discovered Iceland around 850 AD.
He called the island Snæland, or “Snow Land,” after witnessing its snowy mountains.
“Naddoddur was the first Norseman known to have set foot on Iceland. He believed the land was covered with snow and named it accordingly.”
— Landnámabók (The Book of Settlements)
However, Naddoddur’s name did not stick. The island would soon acquire its lasting moniker through the adventures of another Norseman.
Garðar Svavarsson and the Naming of the Island
After Naddoddur, another explorer named Garðar Svavarsson arrived. Garðar circumnavigated the island, proving it was indeed an island and not part of a larger landmass.
He called it Garðarshólmi (Garðar’s Island), naming it after himself.
Neither “Snow Land” nor “Garðar’s Island” would survive as the permanent name. The definitive name that would echo through history was yet to be given.
Flóki Vilgerðarson: The Man Who Named Iceland
The tale most often told is that of Flóki Vilgerðarson, a Norseman who set out to settle the island, guided by rumors from previous explorers. Flóki, known as Hrafna-Flóki (Raven-Flóki), was so called because he brought ravens with him to help find land.
“Flóki climbed a mountain and saw a fjord full of sea ice. Disheartened by the harsh climate, he named the land ‘Iceland’.”
— Íslendingabók (The Book of the Icelanders)
According to the Landnámabók and Íslendingabók, Flóki’s experience was decisive. After a harsh winter in which his livestock died due to the cold, he scaled a mountain and saw ice floating in the fjord.
Inspired by this vision, he named the island Ísland, or “Iceland.”
Table: Key Figures in the Naming of Iceland
| Name | Origin | Contribution | Name Given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naddoddur | Norway | First Norseman to discover Iceland | Snæland (Snow Land) |
| Garðar Svavarsson | Sweden | Circumnavigated the island, proved it was an island | Garðarshólmi (Garðar’s Island) |
| Flóki Vilgerðarson | Norway | Settled the island, named it after seeing sea ice | Ísland (Iceland) |
Myths and Misconceptions about Iceland’s Name
A popular myth claims that Iceland was deliberately named to discourage settlers, painting it as a cold and inhospitable place. Meanwhile, Greenland was supposedly given a more attractive name to lure settlers, despite being mostly covered by ice.
While this story is widespread, historical sources do not support it as the primary reason for Iceland’s name.
“It is often said that the names Iceland and Greenland were a deliberate swap… This, however, is more legend than fact.”
— Jónas Kristjánsson, Icelandic Scholar
Flóki’s choice was based on actual observation rather than a cunning plan. The harsh winter and the sight of ice in the fjord were powerful enough reasons for Flóki to choose a name reflecting the environment he encountered.
The Linguistic Origins of “Ísland”
The word Ísland is derived from Old Norse, where ís means “ice” and land means “land.” This straightforward compound word was typical of Norse naming conventions. The name was later adapted into various languages:
- Ísland (Icelandic)
- Iceland (English)
- Islande (French)
- Íslandia (Latin)
The name has thus remained consistent for centuries, always emphasizing the icy character of the island.
Medieval Chronicles: How the Story Was Recorded
Most of what we know about the early settlement and naming of Iceland comes from two key medieval texts: the Landnámabók and the Íslendingabók. These books were written in the 12th and 13th centuries, drawing on oral histories passed down for generations.
The Landnámabók (“Book of Settlements”) is a detailed account of the first settlers, their origins, and their deeds. The Íslendingabók (“Book of the Icelanders”) complements it with a concise history of the island’s early years.
Both texts agree on Flóki’s role in naming the country, solidifying his place in Icelandic lore.
The Cultural Impact of the Name “Iceland”
Over the centuries, the name “Iceland” has shaped both the country’s image and its culture. While the island is indeed home to glaciers and snowfields, it also boasts geothermal springs, volcanic landscapes, and green valleys.
The contrast between the name and the reality has often surprised visitors.
In literature and legend, Iceland’s name has come to symbolize resilience and adaptability. The people of Iceland have embraced their country’s challenging climate, turning its icy reputation into a source of pride.
Table: Climate Facts About Iceland
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Glaciers | Iceland is home to Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, covering about 8% of the island. |
| Volcanoes | Despite its icy name, Iceland has over 30 active volcanic systems. The island is volcanically active due to its position on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. |
| Temperatures | Iceland’s coastal climate is relatively mild. Average temperatures in Reykjavik in winter hover around 0°C (32°F), much warmer than one might expect from the name. |
| Hot Springs | Geothermal activity means Iceland is rich in hot springs and geysers, providing warmth and energy. |
Comparing Iceland’s Name with Greenland
The story of Iceland’s naming is often intertwined with that of Greenland. Erik the Red, a Norse explorer exiled from Iceland, sailed to the massive island to the northwest.
He is said to have named it Grœnland (“Greenland”) to make it sound more appealing to potential settlers.
“He called the land Greenland, saying that people would be attracted there if it had a favorable name.”
— The Saga of Erik the Red
While Greenland’s name was a marketing ploy, Iceland’s was a straightforward reflection of Flóki’s icy first impression. The irony of the naming—Greenland being mostly ice, Iceland being surprisingly green in summer—continues to amuse people today.
The Enduring Legacy of Flóki Vilgerðarson
Flóki Vilgerðarson’s journey and the name he gave the land have become legendary in Icelandic culture. Statues, stories, and even television series celebrate his legacy.
In Reykjavik’s harbor, a striking statue of Flóki stands as a reminder of the explorer who braved the North Atlantic to give Iceland its name.
His story is not just about naming a land, but about resilience in the face of adversity. Flóki’s hardships, from the loss of livestock to the hardships of the northern climate, symbolize the challenges faced by early settlers.
Modern Perceptions of the Name “Iceland”
Today, Iceland is known as much for its vibrant culture and innovation as for its natural wonders. The name “Iceland,” once a stark warning, has become a badge of honor.
Tourists flock to the country, drawn by glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights.
Despite its icy name, Iceland is a land of warmth—geothermal heat, welcoming people, and a thriving creative scene. The name has become an integral part of the nation’s identity, celebrated in art, literature, and music.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who named Iceland? | Flóki Vilgerðarson, a Norse explorer, is credited with naming Iceland after observing sea ice in a fjord. |
| Was Iceland named to discourage settlers? | No, historical sources indicate the name was based on Flóki’s experience, not as a deterrent. |
| What names were used before “Iceland”? | Earlier explorers called it Snæland (“Snow Land”) and Garðarshólmi (“Garðar’s Island”). |
| Is Iceland all ice? | No, Iceland has glaciers, but also green valleys, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes. |
| How is the name pronounced in Icelandic? | Ísland is pronounced “EES-lant” in Icelandic. |
Conclusion: The Meaning Behind the Name
Iceland’s name is a testament to the power of first impressions and the realities of Viking exploration. While the country’s actual climate is milder than its name suggests, that moment when Flóki Vilgerðarson beheld the ice-filled fjord has echoed through the centuries, shaping not only the island’s identity but also its place in world history.
From the monks of the Papar to the Norse explorers, from “Snow Land” to “Iceland,” the story of the island’s name is rich in legend, fact, and cultural meaning. Today, Iceland stands as a vibrant nation proud of its heritage—its name an enduring symbol of adventure, resilience, and the beauty of the North Atlantic.
References:
Landnámabók (The Book of Settlements)
Íslendingabók (The Book of the Icelanders)
The Saga of Erik the Red
Icelandic National Museum Archives
Scholarly articles by Jónas Kristjánsson and other Icelandic historians
