The whole history of Iceland is about deception. Look at the name. Then look around you. Iceland is green.
Iceland – And as we are at it: Greenland is ice. It was a Norwegian who, after some nondescript murdering, had to save his behind, went to sea en ended up in Iceland. To disencourage other candidates to claim the island, he named it Iceland.
Iceland in the Picture
His son, Eric the Red, in turn had to flee Iceland after some violence and ended up on Greenland. He decided he could do with some help on this frozen land. He knew he wouldn’t get it if he didn’t cover up the icy state of the place by naming it something attractive.
Greenland for example. Iceland is green and Greenland is ice according to the mantra every Icelander knows by heart. Come along and enjoy Iceland in the picture.
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Text: Anneke de Bundel – Images: Nicole Franken
