Land of Fire & Ice Chapter 2: Land and History

1. Icelandic Pre-History

Untouched by man since creation, Iceland was once the most occult place on the surface of the world. The fabric of the island pulsed with the primal forces of creation. The volcanoes and pits of boiling mud competed with chill winds and mighty glaciers. Elementals and spirits of all kinds danced and made war on one another in reflection of their material counterparts. These spirits of the land (called landvaettir by the Norse) existed free of human influence, remaining true to their primordial magical nature.

Known only to dragons, giants and magical beasts, the whole island was covered with a magical aura. In many places the aura grew strong enough to penetrate the magic realm itself (the magical analogue of Arcadia).

1. The Guardians of Iceland

According to the Heimskringla, by Snorri Sturluson, King Harald of Denmark sent a warlock to Iceland to find out about the place. The warlock visited the island in the shape of a whale. He saw the land filled with guardian spirits (landvaettir), and every time he tried to reach land, he was repulsed. In the East a great dragon rushed at him, accompanied by a train of serpents and toads. To the North a huge eagle was waiting for him, accompanied by many other birds. To the West a large gray bull bellowed at him and waded into the water, along with attendant land spirits. Finally, the warlock attempted landfall in the South, but a hill giant carrying an iron staff led a crowd of other giants against him. The warlock swam back to his king, and the Danish fleet turned about and sailed back to Denmark.

The origins of these guardians are unknown, but they have protected Iceland from a very early period. Their function seems to be to repel magical threats to the island

1. 1. The Guardians

Any magically powerful being approach- ing Iceland activates the magical defenses set up by its ancient residents. Guardian spirits (landvaettir, see page 32) constantly watch the coasts. If a threat is spotted the landvaet- tir gather into a host and approach the First Guardian. The First Guardian then leads them against the invader. If the First Guardian fails to repel the threat, the host passes to the Second Guardian, and so on. The First Guardian is the dragon Pan Caudarax (see below for details). When he appears as Guardian, he is accompanied by a host of spirits, visible only to those with Sec- ond Sight, but perceptible to all as a tumult of the air. The host takes the form of serpents, toads and fishes, and produce a roiling cloud of poisonous vapor. The Second Guardian is called Vin- dsvall, and takes the form of a mighty eagle. To those without Second Sight it appears as a storm cloud darkening the sky, accompanied by wind, rain and lightning. The spirit’s wings produce the wind and lightning cracks every time he cries out. The landvaettir host takes the form of birds of all kinds and all descrip- tions, again visible only to those with Second Sight. The Third Guardian is a gray bull, a huge aurochs the size of a house. It rushes to meet any threat, snorting steam from its nostrils and pawing at the ground, eager for battle. No iron can pierce its hide, and few warriors can face it and not quail in fear. However, in 1105 AD this mighty spirit wandered into the fields surrounding the cathedral of Skalholt, attracted by the bishop’s cows. It dallied too long in the Dominion and lost much of its power and size, before being captured by herdsmen. Being strong and virile, the Gray Bull has produced many strong calves. The bull now ages and dies, but produces a gray male calf to host its spirit; in this way it endures. The Gray Bull’s power lies dormant, tamed by the Dominion. Thus, the Third Guardian cannot answer the call of the land- vaettir host and so the host moves to the Fourth Guardian. Should the Gray Bull be freed the host will take the form of land ani- mals, of all kinds and all descriptions. The Fourth Guardian is a giant, chief of Iceland’s jotunn. The responsibility is passed down as a new chief is chosen. Bard Dumbson (see below) is the second to hold this posi- tion. Regardless of their rivalries, the clans of Icelandic giants will join him in the defense of their home. The landvaettir host accompa- nies this army of giants, lending them power.

1. 1. Avoiding the Guardians

The landvaettir only alert the Guardians if they perceive a magical threat to Iceland. The approaching person must have sub- stantial magical power and harbor thoughts of destruction or hatred to the land or its inhabitants. This should be treated as the spell Sight of the Transparent Motive with a penetration of +45 (resistance is considered hostile). Whatever forces bound the landvaettir, their concern was an invasion of the land by their enemies. The weakness in the defense is therefore threats from within Iceland. Magicians native to Ice- land are ignored by the landvaettir. If you use the Toframanna Saga, the magic portal to the Scartaris Sanctum is also exempt from alerting the Guardians’ attention because it opens within Ice- land.

1. 1. The Landscape

The most striking feature of Iceland is the land itself. Few places in the world can boast such rugged beauty and diversity. In the lowlands, fast flowing rivers cut their way though lush meadows forming many spectacular waterfalls. These rivers seem unsure about where to run, their courses changing dramatically over the years. Deep gorges are cut though otherwise open plains, leaving travelers frustrated or worse. Pits of boiling mud, hot spring pools and geysers are commonplace, with over 250 geo- thermal areas and 780 hot springs. All kinds of volcanic features both old and new litter the landscape. Reminders that lava once flowed or pumice and ash once fell are never far away. The highlands are even wilder, with huge active volcanic ranges and vast glac- iers. Only the mad and the desperate jour- ney into these regions, as this is where trolls, giants and other fell beasts live. The currently active volcanoes include Helgafell in Vestmannaeyjar, Hekla in the southwest, Katla beneath the glacier Myrdalsjokull, Grimsvotn and Oraefi beneath Vatnajokull and Krafla at Lake Myvatn. Although Iceland is larger than Ire- land, the vast majority of it is uninhabitable. Over half of Iceland is over 400m above sea level, a significant height so far north. The land can be roughly categorized: Circa 800 Circa 1220 Cultivated 0% 1% Grassland 40% 30% Lakes and Rivers 6% 6% Bush and Forest 25% 1% Lava Fields 11% 11% Glaciers 11% 11% Sand 4% 4% Other Wasteland 3% 36% Deforestation and grazing animals caused extensive erosion in the Icelandic highlands. Even in 1220 this progress is continuing, and another 8% of grassland with be lain waste in future years. By comparison, the land of Ireland is 13% cultivated, 68% grassland, and 5% forest and woodland.

1. 1. Climate

Iceland has fairly mild winter tem- peratures, but it does rain a lot. Typically a day does not pass without some rain, snow, sleet, or at least drizzle. Happily, Icelandic weather is very changeable and a brief shower is often followed by sun for the remainder of the day. However, peri- odic gales and fog make for truly miser- able weather at times. The northern and eastern coastal regions fare better: the northern region is the sunniest while the eastern is the warmest. The central regions have clearer skies, but other problems afflict the inte- rior deserts. Summer or winter the interi- or suffers from intense blizzards. Icy sand- storms can appear at a moment’s notice and travelers may find themselves in seri- ous trouble.

1. 1. Icelandic Flora

and Fauna When the settlers first arrived, the land was heavily wooded with dwarf wil- lows, which were cleared for firewood and grazing. This massive deforestation led to soil erosion that gradually reduced the quality of the land for its farmers. Other areas of the coast were bog and marshland. Only two land mammals are native to Iceland, the polar bear and the arctic fox. The settlers did not appreciate the polar bears and the population was slain or cap- tured and sold abroad. Occasionally a bear floats across from Greenland on ice floes, but it is quickly hunted down. Foxes were also disliked, but they managed to run and hide more effectively. Common and grey seals fish from the abundant coastal shelves. These seals are hunted by orca, and other species of whales are commonly seen. Walrus bask on the ice-floes in between diving for clams on the sea bed. As well as the sea birds such as gulls, cormorants and the great auk, there are ducks, whooping swans, owls, divers and gyrfalcons. Arguably the most majestic bird is the snow-white arctic eagle. Eels, salmon, trout and Arctic char swim the rivers, while the sea teems with many other types of seafood. As well as the intended chickens, cat- tle, cats, dogs, sheep, goats, pigs and hors- es, the settlers brought mice and rats to the island. Soon after the settlement the rodents took their usual places in the island’s ecology. However, goats and pigs were particularly destructive of the deli- cate Icelandic grasslands and by the year 1000 these animals were rarely kept.

1. The Christian

Priests (790-870) Around 790 Irish priests put their faith in God and set out in coracles heading west. Their faith led them to the Icelandic coast and for the next eighty years it was their summer retreat. Their prayers drove back the magical beasts, the magical aura contracted and the landvaettir retreated to their geyser fields, mountains, volca- noes and glaciers. Unmolested the priests spent many summers in prayer and contemplation.

Their peace was shattered by the arrival of the Norse settlers. Having been the victims of so much Viking violence at home, the Irish priests knew better than to stay. They sailed away to escape death by pagan hands.

1. 1. Magical Landscape

The arrival of the Irish priests caused Iceland’s magical aura to retreat from the lowland regions, leaving them mundane. In the relatively brief period of pagan temples weak faerie auras sprung up, but most vanished after conversion. As Iceland is sparsely populated the general Dominion aura in lowlands is low and patchy. Farms next to churches might have a Divine aura of +1, but this rarely extends to neighboring farms. Only around the cathedrals does the Dominion cover a significant region. Lowland volcanic regions often retain a Magical aura of +1 or +2. In high- land areas a patchy +1 Magical aura exists in areas infrequently traveled. Mountain- ous and glacial regions normally have +2 Magical auras with particular sites peak- ing higher. The magicians of Iceland maintain wards on the interior paths. These wards prevent the approach of trolls and land- vaettir with Magic Mights of 20 or less. Some sections are protected by more powerful spells, guarding against creatures with Mights as high as 30.

1. 1. Settlement

(870-930) In 850 Naddoddur the Swede found the island and the word spread amongst the seafar- ing Norse. Around the same time, in Norway, Harald Fairhair rose from a petty king in the southeast to overlord of the entire country. Many looked to move elsewhere and Iceland provided them with an opportunity. Within sixty years all the agricultural land had been claimed and between ten and twenty thousand people had settled on the island. The majority came directly from Norway, but many also came from Norse colonies in Ireland, Scot- land and the Hebrides. These people brought Gaelic wives, followers, and slaves. However, the Norse culture and language were complete- ly dominant and the Gaelic people left no mark on Icelandic society beyond a few place-names and the mingling of their blood with the Norse.

1. 1. A New Society

1. 1. 1. The Chieftains and

Householders The richer settlers built temples to their favorite god and provided oxen and horses for sacrifice. This was expensive and marked a man out as one of means and authority. Such men gained a strong position in the district and soon acquired the title godi (plural godar), meaning godly one. These chieftains were Iceland’s elite, but initially the position gave little authority. The power of a godi was dependent on the number of householders (baendur, sing. bondi) he could attract. Householders could freely choose to ally with any godi. If two godar were in dispute the number of allies (thingmen) each had often had a great impact on the result.

1. 1. 1. Freemen, Freedmen and Slaves

The settlers had many slaves, but immedi- ately there was pressure to free them. Slave owners found that extra hands did not offset the cost of feeding them, and the first landowners often had a lot of excess land, which was a lia- bility, as it had to be defended. The solution was to give grants of freedom to slaves who became laborers and tenant farm- ers. Freedmen often became landowners, which accelerated the colonization, and the children of freedmen were automatically free. Most slaves were freed by the tenth centu- ry. Household slaves, with women serving as nurses, foster-mothers and concubines, were more enduring, but even this was very rare by the middle of the twelfth century. Although slavery was lawful throughout the Free State period, by 1220 only debt slaves are commonly seen.

1. 1. 1. Norse Magicians

Norse magicians immigrated to Iceland with their countrymen. They included witches and seeresses called volur (singular volva), and wisemen call visindamen. Both often practiced seithr, a form of magic involving shamanic ritu- als. Attracted by its powerful spirits and abun- dant magical resources, many galdramen (sing. galdraman) settled in Iceland. Galdramen used spells, spoken in poetic verse or sung, to sum- mon and bind spirits. Two other types of magi- cians were the Norse priests called vitkir (sing. vitki), whose magic came from devotion to the Aesir gods, and the trollsynir whose magic came from their blood. Iceland’s magicians were busy in the early days of the settlement. With the Irish priests gone, violent landvaettir, trolls and other magi- cal beasts plagued the settlers. Without the ben- efit of Christian burial the magical atmosphere occasionally reanimated corpses. These draug, as the Norse called them, plagued farms until they were slain by magic or metal. Only enchanted burials could prevent the corpse wandering about. Wards against trolls and spir- its were also in high demand.

1. 1. Iceland and The Order

Hermetic magi are currently unknown to Icelandic magicians and the Order’s knowledge of Iceland is scant. In general the Order regards Nordic lands with suspicion. There are stories of a power- ful Order of Odin, which many magi believe responsible for the destruction of all Hermetic covenants that try to settle in the region. As most Hermetic magi avoid even the Scandinavian mainland, few have even heard of Iceland. As of 1220, there is no known Hermetic presence.

1. The Battle of

Hekla (924) In 108 the dragon Pan Caudarax returned to his lair near the Hekla volcano, after almost a thousand years in Flanders. He prepared a nest site for his mate’s brood and in 232 the eggs were laid. Pan Caudarax then took over the mantle of Guardian from his mate. Seven hundred years later men swarmed over the lowlands. When Caudarax awoke in 924 AD he could barely believe his eyes. He retreated to his lair and ordered the volcanic landvaettir to cause massive eruptions. Earth- quakes rocked the land while seeresses and soothsayers predicted imminent destruction. A group of galdramen and trollsynir set out to track down the danger and came on Caudarax. In the ensuring battle many fell before the trollsdottir Aud found the dragon’s weak-spot and wounded him; both sides then withdrew and agreed a truce. Pan Caudarax agreed to call back the landvaettir, in return the Norse were to provide a yearly tribute of forty horses. Although the landvaettir occasionally still cause eruptions, they are not at Pan Caudarax’s instruction. From that time on Pan Caudarax took little interest in the humans. They seldom strayed near his territory. The eggs are destined to hatch on the day of the solar eclipse of May 22, 1248.

1. Establishment of the Law (930)

> With law must our land be built, or with lawlessness laid waste. — Njal’s Saga The Norse held courts, discussed laws and settled disputes at assemblies called things. The early Icelanders organized district assemblies, which three of the local godar organized and presided over. The most important of these assemblies was held in the spring (May). These district assemblies were called the spring things (varthing). As Iceland grew more populated the num- ber of disputes grew. The settlers had come from all over Scandinavia and beyond; the lack of common law began to become a serious prob- lem. Turning to the king of Norway to settle disputes was not a favored choice for people wishing to maintain their independence. The chieftains asked Ulfjot of Lon to jour- ney to Norway to study the Gulathing Law (the law of western Norway). With the help of his uncle, Thorleif the Wise, he learnt and adapted this code to the needs of Iceland. He returned to Iceland and in 930 a national assembly called the Althing was established.

1. Galdramen

Hreppur (950) During the pre-Christian era magicians were generally respected in Icelandic society, but magical interference in matters of honor was detestable and usually ended badly. So most magicians lived quietly, displaying careful neu- trality in feuds. When godar were themselves magicians the situation was tricky, as honorable conduct demanded no magical assistance (except from arms, armor or berserker rages). Godi magicians therefore had difficulty avoid- ing rumors of dishonorable behavior, a charge that enabled their opposition to gather support. Most made the choice of political power over magical power and did not pursue the vitkir arts. However, this did not stop godar attempt- ing secretly to secure magical assistance. In the early tenth century the most promi- nent Icelandic magicians created a hreppur, or cooperative, to discourage the godar from putting pressure on its members. The hreppur organized the placement of wards against trolls on the trails across Iceland and regulated the costs of various services magicians provided. Non-malign charms and spells were provided at fixed costs to all who were not blacklisted. Members who were under pressure received sup- port from the hreppur and the godar soon thought better of it. As well as helping farmers and defending against ghosts and spirits, Icelandic magicians negotiated with the giants and dragons to main- tain the peace. The hreppur also regulated the harvesting of Ond (vis) from magical sites, which the galdramen used as offerings to the spirits.

1. The Colonization

of Greenland (982-1000 AD) In 982 Eirik the Red was outlawed from Iceland on manslaughter charges. Having already been outlawed from Norway for similar offenses he decided to go exploring and resolved to investigate a sighting made some fifty years previously by a Norwegian called Gunnbjorn. Eirik set out from Snaefelljokul and discov- ered Greenland. There was plenty of grassland for the taking, and the lands were rich in bears, foxes, caribou, sea mammals, birds and fisheries. The country appeared ideally suited to colo- nization. For the next three years he and his crew explored a large section of Greenland’s coast and marked out sites of farms and homes to be. This became known as the Eastern Set- tlement. At its height the Eastern Settlement reached 190 farms, twelve parish churches, a cathedral, a monastery and a nunnery, with a government on the Icelandic model. The Greenlanders exported furs and hides, ropes and cables, oil, woolens, and sea-ivory as well as white bears and falcons, while they imported corn, iron, timber, garments and luxuries.

1. The Attempted

Colonization of Vinland (1000- 1020 AD) Karlsefni and his men built themselves dwellings up above the lake; some of their houses stood near the mainland, and some near the lake. No snow fell, and their entire stock found its food grazing in the open. — Eirik’s Saga During his journey to Greenland a storm blew one colonist far of course, where he spot- ted a rich and fertile land. Fifteen years after this sighting, Leif Eiriksson retraced the course and put ashore in several places. Helluland or Flatstone Land was mountainous, glaciered, grassless and barren. Markland was flat and forested, with extensive white sands and gently shelving beaches. However, Leif spent the win- ter in a place he called Vinland (Wineland). Leif returned to Greenland singing Vin- land’s praises. His brother Thorvald took up the opportunity and organized a new exploration. On this journey the Norsemen encountered a group of natives and the situation soon became hostile. An arrow killed Thorvald and his crew returned home with the bad news. Thorfinn Karlsefni then decided to take the next step. He organized three ships, 160 men (some with wives) and livestock to colo- nize the country. The winters were indeed mild and the land fertile, but the following summer they encountered the people they named the Skraelingar (‘screechers’ or ‘uglies’). Initially the contact was peaceful and the two groups traded. The Skraelings were very interested in the Norseman’s metal, but Karlsefni forbade the sale of weapons. Despite initially peaceful trading, the Skraelings began to covet the red cloth offered by the settlers, and when it ran out, the raids began. The regu- lar skirmishes made life very difficult and stress- ful even if actual loss of life was low. Without a common language no peace negotiation was attempted. Internal conflicts over women added to the situation and after three winters Karlsefni decided to leave. There was one more colonization attempt, instigated by Freydis Eiriksdottir in 1019. This venture almost immediately provoked hostili- ties, which escalated into a major conflict against a far more numerous opponent. The would-be colonists were quickly forced to flee and this was the last such attempt. However, in 1220 Greenlanders still make trips to Markland for furs and timber.

1. Christian Era

(1000-) Men are to put their trust in one God and His saints and are not to worship heathen beings. A man worships heathen beings when he assigns his property to anyone but God and His saints. If a man worships heathen beings, the penalty is lesser out- lawry. — Gragas, Christian Law Section When Iceland became Christian in 1000 the position of Icelandic magicians changed. From the moment of baptism the threat of hell fire became real to most of them and in 1020 the compromise laws allowing private pagan worship were abolished. Missionary bishops preached against pagan practices and the use of magic. Within a generation Iceland’s vitkir went from respected priests to potential outlaws. Other magicians and witches continued openly to practice their arts, as their craft did not involve worship. However, in 1031 the heroic outlaw Grettir was slain with the aid of a Curse. The outrage that followed led to spells, witch- craft and magic of any sort being made illegal.

1. The Interdiction

(1031-1041) If someone uses spells or witchcraft or magic — he uses magic if he utters or teaches someone else or gets someone else to utter words of magic over himself or his property — the penalty is lesser outlawry, and he is to be summoned locally and prosecuted with a panel of twelve. If a man practices black sorcery, the penalty for that is full outlawry. It is black sorcery if through his words or his magic a man brings about the sickness or death of live- stock or people. That is to be prosecuted with a panel of twelve. — Gragas, Christian Law Section After a number of successful prosecutions the most prominent magicians in the country met to discuss the situation and for the first time volur and visindamen were invited to join the Galdramen Hreppur. They decided to give the Christian lobby exactly what they said they wanted. For the next ten years Icelanders learned to live without the benefit of magical aid. Famines came, livestock diseases spread unchecked, fisheries failed and cruel weather came without warning. The trail wards failed and trolls slaughtered travelers and cattle. Eventually a typical Icelandic compromise was reached. The prominent baendur and godar quietly visited the old magicians. They guaran- teed them that any suit for using non-malign magic would be crushed and any accusations of black sorcery would receive a fair hearing. Ice- land had its magicians and witches back as open secrets and the Galdramen Hreppur continued meeting to ensure its members did not endanger their position again.

1. 1. The Lava Fields of Misdeeds

Odadahraun, “the lava fields of misdeeds,” lies north of the Vatnajokull glacier. This area forms the boundary of three of the four quarters (East, North and South), but strictly belongs to none of them. The Lava Field of Mis- deeds is one of the wildest parts of Iceland, and is perhaps one of the most magical. There is more vis to be found here than in any other part of Iceland, among the twisted spires of rock and crumbling pumice, where sulfurous springs belch evil-smelling humors into the air, and the mighty glaciers and volcanoes provide a menacing back- drop. This is a God-forsaken place, a region where the Dominion has never reached. Only the most desperate outlaws will brave the freezing winds and scalding steam, but desperate men are dangerous men. Spirits of all sorts haunt the blasted landscape, and most are not friendly towards humanity. Some of Pan Caudarax’s earlier brood have taken up residence here, and these dragons can cause significant problems. Finally, giants are relatively com- mon here, especially those of the clans of Geirrod and Bergelmir. A season spent searching for vis will yield one pawn per ten points of a magus’s Per + Intéllego + Vim + 10. This vis might take several forms, but Perdo, Ignem, Ter- ram, Aquam and Auram are the most obvious choices. However, spending a season in these badlands is not con- ducive to good health, demanding (at the very least) a penalty to the character’s aging roll. The character cannot expect to collect vis without attracting the attention of some of the region’s inhabitants, either. Any number of encounters could occur in the lava fields, and each is resolved differently. Perhaps the char- acters get ensnared in the illusions of a fire-giant. They might encounter a band of outlaws who have made a deal with malicious spirits in return for their victim’s blood. Two of the (older) dragon-brood of Pan Caudarax might extract a toll of vis from any magus traversing the area.

1. The Age of the

Sturlungar (1200-?)

During the 12th century the more success- ful godi began assuming a more aristocratic role, and by the end of the century the Icelandic rul- ing class realized that possession of multiple chieftaincies (godord) offered real benefits. Around 1200 the sons of Sturla began collect- ing chieftaincies within the Western Quarter and the race for overlordship of the country began. By 1220 almost all the country is divided into eight unstable domains called riki (mean- ing power). The rulers within these riki are all closely related to one another and belong to one of the five major families. These became the storgodar (big chieftains). Storgodar and Storbaendur As the storgodar developed, most baendur lost any choice of thing attachment. The storgo- dar were uninterested in local disputes, and most often the disputants would have the same godi, so some rich householders because stor- baendur (big householders). These men estab- lished themselves as local advocates and legal advocates, and filled the gap left by the storgo- dar. In 1220 AD, the allegiance of this group remains of critical importance to contests among storgodar. They stoutly resist all attempts by the storgodar to impose taxes, which effectively prevents any storgodi from achieving his ultimate goal. The riki in 1220 AD The Svinfellingar Family The first family to expand beyond one or two godord, by 1220 they have acquired the whole Eastern Quarter and formed two riki. Skaftafellsthing is ruled over by Orm Jons- son from 1212. Mulathing is under the command of Tho- rarin Jonsson, the brother of Orm, from 1220. The Asbirningar Family Named after Asbjorn Arnorsson who lived around 1100, it was Kolbeinn Tumason who first ruled the Skagafjord (Hegranesthing) dis- trict of the Northern Quarter. He later acquired Hunavatnsthing and by his death in 1208 he had extended his territory to the western boundaries of the quarter. The current storgodar is his brother Arnor, however his health is fail- ing and it looks likely that his son Kolbeinn the Young will soon inherit. The Oddaverjar Family Jon Loftsson at Oddi was held in extremely high esteem as an arbitrator in disputes among chieftains for all four quarters. Jon and two of his sons, Orm and Pall (later Bishop Pall) came to rule over all the chieftaincies in the district of Rangarthing. The family rules over the dis- trict as a group and with Bishop Pall’s death in 1211 and Orm’s death in 1218, the chieftaincies are now divided among Jon Loftsson’s third son Saemundur and his children. The Haukdaelir Family Prominent in the Christianization process, this family controls all three chieftaincies of the Arnesthing district. The Sturlungar Family This family descended from Sturla Thor- darson at Hvamm in the Western Quarter. Although he never controlled more than one chieftaincy, his three sons are among the most powerful and ambitious chieftains of the 13th century. The sons of Hvamm-Sturla form three riki. Thord Sturluson has dominion in Snaefell- snes and Dalir. He is content with one chief- taincy most of the time and is sharing the dis- trict with his ambitious nephew, Sturla Sigh- vatsson. Nonetheless Thord is regarded as the storgodar. Snorri Sturluson holds dominion in Borgar- fjord after moving there in 1202 to take posses- sion of his wife’s inheritance. He is moving quickly to secure other chieftaincies of the Thverarthing. Sighvat Sturluson holds dominion in the eastern half of the Northern Quarter. Sturla’s third son, he started in Dalir and moved north to Eyjafjordur to take over chieftaincies that had been presented to his son. Sighvat has con- trol of the whole eastern part of the Northern Quarter, the districts of Vadlathing and Thingeyjarthing. Some areas have managed to maintain the old style of godar/baendur relationship. The Vestfirdir peninsula is the largest of these dis- tricts. Even within the riki the storgodar rarely own all the chieftaincies. Often minor chief- tains lend their godord to storgodar or become followers, maintaining control under their pro- tection. Lacking the strength to protect your thingmen is a great dishonor and in the new power structure full independence is often not viable. Still, godar only give up their title if no other honorable solution is possible. The Beginning of the End (1220) In the early 13th century King Hakon Hakonarson (called “the Elder”) began to seek control of the lands in the North Atlantic that were inhabited by Norse people. An opportunity presented itself when Snorri Sturluson appeared at court. Earl Skuli Bardson, the father-in-law of the teenage king, approached Snorri and threatened to send a navy to Iceland. Snorri managed to dissuade him, but offered to return to Iceland and lobby the chieftains to accept the authority of the Crown. Snorri however had no intention of championing so hopeless cause. Timeline B.C. ca. 4000 . . . Destruction of Old Ones’ civiliza- tion. ca. 2000 . . Egyptian cult of Thoth at its height. ca. 500 . . . . . Greek cult of Hermes at its height. A.D. 412. . . . . . . . Cult of Mercury officially disband- ed. 767 . . . Order of Hermes founded at Durenmar. 790 . . . . . Irish priests (called papar by the Norse) reach Iceland and use it as a retreat in the summer. 800-1100 . . The Viking period. 825 . . . . Thule mentioned by the Irish monk Dicuil in Liber de Mensura Orbis Terrae. 850. . . . . . . . Naddoddur the Swede is blown off course on route to the Faeroes. He names the island Snaeland (‘snowland’). 855 . . . . Gardar Svavarsson circumnavi- gates Iceland and settles at Husavik on the northern coast for the winter. 860 . . . . . . . Floki Vilgerdarson takes his family to Snaeland. He quickly becomes disenchanted and renames the place Island (‘ice land’). 870-930 . . . . The era of the landnam (land-tak- ing). Main colonization sees 10-20 thousand Norsemen claim the available agricultural land. The Irish priests decide not to return to the island. 874 . . . . . . . Ingolfur Arnarson sets up house in a place he names Reykjavik (‘smoky bay’). 890-930 . . . Reign of Harald Fairhair of Nor- way. 910-990 . . . . Life of Egil Skallagrimson, warrior, poet and magician. 930 . . . . Althing (‘general assembly’) is established, with the first Ice- landic constitution and the inau- guration of what is later called the Icelandic Freestate. 925 . . . . . The dragon Pan Caudarax com- mands the landvaettir (natural spirits) to rid Iceland of the human colonists. Volcanic activi- ty builds across the country. An alliance of trollsynir, galdramen and vitkir attack Pan Caudarax and eventually negotiate a truce. 930 . . . . Iceland declared albyggt, “fully inhabited,” with 40-50 thousand inhabitants – 400 named settlers with kin, womenfolk and slaves. 950 . . . . . . Iceland’s magicians create a hrep- pur to protect their interests. The Eldborg caldera, created by Pan Caudarax’s wrath 25 years before, is used as their meeting place in memory of that initial alliance. 965 . . . . . Refinement of the first constitu- tion. Iceland divided into 4 quar- ters (fjordungar), each with its own court at the Althing. 970 . . . . . . Free pardon is given to an outlaw who kills three other outlaws. 979 . . . . Harald Bluetooth Gormsson of Denmark sends a trollson to inves- tigate Iceland. The Guardians confront him and Harald aban- dons his invasion plans. 982 . . . . . . Eirik the Red outlawed from Ice- land. He finds Greenland. 984. . . . . First church built in Iceland by the native Thorvald and a Ger- man bishop Fridrekr. While their mission is successful, the Althing they attend pours derision upon them. 986 . . . . . . . Colonization of Greenland. 987 . . . . . . . Bjarni Herjolfsson sights Vinland. 997 . . . . . A law decrees that in some cir- cumstances, conversion to Chris- tianity may be regarded as a defile- ment of the family 1000 . . . Christianisation of Iceland by Althing decision. The acceptance of Christianity by the logretta is mainly due to the zeal of three Christian godar. The case was made that Christians and hea- thens could not obey the same laws, and that two states would have to be formed, one for the Christians and one for the hea- thens. Partially due to trading pressure from Denmark and Nor- way, Christianity was seen as the religion that was best for the Freestate. Certain heathen prac- tices, such as disposing of new- borns and eating of horseflesh, were not banned, and sacrifices could still be made to the heathen gods, if done in private. 1001 . . . . Leif Eiriksson sails west to find Vinland. 1002-20 . . Attempted colonization of Vin- land. Colonies abandoned due to native attacks no later than 1020. Some collection of furs and timber may have continued into the mid 14th century. 1005 . . . . . . Fifth court established. 1007 . . . Holmganga (single combat) is abolished as a legal means of deci- sion-making. The last recorded duel on the islet in the Oxara involved Gunnlaugur Serpent- Tongue, the warrior-poet, who challenged the husband of the woman he loved. 1014-1030. . Reign of Olaf Haraldson (St Olaf) of Norway. In 1020 AD, a treaty is made between him and Iceland regarding the rights of Norwegians in Iceland and vice versa. Within that treaty the remaining pagan practices are made illegal. 1031-1041 . Grettir the Strong slain with the aid of magic. Laws against all mag- ical practices are passed. For ten years Icelandic magicians refuse to provide any magical assistance. Eventually the godar agree to secretly provide legal protection to magicians accused of using non- malign magic. 1030-1118. . The Fridharold — age of peace. 1056 . . . First Icelandic bishopric estab- lished at Skalholt in the Southern Quarter. The bishop is given a seat in the logretta. 1056-80 . . Isleif Gizarson becomes Iceland’s first native Bishop. 1056-1133 . Life of Saemundur Sigfusson the wise, godi of Oddi, galdraman and bishop. His sister Halla was sei- thkona. 1096 . . . . . . The law of tithes is introduced. 1106 . . . Second bishopric established at Holar in the Northern Quarter. Its first bishop, Jon the Saint Ogmu- darson (1106-1121), a powerful enemy of heathen ways, was later sanctified. The Bishop of Holar is also given a seat in the logretta. Bergthor Hrafnsson, Haflidi Mas- son and others compile and write down the Icelandic Laws. This work becomes known as Gragas (Grey Goose). 1122-1133 . The Islendingabok written by Ari in frodi; a history from the found- ing up to the death of Bishop Gizurr in 1118. 1123 . . . . The Christian law of Iceland is codified. 1218-1220 . Earl Skuli, acting for King Hakon of Norway, makes an expedition to Iceland to secure trade. Snorri Sturluson averts violence at the cost of agreeing to help integrate Iceland with Norway. 1222 . . . . . . Prose Edda composed. Beyond 1220 AD The main story arc covers the last four decades of the Icelandic Freestate. In 1262 AD King Hakon of Norway takes advantage of the political turmoil within Iceland to add it to the Norwegian Crown. The timeline below details the Icelandic Sturlunga Saga, which details events from 1220. Storyguides who wish to involve their players in stories involving mun- dane politics during these times are advised to seek further details from the sources found in the Bibliography on page 143. 1222-1231: Snorri Sturluson serves his second term as Lawspeaker. 1228: The Sturlungs fight over the Snorrunga godord. The brothers Snorri and Thord Sturluson had failed to claim what was theirs by right, and their brother Sighvat had become godi, in turn passing the title to his son Sturla. Snorri makes a formal demand for the godord at the Althing, but the matter is not decided. Snorri seizes the godord by force, supported by his violent brother-in-law Thorvald of Vatsfjord. Thorvald is burnt to death in the summer of this year in a revenge killing. 1229: The sons of Thorvald, believing that Sighvat and his son Sturla were responsible for the death of their father, attack Sturla’s property and destroy it, although (fortu- nately for him), Sturla is away. 1230: After proving he was not involved in the attack against Sturla’s property, Snorri is reconciled with his nephews. Snorri even makes peace with his brother Sighvat, and Iceland has a brief respite from the troubles. 1232: Sturla Sighvatsson seeks reconciliation with the sons of Thorvald, but their insults drive him into a rage, and he kills them. For this offence Sturla makes a pilgrimage to Rome. Snorri’s illegitimate son Oraekia takes over the Vatfjord godord. He is a wicked and violent man who sends out armed bands to plunder and ill-treat the people of his godord. 1234: Sturla Sighvatsson spends time in Nor- way on his way back from Rome, and falls under the influence of King Hakon and Duke Skuli Bardarson. Sturla promises to subjugate Iceland for the king, in return for which he will receive the title of earl. 1235: Sturla returns to Iceland and gathers an army to attack Snorri Sturluson. Snorri and his son gather a force to repel them, but Snorri is unwilling to fight his relatives. Instead, he flees into the Eastern quarter. Thord Sturlusson attempts to reconcile his brother and his nephew with no effect. Sturla seizes Rekjaholt, and Oraekia gath- ers a fleet of ships to harry Bogarfjord and the surrounding region. Oraekia is captured due to the treachery of Sturla, who pre- tends to sue for peace, but manages to escape being blinded and maimed. This behavior rouses Snorri to action, and he raises an army to attack Sturla, but is beat- en by a superior force. 1237: In an attempt to end the conflict, King Hakon summons the godi of Iceland to Norway, and Snorri and his allies leave. 1238: Sturla Sighvatsson now rules most of Ice- land. Only two storgodar offer him resis- tance – Kolbein The Young and Gizur Thorvaldsson, both married to daughters of Snorri Sturluson. Sturla tricks Gizur and takes him prisoner. Kolbein, guessing he is next, rapidly organizes a league against Sturla. Gizur, who has managed to escape Sturla’s clutches, joins them. The opposing sides clash at Orlygsstad, and Sighvat and Sturla are finally defeated. It soon becomes clear that this victory has merely resulted in substituting new tyrants for old. 1239: With the defeat of Sturla, King Hakon’s plan for the domination of Iceland has failed. Duke Skuli Bardarson grants Snorri Sturluson the title of earl, on the under- standing that if the treacherous Duke suc- ceeds in his bid for the Norwegian crown, Snorri will rule Iceland as a Norwegian dependency. Snorri returns to Iceland. 1240: Duke Skuli’s attempt to wrest power from King Hakon results in the Duke’s death. 1241: King Hakon, guessing that Snorri sup- ported Duke Skuli in his treachery, makes Gizur Thorvaldsson his representative. He has orders to either bring Snorri to Norway or kill him as a traitor. Gizur’s associate Kolbein arrives at the Althing to capture Snorri, but, forewarned, their quarry escapes to the sanctuary of a church. Later in the summer, Gizur and Kolbein descend upon Rekjaholt, gain secret entrance to Snorri’s home, and slay him. Oraekia is later banished when he attempts to avenge his father. 1242: With most of the major Sturlungs dead or banished, the influence of the family fades. Gizur Thorvaldsson becomes the sole leader in Southern Iceland, and Kolbein the Young holds sway in the Western and Northern quarters. Thord Kakali, the avenger of the Sturlungs, returns to Iceland at this point. He is the sole remaining son of Sighvat, and many see in him the leader of the Sturlungs. 1246: At the battle of Haugnes, the greatest battle in Iceland’s history to date, Thord Kakali ends the power of Kolbein and his kinsman Brand, leaving him supreme in northern and western Iceland. Gizur meets Thord with a force of armed men, and the two agree to arbitration by King Hakon. They sail to Norway together. In the spring of the following year, Hakon decides in favor of Thord, who returns to Iceland and rules unopposed for four years. Gizur remains in Norway to prevent fur- ther quarrels. 1251: Thord Kakali makes a trip to Norway, but is not allowed to return home. King Hakon is jealous of his power, and keeps him as an honorable captive there. Gizur returns as the new representative of the king, charged with obtaining full recognition of the king of Norway’s rule over Iceland. 1258: King Hakon of Norway makes Gizur Thorvaldsson an earl, thus distinguishing him from the other storgodi. He is placed in charge of the Northern and Southern quarters, and all of Bogarfjord in the west. 1262: At a series of local assemblies, representa- tives of King Hakon offer the Icelanders peace from the quarrels of the storgodar if they swear allegiance to Norway. The Old Covenant is drawn up between King Hakon and the men of the Northern and Southern Quarters, giving Hakon suzerain- ty but granting the Icelanders peace and the preservation of Icelandic law. Hakon abolishes all godord, stripping power from the storgodar who would not swear to him. 1263: King Hakon dies, and his son, King Mag- nus Law-Mender takes over. He proves a wise ruler who avoids offending the Ice- landers.