More Than Waterfalls – the Myths & Legends of Iceland’s Falls

By Samantha Patton

If you’ve ever looked into travelling to Iceland, you will know that it is famous for it’s spectacular waterfalls. There are thousands of them. We’ve looked beyond the watery veil to discover the myths and legends around these natural phenomena to bring you our – Top Five.

In no particular order they are…

HAIFOSS

Haifoss is one of the tallest falls in Iceland at 122 metres. The Fossa River crashes down over the cliff, giving it it’s name – “high waterfall”. She is also quite remote, requiring a 4WD to access.

The Legend: It was said that Haifoss was the home of an ogress who was fishing for trout and threatening those who approach too close. A group of travelers was camping near the river when one of the group’s teenagers threw a stone into it. This was seen by the ogress, who was offended at the act on what she considered her property. So she waited until nightfall, when it would be safe for her to emerge. She snuck into the boy’s tent, rushed over, and started dragging him by the feet. The boy’s friends woke up, grabbed his arms and started a bitter struggle to save his life. The boy kept his life but was terribly injured. At that’s the end of the story – no happy ending here – but an important lesson about messing up the river! (4)

SKOGAFOSS

You can find Skogafoss in southern Iceland and it’s one of the biggest in the area with a drop of about 62 metres and is 25 metres wide. On sunny days beautiful rainbows are created by the spray from the falls and make for stunning photography.

The Legend: It is believed that behind it you can find a treasure chest. Apparently Prasi Porolfsson, a viking settler in around 900 AD hid the chest and the tales say that the first person who goes there will find gold and more…(1)

BJARNARFOSS

This fall is about 2 and a half hours drive from Reykjavik on the Snaelfellsnes Peninsula.

The Legend: Myth has it that the Lady of the Mountain stands under the falls with water cascading over her shoulders. The Lady of the Mountain is the personification of Iceland and it’s national values. (2)

GULLFOSS

This wonder of nature was almost a hydroelectric plant. What a tragedy that would have been! It’s located on the Hvita Glacier River in Southern Iceland on the famous “Golden Circle Trail” and is viewed from a walking trail above. It is particularly beautiful in the winter, with ice and snow on the edges.

The Legend: Gullfoss means Gold Falls in Icelandic. According to the local tales, a wealthy farmer threw all his gold into the bottom of the falls rather than gift it to anyone after his death – it’s believed that the treasure is still at the bottom. (3)

GODAFOSS

Semi-circular in shape, Godafoss is found in the north of Iceland and what it lakes in height, it makes up for in stark beauty.

The Legend: Godafoss litterally means – The Fall of the Gods. Now, this might be a might misleading as you could assume that it is owned by the Gods but here it means downfall instead. The story goes that Porgeir Ljosvetningagodi Porkelsson (try saying that one after a few wines), one of the first Christian converters in the region, threw the idols of the ancient Norse Gods in the waters below in the 11th Century. (5)

Sources:

• (1) – https://guidetoiceland.is/connect-with-locals/regina/the-beautiful-skogafoss-waterfall-and-the-legend-of-the-treasure-chest
• (2) – https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/southern-iceland-waterfalls/
• (3) – https://www.kukucampers.is/blog/5-legends-of-icelands-mythology
• (4) – https://www.kukucampers.is/blog/5-legends-of-icelands-mythology
• (5) – https://www.kukucampers.is/blog/best-waterfalls-in-iceland#h243skdhlnox31pxxgbb1hmdrky1ukm2g2