
History of Iceland
A Captivating Guide to the History of the Land of Fire and Ice, from the Viking Age to the Present
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $11.66
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Jason Zenobia
About this listen
Did you know that Iceland was likely initially settled by Irish monks?
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has a storied history. After the Norse discovered Iceland, they began to settle it, allying the island nation with Norway. However, as power shifted in Scandinavia, Iceland would come to be governed by Denmark for several centuries.
For much of Iceland’s history, it practiced a subsistence society. The people were dependent on fishing and farming to survive, and because of their isolation, they did not advance at the same rate as the rest of Europe. In addition, they were often subject to forces beyond their control. The often-violent environment not only shaped their daily lives, but also created many of the struggles they faced. Although the Icelanders were isolated, they were impacted by the events in Europe, especially those in the Scandinavian nations.
It took centuries, but the Icelanders were able to become a sovereign nation, doing so in 1944. Thanks to the Icelanders’ connection to their past, they have maintained their rich literary tradition and have developed a distinct national identity.
Iceland is often mentioned in history books, but how much do you actually know about it? In this audiobook, you will learn all about the history of Iceland, from the settlement period to the 20th century.
Here is just a snippet of what you will find inside:
- The Old Covenant with Norway and what that meant for Iceland.
- The development of the Althing, which is the oldest existing legislature in the world today.
- The conversion from paganism to Christianity.
- The spread of literacy and Iceland’s rich history of literature.
- The role of fish in Iceland’s history and economy.
- Iceland’s struggle for independence.
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
How Iceland Changed the World
- The Big History of a Small Island
- By: Egill Bjarnason
- Narrated by: Einar Gunn
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The history of Iceland began 1,200 years ago, when a frustrated Viking captain and his useless navigator ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic. Suddenly, the island was no longer just a layover for the Arctic tern. Instead, it became a nation whose diplomats and musicians, sailors and soldiers, volcanoes and flowers, quietly altered the globe forever. How Iceland Changed the World takes readers on a tour of history, showing them how Iceland played a pivotal role in events as diverse as the French Revolution, the Moon Landing, and the foundation of Israel.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Ian D. Jones on 06-01-21
By: Egill Bjarnason
-
The Vikings in Iceland: The History of the Norse Expeditions and Settlements Across Iceland
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Dan Gallagher
- Length: 1 hr and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Vikings in Iceland: The History of the Norse Expeditions and Settlements Bcross Iceland looks at the history of the Vikings’ activities in Iceland, and how they affected subsequent exploration and colonization. You will learn about the Vikings in Iceland like never before.
-
-
Great history lesson
- By Lance H. on 02-09-21
-
Pimsleur Icelandic Level 1 Lessons 1-5
- Learn to Speak and Understand Icelandic with Pimsleur Language Programs
- By: Pimsleur
- Narrated by: Pimsleur
- Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This course includes lessons 1 through 5 from the Icelandic Level 1 program, featuring 2.5 hours of language instruction. Each lesson provides 30 minutes of spoken language practice, with an introductory conversation and new vocabulary and structures. Detailed instructions enable you to understand and participate in the conversation. Practice for vocabulary introduced in previous lessons is included in each lesson.
-
-
Don't Waste Your Time & Money
- By Heather on 01-22-19
By: Pimsleur
-
Icelandic Folk Legends: Tales of Apparitions, Outlaws, and Things Unseen
- By: Alda Sigmundsdóttir
- Narrated by: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Icelandic nation has a long and rich history of storytelling. Throughout centuries characterized by hardship, poverty, and dark winters, the Icelanders kept their spirits high and moral values intact by telling each other stories. In this collection of 15 Icelandic folk legends, we get a glimpse of the world view of the Icelanders in centuries past as they endeavored to understand and cope with the natural phenomena around them. There are stories of malicious ghosts, outlaws living in carved-out boulders, hidden people residing in grassy knolls...
-
-
A Treat
- By J. Jones on 01-06-21
-
European History
- A Captivating Guide to the History of Europe, Starting from the Neanderthals Through to the Roman Empire and the End of the Cold War
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Richard L. Walton
- Length: 3 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Europe’s past is characterized by fighting and warfare, and it is punctuated with great works of art, philosophy, science, and technology. Even its recent history is much the same - that’s why, so much of the globe was once ruled by European monarchies. Despite all the infighting and territorial exploits, Europeans have managed to create some of the most beautiful pieces of literature, architecture, political structures, and ideas the world has ever seen.
-
-
Highly Recommended
- By Jean Marshall on 08-06-20
-
History of England
- A Captivating Guide to English History, Starting from Antiquity Through the Rule of the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans, and Tudors to the End of World War 2
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Kevin Hung-Liang
- Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of England, then pay attention...There are few places that entice the imagination quite like England. Just a little island off the western coast of continental Europe, it boasts a rich history that stretches all the way back to the first modern humans. From the fearsome Celtic warriors of prehistory to the clever inventors and statesmen of the modern era, England’s story is one bursting with magnificent castles, complex kings and queens, rebellious peasants, and horrifying plagues.
-
-
I’ve seldom had a worse book.
- By Glenn on 09-09-24
-
How Iceland Changed the World
- The Big History of a Small Island
- By: Egill Bjarnason
- Narrated by: Einar Gunn
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The history of Iceland began 1,200 years ago, when a frustrated Viking captain and his useless navigator ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic. Suddenly, the island was no longer just a layover for the Arctic tern. Instead, it became a nation whose diplomats and musicians, sailors and soldiers, volcanoes and flowers, quietly altered the globe forever. How Iceland Changed the World takes readers on a tour of history, showing them how Iceland played a pivotal role in events as diverse as the French Revolution, the Moon Landing, and the foundation of Israel.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Ian D. Jones on 06-01-21
By: Egill Bjarnason
-
The Vikings in Iceland: The History of the Norse Expeditions and Settlements Across Iceland
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Dan Gallagher
- Length: 1 hr and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Vikings in Iceland: The History of the Norse Expeditions and Settlements Bcross Iceland looks at the history of the Vikings’ activities in Iceland, and how they affected subsequent exploration and colonization. You will learn about the Vikings in Iceland like never before.
-
-
Great history lesson
- By Lance H. on 02-09-21
-
Pimsleur Icelandic Level 1 Lessons 1-5
- Learn to Speak and Understand Icelandic with Pimsleur Language Programs
- By: Pimsleur
- Narrated by: Pimsleur
- Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This course includes lessons 1 through 5 from the Icelandic Level 1 program, featuring 2.5 hours of language instruction. Each lesson provides 30 minutes of spoken language practice, with an introductory conversation and new vocabulary and structures. Detailed instructions enable you to understand and participate in the conversation. Practice for vocabulary introduced in previous lessons is included in each lesson.
-
-
Don't Waste Your Time & Money
- By Heather on 01-22-19
By: Pimsleur
-
Icelandic Folk Legends: Tales of Apparitions, Outlaws, and Things Unseen
- By: Alda Sigmundsdóttir
- Narrated by: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Icelandic nation has a long and rich history of storytelling. Throughout centuries characterized by hardship, poverty, and dark winters, the Icelanders kept their spirits high and moral values intact by telling each other stories. In this collection of 15 Icelandic folk legends, we get a glimpse of the world view of the Icelanders in centuries past as they endeavored to understand and cope with the natural phenomena around them. There are stories of malicious ghosts, outlaws living in carved-out boulders, hidden people residing in grassy knolls...
-
-
A Treat
- By J. Jones on 01-06-21
-
European History
- A Captivating Guide to the History of Europe, Starting from the Neanderthals Through to the Roman Empire and the End of the Cold War
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Richard L. Walton
- Length: 3 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Europe’s past is characterized by fighting and warfare, and it is punctuated with great works of art, philosophy, science, and technology. Even its recent history is much the same - that’s why, so much of the globe was once ruled by European monarchies. Despite all the infighting and territorial exploits, Europeans have managed to create some of the most beautiful pieces of literature, architecture, political structures, and ideas the world has ever seen.
-
-
Highly Recommended
- By Jean Marshall on 08-06-20
-
History of England
- A Captivating Guide to English History, Starting from Antiquity Through the Rule of the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Normans, and Tudors to the End of World War 2
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Kevin Hung-Liang
- Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of England, then pay attention...There are few places that entice the imagination quite like England. Just a little island off the western coast of continental Europe, it boasts a rich history that stretches all the way back to the first modern humans. From the fearsome Celtic warriors of prehistory to the clever inventors and statesmen of the modern era, England’s story is one bursting with magnificent castles, complex kings and queens, rebellious peasants, and horrifying plagues.
-
-
I’ve seldom had a worse book.
- By Glenn on 09-09-24
-
History of Europe
- A Captivating Guide to European History, Classical Antiquity, The Middle Ages, The Renaissance and Early Modern Europe
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Richard L. Walton
- Length: 15 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If you want to discover the captivating history of Europe, then this audiobook might be what you're looking for. It includes five books that cover topics like ancient history, influence of ancient Greece and Rome, fall of the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, important events, and much more.
-
-
fake reviews?
- By Natalie on 09-09-22
-
India
- A Captivating Guide to the History of India, the East India Company and Dutch East India Company
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Randy Whitlow
- Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This three-in-one audiobook includes three books on the captivating history of India. The first book covers the history of India from the ancient times to the modern era. The second book focuses on the East India Company, and the third book is about the Dutch East India Company. Learn more about India with this audiobook.
-
-
Outstanding
- By Willow on 05-11-20
-
The French Revolution: A Captivating Guide to the Ten-Year Revolution in France and the Impact Made by Napoleon Bonaparte
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: Colin Fluxman
- Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Few historical events are as greatly revered and entirely misunderstood as the French Revolution that began in 1789. The memory of this complicated and lengthy political, violent uprising has been generally painted in broad - and oversimplified - strokes. While the French Revolution was certainly centered around two lavish monarchs and an enlightened common class, there was so much more going on behind the scenes.
-
-
Good, but in a Non-chronological Format.
- By Christian on 05-13-19
-
Scottish History: A Captivating Guide to the History of Scotland
- By: Captivating History
- Narrated by: David Patton
- Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This captivating history audiobook takes you on a remarkable journey from the earliest extensive historical record of Scotland through the long struggle toward nationhood, all the way to postwar Scotland.
-
-
Written for a male audience
- By Anonymous User on 12-11-19
-
Iceland's Secret
- The Untold Story of the World's Biggest Con
- By: Jared Bibler
- Narrated by: Jared Bibler
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Born in Massachusetts, Jared Bibler relocated to Iceland in 2004 only to find himself in the middle of an unprecedented financial crisis a handful of years later. Personally wiped out and seeking to uncover the truth about a collapse that brought the pastoral country to its knees, he became the lead investigator into some of the largest financial crimes in the world. This work helped Iceland to famously become the only country to jail its bank CEOs in the wake of the 2008 crisis.
-
-
Thorough work behind the scenes and then presented with responsible work
- By Karen Ondrejcka on 12-29-24
By: Jared Bibler
-
The Little Book of the Hidden People: Twenty Stories of Elves from Icelandic Folklore
- By: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Narrated by: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Length: 2 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this book, author Alda Sigmundsdóttir presents 20 translated elf stories from Icelandic folklore, along with fascinating notes on the context from which they sprung. The international media has had a particular infatuation with the Icelanders’ elf belief, generally using it to propagate some kind of “kooky Icelanders” myth. Yet Iceland’s elf folklore, at its core, reflects the plight of a nation living in abject poverty on the edge of the inhabitable world, and its people’s heroic efforts to survive, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
-
-
Fantastic
- By Nicholas C Cook on 05-28-19
-
Norse Mythology
- By: Jackson Crawford, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Crawford
- Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thor, Odin, Loki, Freyja, the Valkyries, Valhalla, Ragnarok — many of the places we encounter these and other names, places, and events from Norse mythology in daily life and pop culture are connected to the medieval sources in name only.
-
-
Brilliant Course
- By Frederik on 12-05-21
By: Jackson Crawford, and others
-
Independent People
- By: Halldór Laxness
- Narrated by: Michael Page
- Length: 20 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This magnificent novel - which secured for its author the 1955 Nobel Prize in Literature - is now available to contemporary American audiences. Although it is set in the early 20th century, it recalls both Iceland's medieval epics and such classics as Sigrid Undset's Kristin Lavransdatter. And if Bjartur of Summerhouses, the book's protagonist, is an ordinary sheep farmer, his flinty determination to achieve independence is genuinely heroic and, at the same time, terrifying and bleakly comic.
-
-
I am so confused about this introduction
- By George M on 09-10-18
By: Halldór Laxness
-
Where the Deer and the Antelope Play
- The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside
- By: Nick Offerman
- Narrated by: Nick Offerman
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A humorous and rousing set of literal and figurative sojourns as well as a mission statement about comprehending, protecting, and truly experiencing the outdoors, fueled by three journeys undertaken by actor, humorist, and New York Times best-selling author Nick Offerman
-
-
By far his worst work to date.
- By Aron on 10-21-21
By: Nick Offerman
-
The Little Book of the Icelanders
- 50 Miniature Essays on the Quirks and Foibles of the Icelandic People
- By: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Narrated by: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After more than 20 years away, Alda Sigmundsdottir returned to her native Iceland as a foreigner. With a native person's insight yet an outsider's perspective, Alda quickly set about dissecting the national psyche of the Icelanders. This second edition, from 2018, contains new and updated chapters from the original edition, reflecting the changes in Icelandic society and among the Icelandic people since the book was first published in 2012.
-
-
disappointed
- By Wayne T. on 08-09-23
-
Nordic Tales
- Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark
- By: Chronicle Books
- Narrated by: Allan Corduner, Juha Sorola
- Length: 4 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Trolls haunt the snowy forests, and terrifying monsters roam the open sea. A young woman journeys to the end of the world, and a boy proves he knows no fear. This collection of 16 traditional tales transports readers to the enchanting world of Nordic folklore. Translated and transcribed by folklorists in the 19th century, and presented here unabridged, the stories are by turns magical, hilarious, cozy, and chilling. They offer a fascinating view into Nordic culture and a comforting wintertime listen.
-
-
Really fun
- By Olivia on 10-14-19
By: Chronicle Books
-
Children of Ash and Elm
- A History of the Vikings
- By: Neil Price
- Narrated by: Samuel Roukin
- Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Viking Age - from 750 to 1050 saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the wider world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have been seen through the eyes of others, distorted to suit the tastes of medieval clerics and Elizabethan playwrights, Victorian imperialists, Nazis, and more. None of these appropriations capture the real Vikings, or the richness and sophistication of their culture.
-
-
Outstanding
- By Than on 10-06-20
By: Neil Price
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
How Iceland Changed the World
- The Big History of a Small Island
- By: Egill Bjarnason
- Narrated by: Einar Gunn
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The history of Iceland began 1,200 years ago, when a frustrated Viking captain and his useless navigator ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic. Suddenly, the island was no longer just a layover for the Arctic tern. Instead, it became a nation whose diplomats and musicians, sailors and soldiers, volcanoes and flowers, quietly altered the globe forever. How Iceland Changed the World takes readers on a tour of history, showing them how Iceland played a pivotal role in events as diverse as the French Revolution, the Moon Landing, and the foundation of Israel.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Ian D. Jones on 06-01-21
By: Egill Bjarnason
-
Travel Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice
- The Ultimate Field Trip Guide to Fjords, Volcanos, Waterfalls, Local Culture, and Customs for an Enthralling Adventure (Travel the World)
- By: Marie Northwood
- Narrated by: Josh Marzak
- Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What would the perfect Iceland road trip look like for you? If you’re a couple seeking adventure packed with cultural experience, exploring the land of fire and ice by road is perfect for you. Drive along winding roads, surrounded by towering volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling glaciers. Taste traditional Icelandic cuisines, explore charming villages, and absorb the rich culture and traditions of the locals along the way. Perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights….
-
-
Great Book
- By Anonymous User on 11-27-23
By: Marie Northwood
-
Icelandic Folk Legends: Tales of Apparitions, Outlaws, and Things Unseen
- By: Alda Sigmundsdóttir
- Narrated by: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Icelandic nation has a long and rich history of storytelling. Throughout centuries characterized by hardship, poverty, and dark winters, the Icelanders kept their spirits high and moral values intact by telling each other stories. In this collection of 15 Icelandic folk legends, we get a glimpse of the world view of the Icelanders in centuries past as they endeavored to understand and cope with the natural phenomena around them. There are stories of malicious ghosts, outlaws living in carved-out boulders, hidden people residing in grassy knolls...
-
-
A Treat
- By J. Jones on 01-06-21
-
Njál's Saga
- By: Anonymous
- Narrated by: Gunnar Cauthery
- Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Based on events that took place between 960 and 1020 AD, Njál 's Saga is a mesmerizing drama about a multigenerational cycle of violence and retribution, and the feuds and passions that perpetuate it. The eponymous sage Njál, known for his keen legal mind, is one of Iceland's pre-eminent men, along with Gunnar of Hlidarendi, a fierce and formidable warrior married to the diabolical Hallgerd, whose conniving instigates the interminable pattern of romance, action and brutality - until one unforgivable act ends it all.
-
-
censored version
- By Amazon Customer on 01-26-21
By: Anonymous
-
The Saga of the Volsungs
- With the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok
- By: Jackson Crawford - translator
- Narrated by: Jackson Crawford
- Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the translator of the best-selling Poetic Edda comes a gripping new rendering of two of the greatest sagas of Old Norse literature. Together the two sagas recount the story of seven generations of a single legendary heroic family and comprise our best source of traditional lore about its members - including, among others, the dragon slayer Sigurd, Brynhild the Valkyrie, and the Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok.
-
-
WELL DONE!
- By Zack Davenport on 02-06-19
-
Children of Ash and Elm
- A History of the Vikings
- By: Neil Price
- Narrated by: Samuel Roukin
- Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Viking Age - from 750 to 1050 saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the wider world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have been seen through the eyes of others, distorted to suit the tastes of medieval clerics and Elizabethan playwrights, Victorian imperialists, Nazis, and more. None of these appropriations capture the real Vikings, or the richness and sophistication of their culture.
-
-
Outstanding
- By Than on 10-06-20
By: Neil Price
-
How Iceland Changed the World
- The Big History of a Small Island
- By: Egill Bjarnason
- Narrated by: Einar Gunn
- Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The history of Iceland began 1,200 years ago, when a frustrated Viking captain and his useless navigator ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic. Suddenly, the island was no longer just a layover for the Arctic tern. Instead, it became a nation whose diplomats and musicians, sailors and soldiers, volcanoes and flowers, quietly altered the globe forever. How Iceland Changed the World takes readers on a tour of history, showing them how Iceland played a pivotal role in events as diverse as the French Revolution, the Moon Landing, and the foundation of Israel.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Ian D. Jones on 06-01-21
By: Egill Bjarnason
-
Travel Iceland: The Land of Fire and Ice
- The Ultimate Field Trip Guide to Fjords, Volcanos, Waterfalls, Local Culture, and Customs for an Enthralling Adventure (Travel the World)
- By: Marie Northwood
- Narrated by: Josh Marzak
- Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What would the perfect Iceland road trip look like for you? If you’re a couple seeking adventure packed with cultural experience, exploring the land of fire and ice by road is perfect for you. Drive along winding roads, surrounded by towering volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and sparkling glaciers. Taste traditional Icelandic cuisines, explore charming villages, and absorb the rich culture and traditions of the locals along the way. Perhaps even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights….
-
-
Great Book
- By Anonymous User on 11-27-23
By: Marie Northwood
-
Icelandic Folk Legends: Tales of Apparitions, Outlaws, and Things Unseen
- By: Alda Sigmundsdóttir
- Narrated by: Alda Sigmundsdottir
- Length: 2 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Icelandic nation has a long and rich history of storytelling. Throughout centuries characterized by hardship, poverty, and dark winters, the Icelanders kept their spirits high and moral values intact by telling each other stories. In this collection of 15 Icelandic folk legends, we get a glimpse of the world view of the Icelanders in centuries past as they endeavored to understand and cope with the natural phenomena around them. There are stories of malicious ghosts, outlaws living in carved-out boulders, hidden people residing in grassy knolls...
-
-
A Treat
- By J. Jones on 01-06-21
-
Njál's Saga
- By: Anonymous
- Narrated by: Gunnar Cauthery
- Length: 13 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Based on events that took place between 960 and 1020 AD, Njál 's Saga is a mesmerizing drama about a multigenerational cycle of violence and retribution, and the feuds and passions that perpetuate it. The eponymous sage Njál, known for his keen legal mind, is one of Iceland's pre-eminent men, along with Gunnar of Hlidarendi, a fierce and formidable warrior married to the diabolical Hallgerd, whose conniving instigates the interminable pattern of romance, action and brutality - until one unforgivable act ends it all.
-
-
censored version
- By Amazon Customer on 01-26-21
By: Anonymous
-
The Saga of the Volsungs
- With the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok
- By: Jackson Crawford - translator
- Narrated by: Jackson Crawford
- Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the translator of the best-selling Poetic Edda comes a gripping new rendering of two of the greatest sagas of Old Norse literature. Together the two sagas recount the story of seven generations of a single legendary heroic family and comprise our best source of traditional lore about its members - including, among others, the dragon slayer Sigurd, Brynhild the Valkyrie, and the Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok.
-
-
WELL DONE!
- By Zack Davenport on 02-06-19
-
Children of Ash and Elm
- A History of the Vikings
- By: Neil Price
- Narrated by: Samuel Roukin
- Length: 17 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Viking Age - from 750 to 1050 saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the wider world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have been seen through the eyes of others, distorted to suit the tastes of medieval clerics and Elizabethan playwrights, Victorian imperialists, Nazis, and more. None of these appropriations capture the real Vikings, or the richness and sophistication of their culture.
-
-
Outstanding
- By Than on 10-06-20
By: Neil Price
What listeners say about History of Iceland
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dave Clark Jr
- 03-29-25
Excellent introduction to the topic. Traveling to Iceland in Nov this year. This made me want to learn more.
No comment at this time. Can’t skip this field. Making me type stuff…and stuff and stuff
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Stephen
- 10-28-24
Great story telling
Great book on Iceland. Week done and entertaining. Really developed my understanding of the unique place!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Travis
- 06-26-23
Informative and interesting
Read this to learn more about Iceland’s history prior to a trip there and it was a very interesting and informative read. Recommend for anyone interested in a snapshot of Iceland’s history
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dave T.
- 01-22-25
Learn about the little known history of your favorite island nation
This is a great little book. I’m an American who loves Iceland for all of its fine character, pride, and fierce independence. The book also reinforces the facts about Icelandic history that I thought I knew, specifically the arc of occupation by the Vikings, the Scandinavians, and the English.
These people have a powerful bond with Denmark, but not so powerful that they wouldn’t consider booting them off the island if need be.
While most of the west takes the melting pot concept to heard, the Icelanders take the opposite position.
And that includes not only people, but their legendary horses, their food, and even their language, in which they refuse to allow new words to be imported from any culture or national.
Instead, a governmental department takes up the responsibility to craft a new Icelandic word, usually based in the old Norse language. This is partly why you do not see many signs or businesses with English as the default language, nor do you find directional signage on roads distilled down to a universal character or word. This also makes it tough to “pick up a little” Icelandic the way you might pick up a few useful phrases in French or Italian while on holiday.
For instance, no one is trying to introduce a tourist-friendly new name for the adorable village of Kirkjubaejarklauster, set in the beautiful Dyngjufjoll mountains, and just down the road from the towns of Fagurholsmyri and Kalfafellsstadur. See what I mean?
But if you can appreciate learning more about how some really terrific people have set up a nation that protects its culture, appreciates the arts, and just plain works, you might enjoy this book
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Bill Stevenson
- 02-29-24
Rather pedestrian
The history of Iceland could be exciting. Discovery of a new world, frontier life, blood feuds, triumph of democracy. Little of this comes through in this book; it’s mostly dry facts and plodding pace. Some of the supposed facts don’t sound right, either. For example, it’s stated that a devastating volcanic eruption in 1783 covered 1900 square feet with lava. This is trivial. The actual amount of lava is reported by other sources as 18 billion cubic yards! I also noticed grammatical errors which would grate any English professor.
Overall, a disappointment.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!