Our History In 1942, members of the Icelandic Canadian Club of Winnipeg decided that the future of Icelandic heritage preservation in North America did not lie with publications in the Icelandic language and so The Icelandic Canadian magazine was launched. The magazine started as a project of the Winnipeg club and grew from there. Many second and third generation Canadians of Icelandic background were fluent in the Icelandic language, especially if they lived in the rural districts but the majority of those born in larger cities never learned to speak the language. None the less the will to preserve the Icelandic component of our heritage is still very much alive even though the language component is no longer being preserved. There was also a need in the Icelandic Canadians to offer their community a venue for publishing literary works separate from the other Icelandic Canadian publishing endeavors which were more newspaper based. Up until 1986 the editorial board served primarily as an advisory body to the editor-in-chief, providing assistance only when requested. In 1986 the structure of the board was changed, establishing two committees - an editorial committee and a business committee. This was done to facilitate the two major aspects involved with the production of the magazine. Members of both committees also serve on the magazine board. This structure has ensured high quality articles as well as ensuring that the magazine is produced more efficiently. In January 2010 the magazine underwent a name change to Icelandic Connection. This change was implemented to reflect the wider readership. The magazine is reaching out to all parts of the Icelandic-North American cultural community. The magazine is widely circulated throughout the Western Hemisphere including university libraries and several overseas subscribers. In 2011 the magazine made the move to offering an electronic delivery option of the e-journal to subscribers. In Fall 2023 the journal was turned over to the University of Manitoba Icelandic Collection. It was decided to continue an annual open access publication of the Journal online and to open the archive to the public. Advertisements were discontinued and the focus of the journal became academic in nature with the intent to foster interest in Icelandic culture in North America amongst students at UM and other university institutions across Turtle Island and elsewhere. Spring 2025 saw a break in the journal's hosting with UM Libraries where the site was transferred to Icelandic Connection, a Manitoba grassroots non-profit organization. At this point Icelandic Connection became completely unaffiliated with the University of Manitoba.
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License By exercising the Licensed Rights (defined below), You accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License ("Public License"). To the extent this Public License may be interpreted as a contract, You are granted the Licensed Rights in consideration of Your acceptance of these terms and conditions, and the Licensor grants You such rights in consideration of benefits the Licensor receives from making the Licensed Material available under these terms and conditions. Section 1 – Definitions. Adapted Material means material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights that is derived from or based upon the Licensed Material and in which the Licensed Material is translated, altered, arranged, transformed, or otherwise modified in a manner requiring permission under the Copyright and Similar Rights held by the Licensor. For purposes of this Public License, where the Licensed Material is a musical work, performance, or sound recording, Adapted Material is always produced where the Licensed Material is synched in timed relation with a moving image. Copyright and Similar Rights means copyright and/or similar rights closely related to copyright including, without limitation, performance, broadcast, sound recording, and Sui Generis Database Rights, without regard to how the rights are labeled or categorized. For purposes of this Public License, the rights specified in Section 2(b)(1)-(2) are not Copyright and Similar Rights. Effective Technological Measures means those measures that, in the absence of proper authority, may not be circumvented under laws fulfilling obligations under Article 11 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty adopted on December 20, 1996, and/or similar international agreements. Exceptions and Limitations means fair use, fair dealing, and/or any other exception or limitation to Copyright and Similar Rights that applies to Your use of the Licensed Material. Licensed Material means the artistic or literary work, database, or other material to which the Licensor applied this Public License. Licensed Rights means the rights granted to You subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, which are limited to all Copyright and Similar Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material and that the Licensor has authority to license. Licensor means the individual(s) or entity(ies) granting rights under this Public License. NonCommercial means not primarily intended for or directed towards commercial advantage or monetary compensation. For purposes of this Public License, the exchange of the Licensed Material for other material subject to Copyright and Similar Rights by digital file-sharing or similar means is NonCommercial provided there is no payment of monetary compensation in connection with the exchange. Share means to provide material to the public by any means or process that requires permission under the Licensed Rights, such as reproduction, public display, public performance, distribution, dissemination, communication, or importation, and to make material available to the public including in ways that members of the public may access the material from a place and at a time individually chosen by them. Sui Generis Database Rights means rights other than copyright resulting from Directive 96/9/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 1996 on the legal protection of databases, as amended and/or succeeded, as well as other essentially equivalent rights anywhere in the world. You means the individual or entity exercising the Licensed Rights under this Public License. Your has a corresponding meaning. Section 2 – Scope. License grant. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Public License, the Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-sublicensable, non-exclusive, irrevocable license to exercise the Licensed Rights in the Licensed Material to: reproduce and Share the Licensed Material, in whole or in part, for NonCommercial purposes only; and produce and reproduce, but not Share, Adapted Material for NonCommercial purposes only. Exceptions and Limitations. For the avoidance of doubt, where Exceptions and Limitations apply to Your use, this Public License does not apply, and You do not need to comply with its terms and conditions. Term. The term of this Public License is specified in Section 6(a). Media and formats; technical modifications allowed. The Licensor authorizes You to exercise the Licensed Rights in all media and formats whether now known or hereafter created, and to make technical modifications necessary to do so. The Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any right or authority to forbid You from making technical modifications necessary to exercise the Licensed Rights, including technical modifications necessary to circumvent Effective Technological Measures. For purposes of this Public License, simply making modifications authorized by this Section 2(a)(4) never produces Adapted Material. Downstream recipients. Offer from the Licensor – Licensed Material. Every recipient of the Licensed Material automatically receives an offer from the Licensor to exercise the Licensed Rights under the terms and conditions of this Public License. No downstream restrictions. You may not offer or impose any additional or different terms or conditions on, or apply any Effective Technological Measures to, the Licensed Material if doing so restricts exercise of the Licensed Rights by any recipient of the Licensed Material. No endorsement. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be construed as permission to assert or imply that You are, or that Your use of the Licensed Material is, connected with, or sponsored, endorsed, or granted official status by, the Licensor or others designated to receive attribution as provided in Section 3(a)(1)(A)(i). Other rights. Moral rights, such as the right of integrity, are not licensed under this Public License, nor are publicity, privacy, and/or other similar personality rights; however, to the extent possible, the Licensor waives and/or agrees not to assert any such rights held by the Licensor to the limited extent necessary to allow You to exercise the Licensed Rights, but not otherwise. Patent and trademark rights are not licensed under this Public License. To the extent possible, the Licensor waives any right to collect royalties from You for the exercise of the Licensed Rights, whether directly or through a collecting society under any voluntary or waivable statutory or compulsory licensing scheme. In all other cases the Licensor expressly reserves any right to collect such royalties, including when the Licensed Material is used other than for NonCommercial purposes. Section 3 – License Conditions. Your exercise of the Licensed Rights is expressly made subject to the following conditions. Attribution. If You Share the Licensed Material, You must: retain the following if it is supplied by the Licensor with the Licensed Material: identification of the creator(s) of the Licensed Material and any others designated to receive attribution, in any reasonable manner requested by the Licensor (including by pseudonym if designated); a copyright notice; a notice that refers to this Public License; a notice that refers to the disclaimer of warranties; a URI or hyperlink to the Licensed Material to the extent reasonably practicable; indicate if You modified the Licensed Material and retain an indication of any previous modifications; and indicate the Licensed Material is licensed under this Public License, and include the text of, or the URI or hyperlink to, this Public License. For the avoidance of doubt, You do not have permission under this Public License to Share Adapted Material. You may satisfy the conditions in Section 3(a)(1) in any reasonable manner based on the medium, means, and context in which You Share the Licensed Material. For example, it may be reasonable to satisfy the conditions by providing a URI or hyperlink to a resource that includes the required information. If requested by the Licensor, You must remove any of the information required by Section 3(a)(1)(A) to the extent reasonably practicable. Section 4 – Sui Generis Database Rights. Where the Licensed Rights include Sui Generis Database Rights that apply to Your use of the Licensed Material: for the avoidance of doubt, Section 2(a)(1) grants You the right to extract, reuse, reproduce, and Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database for NonCommercial purposes only and provided You do not Share Adapted Material; if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights. Section 5 – Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability. Unless otherwise separately undertaken by the Licensor, to the extent possible, the Licensor offers the Licensed Material as-is and as-available, and makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the Licensed Material, whether express, implied, statutory, or other. This includes, without limitation, warranties of title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, absence of latent or other defects, accuracy, or the presence or absence of errors, whether or not known or discoverable. Where disclaimers of warranties are not allowed in full or in part, this disclaimer may not apply to You. To the extent possible, in no event will the Licensor be liable to You on any legal theory (including, without limitation, negligence) or otherwise for any direct, special, indirect, incidental, consequential, punitive, exemplary, or other losses, costs, expenses, or damages arising out of this Public License or use of the Licensed Material, even if the Licensor has been advised of the possibility of such losses, costs, expenses, or damages. Where a limitation of liability is not allowed in full or in part, this limitation may not apply to You. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability. Section 6 – Term and Termination. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates: automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or upon express reinstatement by the Licensor. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License. Section 7 – Other Terms and Conditions. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License. Section 8 – Interpretation. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.
Preserving the Most Precious Heirloom – Icelandic Language Publishing in Manitoba
The year 2025 marks the sesquicentennial of Icelandic settlement in Manitoba, a milestone commemorated through a wide range of cultural, scholarly, and community initiatives. Among these, the digital exhibition Preserving the Most Precious Heirloom – Icelandic Language Publishing in Manitoba stands out as a significant contribution to both heritage preservation and scholarly discourse on Icelandic Canadian identity. Developed by Katrín Níelsdóttir and Dr. Christopher Crocker and hosted on the Digital Museums Canada Community Stories platform, the trilingual exhibition (English, French, and Icelandic) brings together digitized texts, images, audio recordings, and video materials—many publicly accessible for the first time. Organized into seventeen thematic chapters, the exhibition traces the history of Icelandic-language publishing in Manitoba from early settlement to the present, culminating in a detailed exploration of the Icelandic Collection as a major cultural and research centre. This review highlights the exhibition’s scholarly value, accessibility, and lasting importance as a resource for understanding Icelandic publishing, migration, and identity in Canada.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Andrew McGillivray https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Memorial to Icelandic Soldiers: Prologue
This submission presents the editorial introduction to, and the first translated section of, Memorial of Icelandic Soldiers (Minningarrit íslenzkra hermanna), a commemorative volume published in Winnipeg in 1923 by the Jón Sigurðsson Chapter of the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire. Produced by the Canadian Icelandic community in the aftermath of the First World War, the original work combined memorialization, documentary record-keeping, and interpretive reflection on the war and its consequences. The editorial introduction situates the volume within its historical, institutional, and diasporic context and outlines the principles guiding the present translation. Particular attention is given to preserving the rhetorical tone, political language, and communal perspective of the original text, while explaining editorial decisions concerning structure, annotation, and scope. The introduction also clarifies the relationship between the translated essays and companion digital databases that will present the original registers of soldiers and of the fallen in searchable form. The translated Foreword (Formáli) sets out the purpose and organization of the memorial volume as conceived by its original editors, addressing the motivations behind its structure, the role of community correspondence, and the practical and emotional considerations that shaped its compilation. Together, the Introduction and Foreword offer insight into how Icelandic Canadians in the early twentieth century understood service, sacrifice, and remembrance, and they establish the framework for subsequent translated installments to be published in future issues.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ryan E. Johnson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
This article documents the major programs, partnerships, events, exhibitions, and learning initiatives undertaken during New Iceland 150, the province-wide commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Icelandic settlement in Manitoba. It is intended as a factual record for future researchers, outlining the organizations involved, the sequence of events, and the cultural, educational, and heritage-based activities that took place throughout 2025.
Honorary Consulate of Iceland in Winnipeg
Icelandic National League of North America
Arborg & District Multicultural Heritage Village
Copyright (c) 2026 Katrín Níelsdóttir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Stowaway’s Granddaughter: The Life and Legacy of Guðrún Vióla Bjarnason Hilton
The Stowaway’s Granddaughter: The Life and Legacy of Guðrún Vióla Bjarnason Hilton explores the remarkable life of a woman shaped by Icelandic immigrant history, rural prairie life, and the enduring power of family memory. Drawing on oral history interviews conducted just one month before her 90th birthday, along with family photographs and documents, this article traces Guðrún Vióla’s upbringing, homesteading experiences, and the legacy of her grandfather who arrived in North America as a stowaway. Her story offers an intimate portrait of Icelandic settlement on the Canadian prairies, illustrating themes of resilience, community, migration, and intergenerational identity. Through her recollections, the narrative connects personal history with the broader cultural experience of Western Icelanders and highlights the ways in which heritage is preserved, reinterpreted, and carried forward across generations.
“Mr. D’s Christmas Trees” is a heartfelt narrative poem celebrating the bond between two children and their beloved Uncle D, a joyful and nurturing figure who filled their lives with wonder, learning, and shared traditions. Through the metaphor of a cherished Christmas tree on his woodland farm, the poem explores themes of growth, protection, and the enduring presence of loved ones. When the great tree eventually falls, its loss mirrors the sorrow of losing someone deeply loved. Yet from the space it leaves behind grows a new sapling, symbolizing resilience, renewal, and the continuation of love in new forms. Ultimately, the poem offers a gentle lesson: even in loss, there is room for new beginnings, and what feels like being buried may simply be the start of being replanted.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lindsay Geeraert https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Remembering Dustin J. Geeraert (1983–2024)
This memorial tribute honours Dustin J. Geeraert (1983–2024), a Winnipeg-based scholar, teacher, artist, and cyclist who died suddenly at the age of 41. Trained in English and Icelandic literature, he completed a 2016 PhD on medievalism and modern reinterpretations of Norse myth—especially the figure of Loki - and taught in the University of Manitoba’s Department of Icelandic Language and Literature. Students remembered him for rigorous, witty lectures; generosity and approachability; and inventive pedagogy that included field trips to New Iceland, guest speakers, and community events. Known for a brilliant, exacting intellect and lively debate—paired with a resistance to modern tech—he was also a gifted illustrator and endurance athlete who once cycled across Canada. Deeply engaged with Icelandic and Icelandic-Canadian communities, he contributed scholarship and public outreach, including the 2024 article “Valhalla in Manitoba.” A memorial hosted by the Consulate General of Iceland gathered family, colleagues, students, and friends. He is survived by his father, siblings, extended family, and many students; predeceased by his mother and grandparents. The piece reflects on a legacy of intellectual courage, creativity, and care that will endure in the lives he shaped.
University of Manitoba Department of Icelandic Language and Literature
Copyright (c) 2025 Katrín Níelsdóttir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Set against the stark beauty of a snow-covered Canadian ecovillage, Things That Need Doin’ explores the grief, guilt, and quiet transformation of Ansel Rademacher, a tech-savvy father mourning the death of his daughter, Elke. Living in semi-isolation after a painful divorce, Ansel returns to the remote cooperative land project where a family he once had hoped to build a sustainable future. Now a fading dream, the land hosts only two families: his own fractured legacy, and the Thorviks, who are radical homesteaders raising their ten-year-old son, Vaelin. When Ansel encounters a strange shield inscribed with Nordic runes and experiences a haunting vision of a cedar grove, he dismisses it. But after rescuing Vaelin from a violent attack by a gyrfalcon deep in the woods, the incident opens a deeper mystery. Vaelin claims the land “sees them." The shield, the visions, and the Grove all point toward something ancient and sentient awakening within the land itself. As Ansel and Vaelin forge a tentative connection, a new awareness begins to emerge—one shaped not only by spiritual resonance but by ecological systems and technological insight. Trail cam footage reveals not only corrupted data but a heat signature that pulses and vanishes, suggesting something real and hidden at work. Meanwhile, the Grove itself appears to awaken something in Ansel that neither therapy nor isolation could: a sense of belonging, purpose, and forward motion. By the end, Ansel finds not just reconciliation with his grief, but a new name for the place he once called home: Emberwood Sparks. He begins to imagine new forms of robotic systems that support the hands of blue collar workers and collaborative infrastructure that uplifts overlooked families like the Thorviks. He starts to sketch a way forward rooted not in avoidance but in care. At its heart, Things That Need Doin’ is a story about generational repair, the convergence of technology and myth, and the power of small choices to shape new legacies. Infused with Nordic symbolism, subtle mysticism, and the rural textures of the Interlake region, it quietly reclaims masculinity, grief, and community through acts of tenderness, repair, and listening.
Copyright (c) 2025 JACOB BULLER https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
This first-person narrative recounts an American's immersive winter experience in the remote Icelandic fishing village of Suðavík during 2012, culminating in his participation in the traditional midwinter celebration of Þorrablót. Set against the stark beauty and relentless weather of the Westfjords, the story offers rich observations on rural Icelandic life, hospitality, and the close-knit nature of isolated communities. The author reflects on his outsider status—linguistically and culturally—while forming connections with locals like Helgi, a sheep farmer and mechanic who becomes a friend and host. The narrative blends humor and warmth, particularly in describing daily routines, community gatherings, and the deep snow challenges of living in a summer house during winter. The highlight is the Þorrablót celebration: a potluck-style feast and variety show filled with music, satire, and strong communal bonds. Though unable to fully understand the language or customs, the author offers an appreciative and respectful perspective on Icelandic resilience, traditions, and the enduring spirit of rural life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gerrit Marks https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
From Rival Voices to a Shared Legacy: The Story of Lögberg-Heimskringla and the Birth of Canada's Oldest Ethnic Newspaper
This article traces the rich and complex history of Lögberg-Heimskringla, Canada’s oldest continuously published ethnic newspaper, which emerged from the merger of two rival Icelandic-language papers—Lögberg and Heimskringla. Based on a 2025 interview with long-time editor Stefan Jonasson, the piece explores how these publications reflected the political, religious, and cultural divisions of the Icelandic immigrant community in North America. Heimskringla, founded in 1886, and Lögberg, launched two years later, were ideological opposites: Heimskringla leaned Conservative and Unitarian, while Lögberg aligned with the Liberal Party and Lutheran traditions. Their rivalry helped sustain vibrant journalism but also mirrored the fragmentation within the Icelandic diaspora. By the mid-20th century, shifting demographics, declining readership, and new media technologies made continued competition unsustainable. Following failed attempts to unite the papers in the 1940s and 1950s, the 1959 merger was finally realized with the support of prominent community leaders. The merger marked a symbolic reconciliation and preserved the Icelandic-Canadian print tradition. Over time, the paper transitioned from a monolingual Icelandic publication to a bilingual, and eventually predominantly English-language, newspaper reflecting the generational language shift among readers. While it once preserved the Icelandic language, its greater legacy lies in its role as a cultural bridge. Today, Lögberg-Heimskringla appeals to both those of Icelandic descent and others interested in Icelandic culture, and it continues to evolve—shifting toward a magazine format and broader cultural storytelling. Jonasson, nearing retirement, reflects positively on the merger’s enduring impact, emphasizing that the paper’s adaptability has been key to its longevity.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Embracing the Future
In this year’s editorial, Editor Katrín Níelsdóttir reflects on the excitement of 2025 and the importance of honoring 150 years since the founding of New Iceland in 1875. This milestone will be marked by special features, including interviews with remarkable women who have sustained the Western Icelandic spirit through generations. The editorial highlights upcoming events such as the INLNA convention in Gimli, an especially vibrant Íslendingadagurinn, and commemorations like the October 11th landing anniversary. Katrín also pays tribute to the late Dustin J. Geeraert, a beloved scholar and artist whose loss is deeply felt. She announces the digitization of all past issues on Timarit.is, thanks to the National Library of Iceland, and acknowledges Ryan Johnson for his vital role in editing, website upkeep, and research verification. As The Icelandic Connection returns to its volunteer roots and embraces a fresh digital presence, Katrín invites readers to contribute their stories and join in celebrating a legacy of resilience and community.
This article explores a creative project in which the poem Baldrs Draumar (Baldr’s Dreams) from the Poetic Edda is adapted through visual illustrations to enhance understanding of the myth. The poem is significant in Viking age culture, offering vital context to Baldr’s death and Loki’s imprisonment, which are central to the Ragnarok legend. The project incorporates visual elements to enrich readers' comprehension, using illustrations to clarify complex themes and references within the text. For example, a line referring to the Seeress as the “mother of three giants” is interpreted with the inclusion of Angrboda, mother of Fenrir, Jormungandr, and Hel, in line with Ragnarok themes. The project combines research, analysis, and visual interpretation, offering a deeper engagement with the poem while appealing to both narrative and visual sensibilities.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ella Woolford https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Icelanders Arrive and Strive - A Manitoba Story
The author has written a book entitled Icelanders Arrive and Strive - A Manitoba Story that has just been published by FriesenPress. This book deals with the emigration of Icelanders to North America in the 1870s and the founding of New Iceland and its capital Gimli in Manitoba and should be of interest to Icelanders, descendants of Icelanders, Manitobans and even Canadians in general. The book begins with a brief history of early Viking exploits worldwide then relates the story of the large Icelandic emigration centering on the author's great grandparents who took a leadership role in this fascinating saga. The author has been asked to write an article briefly describing the book, how it came to be written, and how it can be obtained. Besides detailed background regarding the above this article also provides some sample content from the book as well as a portion of the very positive Foreword provided by the Founder and Executive Director of The Icelandic Emigration Center and also several of the comments on the book provided by the Clarion Foreword Review.
Copyright (c) 2024 Robert Curtis Arthur Frederickson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
A Note on the University of Manitoba Icelandic Special Collection
Details the authors stay in the Iceland Room as a Snorri West summer intern.
University of Manitoba Icelandic Special Collections
Copyright (c) 2024 Sigfús Sigfússon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
A Viking Legend: The Descendants of Odin
The book, A Viking Legend: The Descendants of Odin was presented with a reading at the Scandinavian Cultural Centre in Winnipeg on January 26, 2024, during the week of the wolf moon. Another name for Odin is Yfling or Wolf. Therefore the descendants of Odin are the Yflings or the Wolf Clan. The presenter spoke about the Wolf Clan during the Wolf Moon and wondered if there was a connection between Old Norse mythology and the Wolf Moon.
Copyright (c) 2024 ainsley bloomer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
This review was written as a final essay for an old Norse mythology course that the author was taking. This essay focuses on some of the stories that are addressed in A Viking Legend by Ainsley Bloomer. It focuses on three stories with an in-depth analysis of these stories and the author provides their insights to the topics as well.
Copyright (c) 2024 Mackenzie Stewart https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
On September 21, 2023, the Icelandic Department supported a trip to New Iceland, one which considered references to Norse Mythology among the early Icelandic settlers of Manitoba and visited the New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli as well as Engimýri, a historic house in Riverton. This article describes the trip.
Copyright (c) 2024 Dustin Geeraert https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Thunder Road trilogy is a series of books by Winnipeg author Chadwick Ginther, which tells the story of one possible outcome to the question “what if the Norse gods actually came back again after Ragnarök”. In this case, long after Ragnarök – so recent that the books could be said to be set in modern times. This essay will discuss how the author has incorporated the Norse myths into a very modern work of fiction, while still maintaining continuity with the original sources of this material such as the Poetic and Prose Eddas and also creating a compelling story sure to grab the attention of fans of the speculative fiction genre.
Copyright (c) 2024 Karla King https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Guðbergur Bergsson touched many with his life and work. Birna Bjarnadóttir commemorates him in this memoriam.
Copyright (c) 2024 Birna Bjarnadóttir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Stephan G. Stephansson’s 170th Birthday Celebration
Stephan G. Stephansson's life unfolds as a narrative tracing his journey from Iceland to North America, capturing his significant contributions to literature the deeply personal moments that influenced his renowned anthology, Andvökur. This article also showcases the broader literary landscape of Icelandic immigrant authors, highlighting key figures like Jón Trausti, Hulda, Snær Snæland, Ralph Waldo Trine, Guttormur J. Guttormsson, and Jón Runólfsson, providing insight into their works, connections, and shared experiences within the Icelandic literary diaspora. Stephan's collection of books, intertwined with personal inscriptions and connections to other authors, serves as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry woven by immigrant writers in North America and Iceland. The photos offers a glimpse into a captivating exhibit at the Icelandic Collection at Elizabeth Dafoe Library, celebrating Stephan G. Stephansson's life, his literary contributions, and the interconnectedness of Icelandic immigrant authors in forging a literary legacy across continents.
Copyright (c) 2024 Katelin Parsons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Icelandic Connection has always been dedicated to preserving the uniquely North American Icelandic culture. Throughout its history the journal has transformed from a traditional print format to an exclusively online platform offering greater accessibility through open access publication.
Copyright (c) 2024 Katrín Níelsdóttir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
"The Sunshine Children" by Christofer Crocker offers a captivating exploration of the Icelandic language press in Manitoba, focusing on specific publications aimed at or produced by children. This unique overview delves into the relationship between children's publications and mainstream periodicals and their intended audience.
Óðinn stole my mythological virginity:"Do you want to know more? And What?"
Our experience as readers enhances the writer’s work. However, there is a point where our experience leads us to allow our imagination to explore the unknown. Beyond the work produced, we explore the writer’s version of reality. Through this lens, we as readers critique a hierarchy of representation within universal consciousness. Women’s agency in the Edda's rises to the magic of the Viking past through the Seeress's voice. Still, even today, the female reader may feel enraged by Óðinn’s grasping of our divine essence, our magic, and our ability to create. Within the interplay of Reader/Storyteller, Writer, and Work, our gaze seeks redemption.
Copyright (c) 2024 Diane Alexander https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0