My project

       


              This project is an in-depth look into Icelandic folklore and how it is woven into their
culture through art and music. The plan is to spend half the time in northern Iceland conducting
interviews, visiting geological sites, and visiting museums on Art history. The interviews will be
with locals like Kristinn Johannsson, owner of The Bryggjan restaurant. On my first trip to
Iceland Kristinn Johannsson shared with me with several tales of “ hidden people,” and
forbidden lands. However, I never got to ask him why these stories existed and if they play a
significant roll to the average Icelandic person. The troll community is growing in Iceland, now
affecting tourism. Several tours involve going to these geological sites and learning about their
history. My question is, “Has the belief of Icelandic trolls and fairies gone beyond just mythical
stories and if so, does it affect the everyday life of Icelandic people?” This question will only be able
to be answered by visiting these geological sites and talking to local people.I will be visiting
several of these cites like Hvitserkur where some Icelandic tales were manifested. Most of the
cities like Hvitserkur can only be accessed by foot and require overnight stay. This will help me
engage in dialog with Icelandic people who may have more information than I do. This will help
me to better understand the role of folklore in their culture.  While many see stories as written and spoken I believe some of the richest stories come through other forms like art. While in Northern Iceland I will travel to art museums like, Safnasafnid which is categorized as an Icelandic folk and outsider art museum. While being in contact with the museum they sent me a few articles about the history of art in Iceland. After reading through them it is clear I need to see the artwork and talk to docents or a curator for
greater insight. This will enable me to dive deeper into the culture of the people without asking
invasive questions. The good thing about art is that it is purely subjective much like legends
(tales) and music. My belief is that if I visit enough art museums I can find a common theme
which will help me gain an understanding of the culture. And since Iceland is small unlike the
United States I believe that common values will be easier to find.
While doing my research I stumbled upon The University of Iceland. They have over a
dozen classes that focus around folklores and it got me thinking. Why? Is Folklore that important
to the everyday Icelandic. After pondering this question I thought why not just ask someone who
would know why it’s such a heavy academic subject. And who better to ask but a teacher at the
institution. My plan while in southern Iceland is to talk to two professors at the University Of
Iceland and a folklore specialist Dr. Arngrímur Vídalín. Professor Guðmundsdóttir a teacher of
early times literature and Icelandic culture studies andProfessor Jónsson teacher of Icelandic
folklore, art and literature seemed like perfect candidates.
The last thing I will study is Icelandic music. Over the past few years, I have listened to
several different artists who? You guessed it. Came from Iceland. Many musicians like HÆPIÐ
release music that is rich with cultural relevance to their location. One of my favorite songs, “Vor
I Vaglaskogi” by the Icelandic band Kaleo talks about the importance of the fishing industry in
Iceland as well as a famous forest visited by many Icelandic people, as it is a rendition of an
older folk song. Artists like HÆPIÐ talk about newer issues like gender equality. Most of the big
music happens in southern Iceland, so this is where I will go. Sigtryggur Baldursson, manager of
Icelandic Music ( An organization focussed on getting Icelandic artists heard has agreed to sit
down and talk with me about Icelandic music and tradition. The plan is to conduct interviews
with him and his colleagues about the importance of music and the cultural effect it has in
Iceland. While a lot of the bands speak fluent English they most often sing in Icelandic.
On August 3rd there will be a Music festival. This will be a perfect opportunity to immerse myself in the Icelandic music culture. Here I will be able to ask questions in a natural setting, avoiding the annoyance and awkwardness of a proper interview. The plan is to speak to many musicians that are involved in the Icelandic Music organization with the help of Sigtryggur Baldursson. My project will consist of three main topics. art, music, and folklore. By looking at
these three things and their interrelationship. I plan to gain a better understanding of Icelandic
values and cultural norms. I believe that music, art, and stories play a monumental roll in truly
understanding a culture. While I don’t yet know what my future after Washington and Jefferson
will bring me, but if I can be sure of one thing it is the importance of music, art, and folklore in
culture. As I grow I find myself traveling more and more and wanting to immerse myself into
different cultures.