Iceland

  • Jólakötturinn – The Yule Cat

    The modern Yule Cat is less likely to be feared and more likely to be appreciated as a quirky and fun part of Christmas festivities in Iceland. It’s a fascinating evolution of myth, from a creature that once embodied the dangers of laziness to one that now adds to the mystique and charm of Icelandic…

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  • Gender Dynamics in Icelandic Witch Trials: The Case of Jón Rögnvaldsson

    The Icelandic witch trials were distinctive, with a surprising focus on male practitioners compared to the rest of Europe where women were primarily targeted. One of the most notable cases in Iceland was that of Jón Rögnvaldsson. Jón Rögnvaldsson’s trial took place in 1625 and is one of the most infamous witch trials in Icelandic…

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