Bjartur of Summerhouses is obsessed with being independent. A sheep farmer in early 20th century Iceland, he lives a life of hardship and deprivation, dogged by the spectres of legends, encumbered by his family, which he forces into his lifestyle as well, only uplifted by the poetry he creates, and the feeling of not owing anything to anyone. Independence is the most important thing of all in life. I say for my part that a man lives in vain, until he is independent. People who […]

In post-war Iceland, Ugla, a girl from the rural north, moves to Reykjavik to work in the household of a member of parliament where she slowly becomes aware of the problems that are plaguing the country. American politicians are trying to buy land in order to build a military base in preparation for an atomic war and the Icelandic government is willing to sell amid the protests of the people. To appease and distract, a discussion is held about bringing home the bones of one […]

In the late 1800s an Icelandic farmer leaves his home and family to visit the King of Denmark in Copenhagen, where a proselytizing Mormon bishop convinces him to travel to the town of Spanish Fork in the Utah Territory in order to also become a Mormon. The farmer builds himself a new life there and after several years sends for his family to join him. Well, that sounds like a nice enough story about a man looking for paradise and finding it. However, it’s really […]