Icelandic Folklore - A Book of Creatures

A Book of Creatures
Icelandic folklore
Vatnaormur
Variations: Water Serpent, Lake Serpent; Lagarfljotsormurinn, Lagarfljot Worm; Lyngorm, Slug
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The lakes of Iceland are home to a wide variety of Vatnaormar, “water serpents”. These serve as the
Icelandic equivalent of lindorms, water-horses, and other malignant freshwater monsters.
Most famous of these is the Lagarfljot serpent. This creature originated in a farm in the Herad, near
Lagarfljot Lake. A woman gave her daughter a golden ring, and suggested she put it under a lyngorm – a
slug, literally “heath snake”. In a few days the snake was so big it was bursting through the linen-box
where the ring was kept. The terrified girl tossed box, snake, and ring into the Lagarfljot.
With the passing of years the snake grew big enough to prey on people and livestock. It would also
spew venom onto the land. In the end it met its match in either Bishop Gudmundur Arason, two Lapp
sorcerers, or a magically-empowered poet. Regardless of who it was, they were brought in to kill the
serpent, but found the creature too powerful to kill. So instead it was bound, with a rope tied around its
neck and another around its tail. The beast now lies bound at the bo om of Lagarfljot for all time;
occasionally it arches its back over the water, and that is an ill omen. It has been sighted multiple times
in 1479, 1555, 1594, 1749-1750 and 1819, appearing as a great snake with humps or spikes on its back, or
a monstrous horse. Sometimes it stretches itself onto the riverbanks while spewing massive amounts of
poison. It is referred to in a 1590 geographical map of Iceland, with the ominous text “A huge monster
has its lair in this lake, constituting a danger to the inhabitants and appearing ahead of significant
events”.
The serpent that grows along with the treasure it guards is a recurring motif, first appearing in the saga
of Ragnar Lodbrok where the serpent eventually has to be slain by the titular hero.
The story of the serpent of Skorradalsvatn is identical to and older than that of the Lagarfljot serpent; it
appears that its account was transposed to Lagarfljot over time.
Other Icelandic water serpents include the Hvalvatn serpent (striped with a cat-like head), the huge
Hvita River serpents (gaudy in Arnessysla, striped in Borgar ordur), the Kleifarvatn serpent (30-40
meters long and black in color), the large Skafta River serpent (multi-colored), and the mysterious dry-
land serpent of Surtshellir.
References
Boucher, A. (1994) Elves and Stories of Trolls and Elemental Beings. Iceland Review, Reykjavik.
Hlidberg, J. B. and Aegisson, S.; McQueen, F. J. M. and Kjartansson, R., trans. (2011) Meeting with
Monsters. JPV utgafa, Reykjavik.
Simpson, J. (1972) Icelandic Folktales and Legends. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los
Angeles.
7 COMMENTS LEAVE A COMMENT
DECEMBER 21, 2020

ABOOKOFCREATURES
ICELAND, LAKE MONSTERS, MOLLUSCS,
POISON AND VENOM, POND AND RIVER,
REPTILES, SNAKES, V, WATER-HORSES, WORMS
ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, LAKE MONSTERS,
MOLLUSK FOLKLORE, SNAKE FOLKLORE,
SNAKES
Bjarndýrakóngur
Variations: King of the Bears, Einhyrningur (Unicorn)

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The Bjarndýrakóngur, the “King of the Bears”, is the undisputed monarch of the polar bears of Iceland.
It is born from a female polar bear and a walrus or a bull.
A bjarndýrakóngur has red cheeks and a single horn on its forehead. The horn, which is its scepter of
authority, has a sharp end and is tipped with a platinum globe. It emits a bright light in all directions
such that the bjarndýrakóngur can always see its way through the darkness.
The king of the bears is as wise and noble as it is powerful. It understands human speech and demands
loyalty and obeisance from other polar bears. While easily capable of killing with its horn, it only does so
in self-defense or in judgment on wayward subjects.
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It is said that, on a Whitsun church service in the 18 century, a procession of 12 or 13 polar bears was
seen ambling from the outer parts of Iceland. They were led by a stately and benevolent
bjarndýrakóngur. The clergyman greeting them in full regalia, as did the congregation, and bowed to the
king, who returned the bow. The bjarndýrakóngur continued to lead his subjects through southern
Iceland. At Borgamór the last bear in the line killed and ate a sheep, whereupon the king ran the
offending bear through with his horn. Eventually the royal cortège reached Grenivík where they
disappeared into the sea.
The only animal that will dare challenge the king of the bears is a redcheek or redjowl. This is a highly
aggressive polar bear with distinctive reddish pink coloration on one cheek. Redcheeks will a ack any
beast or man that it encounters – but against the king of bears they meet their match.
References

NOVEMBER 13, 2020
ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, B, HOUSE AND HOME, ICELAND, MAMMALS, OCEAN AND SEA, PLAINS
AND FIELDS, UNICORNS
BEARS, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, MAMMALIAN FOLKLORE, MAMMALS, UNICORNS
Loðsilungur
Variations: Lodsilungur, Lod-silungur, Shaggy Trout; Loðufsi (Shaggy Pollock)
The Loðsilungur, or “Shaggy Trout”, is one of the most toxic fishes to inhabit Iceland. The earliest
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accounts date from the mid-17 century, where it is obliquely referred to as the “poisonous menace”.
Illness and death follow the consumption of a loðsilungur.
The appearance of the Icelandic shaggy trout varies, but a trout-like shape and the presence of hair are
diagnostic. Loðsilungurs tend to be ugly and strange. The one described in Nordri in 1855 had a beard of
reddish hair on its lower jaw and neck as well as hairy patches on its sides and hairy fins. Another
account distinguishes between trout with shaggy hair near the front of their head, and trout with hairy
manes on either side. The adipose fin is either reduced or absent, and scales may not be present. The
most detailed description specifies that it is no bigger than an Arctic char, and is often the size of a man’s
finger. The tail is narrower and the front thicker than in other trout. The small, deep-set eyes are set
ahead of a bulbous skull. The short snout has a distinctive overbite. The teeth are pitch black. Finally, the
loðsilungur is covered with fine, downy, co ony-white hair. This hair, the namesake of the trout,
resembles mold and is visible only when the fish is dead and in the water; on dry land it lies flat against
the scales and becomes invisible. This makes it easier to confuse with edible trout – and makes it that
much more deadly.
Across Iceland the tale is told of a tragic group poisoning. In 1692 the inhabitants of the farm called Gröf
were found dead around a table with a cooked loðsilungur. Two brothers in a hunting lodge near
Gunnarssonavatn Lake died with plates of trout on their knees. The most notorious poisoning incident is
that of the Kaldrani farm, where an entire household were killed by a meal of loðsilungur. Only one
young pauper girl had no appetite at the time, and avoided a terrible death.
Dogs and birds of prey, normally indiscriminate in their eating habits, will refuse to eat a loðsilungur.
The shaggy trout are also tenacious and will cling stubbornly to life as long as possible. A group of
fishermen in Hoffellsvatn Lake found that out the hard way; they left a catch of fish out overnight, only
to find a live loðsilungur squirming on top of the pile. The entire catch was discarded and the lake
abandoned.
References
Davidsson, O. (1900) The Folk-lore of Icelandic Fishes. The Sco ish Review, October, pp. 312-332.
JULY 15, 2019

ABOOKOFCREATURES
FISHES, ICELAND, L, POISON AND VENOM,
POND AND RIVER
FISH FOLKLORE, FISHES, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE
Öfuguggi
Variations: Öfug-uggi, Reverse-Fin Trout, Fin; Afuggafiskur, Aufuggufiskur (meanings unclear)

The Öfuguggi or Reverse-Fin Trout is one of several Icelandic fish distinguished by an extreme toxicity.
Its poisonous reputation is such that its name has entered common Icelandic as a slur for jerks, perverts,
loners, and homosexuals. The stories told of it are identical to those of the shaggy trout, and the two
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fishes are commonly confused. Accounts of this lethally poisonous fish date to before the mid-17
century.
As the name suggests, an öfuguggi looks deceptively like a normal brown trout with the exception of
reversed fins and swimming organs, although Jónas Hallgrímsson specified in 1841 that only the small
adipose fin is reversed. The öfuguggi swims backwards with its tail first and the head following; in color
it is jet-black or coal-black. The flesh is red, indicating that the fish feeds on the bodies of drowned men.
Reverse-fin trouts live in the cold depths of freshwater lakes. There they are sometimes fished, prepared,
and eaten – causing the deaths of all who tasted the meal. Öfuguggi poisoning may cause the victim to
swell up until their stomach bursts, producing a cross-shaped wound. The most infamous poisoning
incident is that of Kaldrani farm, where almost everyone on the household took ill and died after a meal
of trout. The only survivor was a pauper girl who had no appetite at the time.
There have been sightings and tragic tales of the reverse-fin trout across Iceland. Known place names
include Öfuguggatjörn (Reverse-Fin Pool), the vanished Öfuguggavatn (Reverse-Fin Lake), and
Ofuggugavatnshaeðir (Reverse-Fin Lake Hills).
References
Pálsson, G. (1991) Coastal economies, cultural accounts: Human ecology and Icelandic discourse. Manchester
University Press, Manchester.

MAY 13, 2019
ABOOKOFCREATURES
FISHES, ICELAND, O, POISON AND VENOM,
POND AND RIVER
FISH FOLKLORE, FISHES, ICELANDIC
FOLKLORE
Skeljaskrímsli
Variations: Fjörulalli (Beach Walker), Fjörulabbi (Beach Roamer), Fjörudýr (Shore Animal), Rauðkálfur
(Red Calf), Saeúlfur (Sea Wolf), Skeljalabbi (Shell Roamer), Skeljalalli (Shell Walker)
The name Skeljaskrímsli, “shell monster”, refers to a number of Icelandic shore animals known by a
variety of names. Consistent among the accounts are the association with the beach, a hump on the back,
and a coat of shells that ra le as the creature walks. Shell monsters have been sighted on the coasts of all
the main regions of Iceland, and at least one report (the Glúmsstaðir farm’s in Fljótavík, Hornstrandir)
describes a freshwater specimen.
As specified by Hlidberg and Aegisson, the skeljaskrímsli proper is a quadrupedal marine creature,
bulky and powerfully built. It is the size of a winter’s old bull calf or a huge horse. The neck is broad, the
jaws and teeth impressive, and the eyes reddish. There may be a phosphorescent glow coming from the
mouth. The skeljaskrímsli’s tail is long and armed with a lump at the end. The short, strong legs end in
circular feet armed with large claws.
The skeljaskrímsli earns its name from the thick reflective coat of shells (or flaky scales) that covers its
body. These ra le and scrape against each other as the creature moves, giving warning of its arrival. As
the shell monster approaches, its powerful stench also becomes apparent. There is li le good to say
about the shell monster – even its blood is toxic.
Skeljaskrímslis live in the sea and haul themselves onto shore in the dark moonless nights of the
northern winter. Often they can be seen before or after spells of bad weather and storms. They are
a racted to light and will leave deep gouges in farmhouse doors. Suffice to say that anyone who
encounters one of these surly brutes will be in for a bad time.
Most weapons are useless against a skeljaskrímsli’s formidable defenses. One farmer who ba led a
skeljaskrímsli managed to keep it at bay until the monster tired and returned to the sea; the farmer was
stricken with leprosy for his trouble. Another farmer managed to wound a skeljaskrímsli, but some of its
poisonous blood spa ered onto him, and he died in agony soon after.
To harm a skeljaskrímsli one must resort to alternative ammunition. Shooting silver bu ons, grey willow
catkins, or lamb droppings from a gun are the only ways to injure and kill this beast.
The Fjörulalli is the best-known variant of the skeljaskrímsli. It is also the size of a winter’s old bull calf,
and has been reported as being smaller, about as big as a dog. A tail may or may not be present, and the
head is a small, rounded outgrowth. It is covered with shells or lava fragments that scrape together as it
moves. Unlike the larger shell-monsters, these smaller ones are usually harmless. They will, however,
tear the udders off sheep, and pregnant women should avoid them lest they negatively affect their
unborn babies.
References
APRIL 12, 2019

ABOOKOFCREATURES
DARKNESS AND NIGHT, ICELAND, LAKE
MONSTERS, MAMMALS, MONSTERS, OCEAN
AND SEA, POISON AND VENOM, S
ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, MONSTERS
Selamóðir
Variations: Seal Mother

The Selamóðir, or “Seal Mother”, is the protector of the harbor seals and grey seals of Iceland. It is called
by seals when persecuted, or it may appear of its own accord to defend its charges. Unlike most seals, it
can be found inland as well as at sea, in freshwater and saltwater.
Seal mother or not, a selamóðir is a monstrous sight. It is like a seal in general appearance, but of
“unusual dimensions”, “terrifying size”, or simply the size of a large foreign dog with short legs. It is
reddish-pink in color (perhaps with a red neck), with flashing eyes and a back like an island. There is a
tuft of hair, like brushwood or heather, between its eyes.
Seal mothers may be found wherever seals gather, and ferociously a ack anything that approaches their
“children”. There is one report of a selamóðir charging out of the sea to scare off would-be seal hunters,
and others of selamóðirs swimming upriver.
A selamóðir was also one of the three monsters inhabiting the Lagarfljót river. It slept under the
waterfall, and was much feared until it was vanquished and transfixed to a rock.
References
SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

ABOOKOFCREATURES
FISH MOTHERS, ICELAND, MAMMALS, OCEAN AND SEA, POND AND RIVER, S
ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, MAMMALIAN FOLKLORE
Sverðhvalur
Variations: Sverdhvalur, Sword-whale, Swordwhale; Sverðfiskur, Sverðfiskar, Sverðfiskr (Sword-fish);

Sverðurinn (Sworder); Brúnfiskur, Brún-fiskur (Brown-fish); Sveifarfiskur (Crank-fish); Slambakur (Slap-
whale); Staurhvalur (Stump-whale); Einbægslingur (One-fin); Haskerðingur (High-Fin; potentially the
basking shark or the swordwhale); Killer Whale, Orca, Swordfish
The Sverðhvalur (“Swordwhale”) or Sverðfiskur (“Swordfish”) is one of the illhveli, or “evil whales” that
lurk off the coast of Iceland. Like the other evil whales, it is unfit for eating, and the steypireyður or blue
whale is its mortal enemy.
The sverðhvalur’s most distinctive feature is the sharp bony fin growing out of its back. This fin is 3-12
cubits (1.5-6 meters) tall. The sverðhvalur is about the size of a sperm whale at the largest, and its
spouting is short and heavy. Its face is owlish in appearance, with a pointed snout and a large mouth set
with vicious teeth. If the brúnfiskur (“brown-fish”) is one of its many aliases, it can be assumed to be
brown in color, but another account describes it as grey.
The sverðhvalur is a fast swimmer, and beats the water on either side of it with its fin when agitated. It is
often accompanied by a smaller whale – perhaps its offspring – that swims under its pectoral fin and
feeds on its scraps. The bladed dorsal fin is used as a weapon, and a sverðhvalur will swim underneath
good whales to cut their bellies open with crisscross slashes. Whales will beach themselves rather than
suffer a sverðhvalur’s a ack. Sverðhvalurs are also wasteful eaters, choosing to eat only the tongue of
cetacean prey and leaving the rest to rot. Boats are treated in the same way as whales are, with the dorsal
fin punching holes through hulls or slicing cleanly through smaller boats and sailors alike.
Other encounters, especially with larger vessels, are more harmful for the whale. A trading ship sailing
from eastern Iceland to Copenhagen came to a stop in the middle of a large pod of whales, and suddenly
felt a strong tug coming from below. When the ship moored in Copenhagen, a large fish’s tusk was
found sticking out of the hull.
Another sverðfiskur followed a boat off Eyja örður, and gave up the chase only after a gun was fired
into its gaping mouth.
The term sverðfiskur or sverðfiskr (“sword-fish”) has been used to refer to the swordfish, the sawfish,
and the killer whale. The basking shark and the killer whale have also been accused of slicing through
ships and eviscerating whales with their fins, and it is the killer whale or “swordwhale” that appears to
be the sverðhvalur’s ancestor.
References
Anderson, P. (1955) Bibliography of Scandinavian Philology XXIV. Acta Philologica Scandinavica, Ejnar
Munksgaard, Copenhagen.
Árnason, J.; Powell, G. E. J. and Magnússon, E. trans. (1866) Icelandic Legends, Second Series. Longmans,
Green, and Co., London.
Hermansson, H. (1924) Jon Gudmundsson and his Natural History of Iceland. Islandica, Cornell University
Library, Ithaca.
FEBRUARY 12, 2016

ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, FISHES, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, OCEAN AND SEA, S, WHALES
ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, MARINE FOLKLORE, WHALE FOLKLORE
Lyngbakur
Variations: Lyng-bakur, Lyngbakr, Ling-back, Heather-back; Jasconius, Iascanus; Hólma-fiskur,

Hólmafiskur (Island Fish)
The Lyngbakur is the largest of all the illhveli, the largest of the whales, indeed one of the largest
creatures in the sea. In Icelandic lore only the hafgufa (or kraken) is bigger than it, and the two giants are
frequently interchangeable.
Despite its enormous size, the lyngbakur is rarely seen, and it does not go out of its way to sink ships the
way its smaller brethren do. Most of the time its back is the only thing seen, looking like an island
covered with a growth of heather. Its eyes are dorsally located, giving the impression of circular pools of
water. From a distance the lyngbakur seems jet-black, but on closer inspection it is a mossy grey. It is
tailed and finned like other whales.
The lyngbakur is a slow swimmer, and tends to doze at the surface, looking indistinguishable from a
heather-covered island. It is possible to go right up and land on it, but the whale eventually awakes and
dives, and anyone still on it will be drowned. Some fishermen in southern Iceland stayed two days on
the whale’s back before it sunk, but they had the presence of mind to escape while they could. Trying to
draw water from the “pools” on the island is certain to awaken it. The lyngbakur feeds only once every
three years, but when it does it engulfs anything in its path, fish, birds, and whales alike.
The saga of Arrow-Odd relates the titular hero’s adventures, which include an encounter with a
lyngbakur sent by his enemy Ogmund. He stopped by a large heather-covered island, and had five of his
crew disembark to find drinking water. Before long the island began to move, going underwater and
drowning the unfortunate crewmen.
Saint Brendan moored at a small island covered with sparse vegetation and with no sand on its shores.
He and his followers spent the night praying on the island, but left next morning in a hurry as the
ground began to shake. They returned to their ship in time, where they found out that they had been on
the back of a Jasconius or Iascanus, a great whale that seems to be none other than the lyngbakur. The
next time they encountered the whale, Saint Brendan fearlessly sang Easter Mass on it, and none were
harmed.
It is said that there is only one lyngbakur, and it will live until Armageddon.
References
Edwards, P. and Pálsson, H. (1970) Arrow-Odd: A Medieval Novel. New York University Press, New York.
JANUARY 15, 2016
ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, L, LIVING ISLANDS, UNCATEGORIZED, WHALES
ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, SAILOR FOLKLORE, WHALE FOLKLORE
Skeljúngur
Variations: Skieliungur; Svar valur, Suar ualur (Iron Whale); Skútuhvalur (Schooner Whale);
Tigrishvalur (Tiger Whale); Hnúfubakur, Humpback Whale
The Skeljúngur, or “shell whale” is one of the many illhveli, or “evil whales” of Iceland. Unlike its
brethren, the skeljúngur is edible and safe to eat, making it the most dangerous of the edible whales. It
has even helped humans on occasion; one young skeljúngur aided Hjalmper and Olvir in ba le against a
vicious hrosshvalur.
It is described as ranging from 20 to 45 meters long. It is very fat and short-flippered, lacks dorsal fins,
and its entire body is covered with shells that ra le as it swims. The shells tend to make it itchy, and it
will rub its head against rocks in deep coastal waters. Despite its portly appearance, it is a fast swimmer,
earning it the nickname of “tiger whale”. It dives vertically, and sleeps vertically with its head sticking
out of the sea. Whether it has teeth or baleen is unclear.
A shell-whale will position itself in the path of an oncoming ship, and will continue to obstruct the
vessel’s course if the captain tries to avoid it. Skilled sailors should change their course fast enough to
evade it, as sailing right onto it causes the whale to throw the ship and kill all on board. When
destroying boats, it likes to strike them with its fins and tails. Skeljúngur armor makes them impervious
to most a acks and quite fearless, and the whales will play dead to entice prey within range. The
whaling ship Minerva off Grimsey thought they had killed a skeljúngur, but the seemingly dead whale
immediately recovered and destroyed the boat sent to finish it off.
Skeljúngurs hate the sound of iron being ground and filed. If one of these whales hears that loathed
sound, it will go frantic and beach itself to get away from it. The alternate name of svar valur (“iron
whale”) is derived from this aversion.
Skeljúngur is also another name of the humpback whale or hnúfubakur.
References
Library, Ithaca.
Larson, L. M. (1917) The King’s Mirror. Twayne Publishers Inc., New York.
DECEMBER 14, 2015

ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, FISHES, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, MAMMALS, OCEAN AND SEA, S, WHALES
FISH FOLKLORE, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, SAILOR FOLKLORE, WHALE FOLKLORE
Taumafiskur
Variations: Taumhveli (Bridle-whale); Taumur, Taumi (Bridle, Striped One); Stóri-hnýfill (Big Shorthorn)
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/taumafiskur.jpg)
The Taumafiskur, or “bridle fish”, is one of the many illhveli – the “evil whales” of Iceland. It is the most
dangerous and feared of the evil whales, as are the others. Its flesh is inedible, and speaking its name at
sea will a ract its unwelcome a ention.
Its name is derived from the white or pink stripes extending from its eyes to its mouth, and from its
mouth outwards. These contrast sharply with its raven-black color, and give the appearance of a bridle.
In the East Fjords it is known as the “big shorthorn”, distinguishing it from the “li le shorthorn” or
minke whale which is smaller and shorter-finned. The taumafiskur is slightly larger than the stökkull in
size.
Taumafiskurs are cruel, destructive, and spiteful; worse than that, they have an excellent memory and
will hold grudges for as long as they live, tracking down anyone who has escaped them. They flip boats
over, tear them up with their teeth, pummel them with their tails, and even get under them crosswise
and fold them in half.
One minister from Fáskrúðs örður survived a taumafiskur’s a ack by clinging to the wreckage of his
boat. Since then, he was unable to go to sea without the whale zeroing in on him again, seeking to kill
him once and for all.
Another time the crew of a Danish fishing boat sighted a taumafiskur around the Snæfellsnes glacier.
They were saved by the quick thinking and skill in the dark arts of the captain, who dove overboard
with a small bag in hand, and when he returned he assured them the taumafiskur would not bother
them anymore. And sure enough, it was not seen again that day.
Exactly what the captain used to repel the taumafiskur is unknown. The substances known to be
abhorrent to taumafiskurs (and most likely other illhveli) include chewed angelica, ro ing baitfish, bilge-
water, cod-liver oil, live fire in a bucket, juniper, cow or sheep manure, sulfur, chopped fox testicles, and
yarrow. Se ing fire to these substances before throwing them overboard was believed to make them
more potent. Taumafiskurs can also be distracted by loud noises and barrels thrown into the water, and
sailing into the sun can dazzle them into giving up the chase.
References
NOVEMBER 16, 2015

ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, FISHES, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, OCEAN AND SEA, T, WHALES
FISH FOLKLORE, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, WHALE FOLKLORE
Skoffín
Variations: Skoffin; Skuggabaldur, Finngalkn, Fingal; Urdarkö ur, Nakö ur; Modyrmi
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/skoffin.jpg)
The Skoffín is one of a complex of Icelandic fox-cat hybrids with a lethal gaze, combining the cunning of
the fox with the cruelty of the cat. This group also includes the Skuggabaldur, Urdarkö ur, and
Modyrmi, all of which are variations on the same theme; they are also linked to the “demon harriers”,
foxes sent by sorcerers to maul livestock.
A skoffín is born from the union of a male Arctic fox and a female tabby cat, and resembles both of them.
Its gaze is so deadly that everything it looks at dies immediately, without needing to see it. Its exact
appearance varies; it may even change color with the seasons like the Arctic fox does. Reports suggest
that skoffíns are short-haired, with bald patches of skin throughout.
Skoffín ki ens are born with their eyes wide open. If not destroyed immediately, they sink into the
ground and emerge after 3 years of maturation. It is therefore imperative to kill sighted ki ens before
they can disappear into the ground. When a li er of three sighted ki ens was born at a farm in Súluholt,
they were placed in a tub of urine to prevent their descent into the earth, and were drowned by placing
turf on top of them. The entire tub was then tossed onto a pile of manure and hay and set on fire. The
mother cat was also killed.
Skoffíns are irredeemably vile and malicious, and satisfy their appetite for destruction by killing humans
and livestock alike. They are best shot from a safe distance, ideally with a silver bullet and after having
made the sign of the cross in front of the barrel, or having a human knucklebone on the barrel. Hardened
sheep dung makes equally effective bullets.
Thankfully, skoffíns are not immune to their own gaze. An encounter between two skoffíns will lead to
the death of both of them. As with basilisks, mirrors are their bane. Once a skoffín stationed itself on the
roof of a church, and the parishioners started dropping dead as they left the building. The deacon
understood what was going on, and had the rest of the congregation wait inside while he tied a mirror to
a long pole and extended it outside to the roof. After a few minutes he gave the all-clear, and they were
able to leave the church safely, as the skoffín had perished immediately upon seeing its reflection.
Eventually, confusion with the basilisk of the mainland muddled the skoffín’s image, leading to some
accounts claiming it was hatched from a rooster’s egg.
The skuggabaldur (“shadow baldur”) or finngalkn has the same parentage as the skoffín, but is born of a
tomcat and a vixen. It has very dark fur shading to black, sometimes has a deadly gaze, and preys on
livestock. It may be killed in the same way as the skoffín. One particularly destructive skuggabaldur in
Húnavatnssýslur was tracked down and killed in a canyon; with its last breath, it exhorted its killers to
inform the cat at Bollastadir of its death. When a man repeated that incident at a Bollastadir farm, a
tomcat – no doubt the skuggabaldur’s father – jumped at him and sank its teeth and claws into his
throat. It had to be decapitated to release its hold, but by then the man was dead.
The urdarkö ur (“ghoul cat”) or nakö ur (“corpse cat”) is of less certain parentage. It may be a hybrid,
but other accounts state that any cat that goes feral in Iceland eventually becomes an urdarkö ur, and
all-white ki ens born with their eyes open will sink into the ground and re-emerge after three years in
this form. Shaggy, white or black furred, growing up to the size of an ox, these felines kill
indiscriminately and dig up corpses in graveyards. It may be killed in the same way, and is a ached to
the same story as the Bollastadir cat. Gryla’s pet, the Yule Cat, is most likely an urdarkö ur.
The modyrmi (“hay wormling”) is a canine variant, created when puppies born with their eyes open
sink into the ground and reappear after three years as wretched, virulent monsters. The specifics are the
same as with the skoffín.
References
Boucher, A. (1994) Elves and Stories of Trolls and Elemental Beings. Iceland Review, Reykjavik.
Library, Ithaca.
Stefánsson, V. (1906) Icelandic Beast and Bird Lore. The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 19, no. 75, pp.
300-308.
NOVEMBER 6, 2015
ABOOKOFCREATURES
DARKNESS AND NIGHT, DEADLY GAZE, FOREST AND MOUNTAIN, HOUSE AND HOME,
HYBRIDS, ICELAND, MAMMALS, S
HYBRIDS, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, MAMMALIAN FOLKLORE
Katthveli
Variations: Ka hvalur, Ke uhvalur; Ka fiskur (Cat-fish); Kisa (Ki y); Bísill (Feline); Sea-cat
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/ka hveli.jpg)
The Ka hveli (“Cat-whale”), is one of Iceland’s many evil whales or “illhveli”. It is generally smaller and
of a less harmful nature than its larger brethren, and has even been tamed on occasion. As with other
illhveli, it is inedible and will zero in on anyone who mentions its name. Speaking about it at sea is
considered highly foolish.
The ka hveli has been described as a seal, dolphin, or whale with bulky forequarters and narrower
hindquarters, with the mouth of a leopard, the strength of a lion, and the hunger of a hound. It earns its
name from the long, furzy whiskers on its snout and the sounds it makes, ranging from a purr when it
exhales to mews and hisses when agitated. It is fairly small and ki enish at 16 cubits (8 meters), with a
short rounded head with nodules that resemble ears. It has short, sharp teeth protruding from its upper
jaw, and Saint Brendan adds that it has boar’s tusks. The eyes gleam brazenly. The flippers are large, and
nasty hooked claws are present. Known colors include pink, grey, peaty brown, and countershaded; the
one encountered near the Faroe Islands was pale under the chin and had woolly skin.
Ka hvelis have been known to school with rorquals and large fish. These whales are cruel and vicious,
using their speed and agility to swim underneath boats and flip them. One ka hveli chased a boat off
the Skálanesbjarg cliffs, but gave up after it was outsped by the rowers. Another one intercepted a ship
at Héradsflói and remained alongside it, preventing the sailors from fishing and following them with its
eyes. Harpooning it was ruled out as nobody wanted to provoke it, and it eventually dove and
disappeared by nightfall. Ásmundur Helgason and his companions were a acked by one off Seley
Island; it rammed their boat and stuck its head through the hull. After a terrifying struggle, they
managed to push it out and make for safety despite the damage. A Faroese ka hveli at Suðuroy reared
out of the water and put its flippers on the gunwale of a boat, hissing and spi ing like a cat and
snapping at the sailors until one quick-thinking man put his gun in its mouth and fired, whereupon it
slid off into the depths.
St. Brendan encountered a “sea-cat” the size of a horse on a small island. It had originally been brought
as a pup along with twelve pilgrim sailors, and was quite friendly and tame, but soon grew bigger and
hungrier and eventually ate all but one of the sailors, who took refuge in a small stone church. St.
Brendan prayed for aid, and immediately a great whale lunged out of the sea and seized the sea-cat,
pulling it into the sea where they both drowned each other.
The wolffish Anarhichas lupus was also known colloquially as the cat-fish or sea-cat in older English, and
may be associated with the ka hveli. If it was born from mistaken identity, a large seal such as the
walrus or bearded seal is a more plausible contender.
References
Cunningham, J. T. (1896) The Natural History of the Marketable Marine Fishes of the British Islands.
MacMillan and Co., London.
Joensen, J. P. Tradition and Changes in the Concepts of Water-Beings in Faroese Folklore. In Lysaght, P.; Ó
Catháin, S.; and Ó hÓgáin, D. (1996) Islanders and Water-Dwellers. Proceedings of the Celtic-Nordic-Baltic
Folklore Symposium, DBA Publications, Dublin.
Stokes, W. S. (1890) Lives of Saints from the Book of Lismore. Clarendon Press, Oxford.
OCTOBER 26, 2015
ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, HYBRIDS, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, K, MAMMALS, OCEAN AND SEA
Nauthveli
Variations: Nauthvalur, Nautshval (Ox-whale); Nautfiskur (Ox-fish); Kýrhvalur (Cow-whale); Fjósi

(Byre-whale); Baulhveli (Bellow-whale); Búrhvalur, Sperm Whale
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/nauthveli.jpg)
The Nauthveli or Nauthvalur (“Ox-whale”) is one of the many illhveli or “evil whales” of Iceland. It is
the second biggest of the evil whales, and like the others, it is inedible and will show up if its name is
said out loud.
A nauthveli is a toothed whale, bicolored much like a cow. The large head is similar to that of a bull and
has two nodules on top. The trunk tapers off, wormlike, and lacks fins.
However, the nauthveli is named not for its appearance, but rather for the terrifying bull-like bellow it
makes when hungry, a sound like that of roaring, maddened bulls. The call of a nauthveli is made in the
open sea or near the shore, and can be heard reverberating over long distances. The vibrations cause the
ground to shake and knock oars out of sailors’ hands. Going out to sea is forbidden if nauthveli
bellowing can be heard.
As will all evil whales, the nauthveli delights in killing men and scu ling smaller boats, but it has a
particular fondness for beef. The bellow of a nauthveli is hypnotic to ca le, compelling them to run off
cliffs and headlong into the sea. There the nauthveli plays with them like a cat does with a mouse before
biting them in half and eating them. The whales are a racted to ca le on board ship; one nauthveli off
Grimsey harassed a vessel until they released the one cow on board, who promptly dove into the sea.
Ca le have to be locked up for days until the nauthveli’s spell wears off, and indeed cow-herding was
strongly discouraged in areas where nauthvelis had been heard. Sacrificing one bull or cow usually
satisfies the nauthveli, making it safe to go out to sea again.
Gudmundsson listed the nauthveli as synonymous with the búrhvalur or sperm whale.
References
Library, Ithaca.
OCTOBER 2, 2015
ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, HYBRIDS, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, MAMMALS, N, OCEAN AND SEA,
WHALES
Hrosshvalur
Variations: Hrosshvalr, Hrosshualar, Hrosshveli, Rosshvalur, Equinus Cetus, Horse-whale; Saehestur

(Sea Horse); Stökkull (Jumper, probably erroneously); Stori Svinhvalur (Large Pig-whale); Pollur
(Tenacious One); Monoculus
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/hrosshvalur.jpg)
The Hrosshvalur, or “Horse-whale”, is among the most cruel and dreaded of the Icelandic illhveli, or
“Evil Whales”. Only the Stökkull and Raudkembingur rival it in malice. It is irredeemably evil and is
unfit for eating, its flesh vanishing from the pot if cooked, and its consumption was banned by law.
The hrosshvalur is easily confused with its fellow illhveli; notably, it has a red crest similar to the
raudkembingur, and tends to jump onto ships like the stökkull. It is distinguished from those two by its
enormous eyes, which have earned it the nickname of Monoculus (“One-Eyed”). It earned its name from
a somewhat equine head, a flowing red mane covering more or less of its neck, a horse’s tail, and a call
like a horse neighing. It also smells bad, is covered with fine fur, and its insides are like those of a horse.
Jon Gudmundsson, who confused it with the stökkull, depicted it with a dappled back. These whales
grow 30 to 80 cubits (15 to 40 meters) long.
As with other illhveli, the hrosshvalur delights in destroying ships. A hrosshvalur will charge over the
waves at high speed, holding its head just above the water with its mane trailing behind. These whales
sink ships by jumping onto them, or pressing their weight on them until they capsize. Horse-whales are
also portents of bad weather, and can create huge waves by whipping their tails. A number of
euphemistic names are used to refer to horse-whales, to avoid a racting their a ention. While not as
easily distractable as raudkembingurs and stökkulls, their large eyes are a notable weakness.
In the 13th century, a hrosshvalur that surfaced alongside a ship was bombarded with every heavy
implement available, which caused it to sink back below the waves. Another hrosshvalur a acked the
heroes Hjalmper and Olvir; it was defeated with the help of a Skeljungur (“shell whale”), vagnhvalur
(“chariot whale”, or killer whale), and two vultures. A cutlass thrown into one of its large eyes
weakened it significantly, and it was torn apart by the whales.
Hrosshvalurs are also associated with the dark arts. The size and ferocity of the horse-whale made it an
excellent accomplice for sorcerers and witches bent on destruction, and a perfect form to assume when
causing chaos. In the Kormaks saga, the witch Dorveig transforms herself into a hrosshvalur to a ack the
brothers Kormakr and Dorgils. They recognize her from her eyes, and drive her off by throwing a javelin
into her back.
It is generally believed that the hrosshvalur was derived from the walrus, and ultimately gave it its name
by converting hval-hross to walrus. However, it was clear early on that it and the walrus were very
different animals, as Gudmundsson separately describes both the hrosshvalur and the walrus
(rostungur) in detail. Another possibility would be the giant squid, which would have contributed the
large eyes and a mane of tentacles.
References
Dillmann, F. Les Yeux de Dorveig: À propos de la métamorphose en hrosshvalr d’une sorcière de la Kormaks
saga. In Heizmann, W. and van Nahl, A. (2003) Runica – Germanica – Medievalia. Walter de Gruyter,
Berlin.
Fraser, F. C. An Early 17th Century Record of the Californian Grey Whale in Icelandic Waters. In Pilleri, G.
(1970) Investigations on Cetacea, vol. II. Benteli AG, Bern.
Library, Ithaca.
SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
ABOOKOFCREATURES
H, HYBRIDS, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, OCEAN AND SEA, WHALES
Hrökkáll
Variations: Hrökk-áll
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/hrokkall.jpg)
A malicious Icelandic wizard once revived a dead, half-ro ed eel, giving rise to an evil and toxic
creature. It was the first Hrökkáll, or “coil-eel”. The wizard may be long dead, but the eel’s descendants
went on to infest polluted waters.
A hrökkáll is two feet long, and resembles an eel in appearance. It lives in still ponds and stagnant water,
and occasionally in running rivers. It has flexible, iron-hard scales, and sharp saw-toothed fins. As with
many Icelandic fishes, it secretes corrosive venom and its meat is poisonous. Captured hrökkálls have
been known to melt their way through earth and rock to squirm back into the water.
Hrökkálls lie in wait until someone steps in the water. Then they coil around the person’s leg and
constrict it, slicing into flesh and bone alike and amputating the limb. It is unknown whether hrökkálls
use their acidic venom or their bladed fins (or both) to do this. They will dismember humans and horses
in this way, but sheep are safe as their legs are too narrow for the hrökkáll to gain a hold.
Hrökkáll in common parlance has since evolved to mean electric eels.
References
Zoëga, G. T. (1911) English-Icelandic Dictionary, Second Edition. Sigurdur Kristjansson, Reykjavik.

AUGUST 12, 2015
ABOOKOFCREATURES
FISHES, H, ICELAND, POISON AND VENOM, POND AND RIVER
FISH FOLKLORE, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE
Raudkembingur
Variations: Rauðkembingur, Raudkembingr, Rauðkembingr, Raudkempingur, Red-comb, Red-crest;

Raudkembir (Red-crester); Raudkinni (Red-cheek); Raudkinnung, Raudkinnungur (Red-cheeker);
Raudgrani (Red-snout); Raudhofdi (Redhead); Kembingur (Crest); Kembir (Crester); Faxi (Maned)
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/raudkembingur.jpg)
Of all the illhveli, or evil whales that ply Icelandic waters, the Raudkembingur (“red comb” or “red
crest”) is the most savage and bloodthirsty. It may not have the size or raw power of some of the other
whales, but it is unmatched in ferocity and determination to harm boats. As with all illhveli, the
raudkembingur is an abomination, and eating its inedible flesh is forbidden. Boiling its meat causes it to
disappear from the pot.
The nature of the red comb or crest that gives the raudkembingur its name is unclear. Accounts refer to a
crest of bristly hair, a mane like a horse, or even a row of finlets; its extent varies from depiction to
depiction, but Jon Gudmundsson restricts it to the neck. The crest is a bright red on a coffee-brown body
with a pink belly; other accounts say it is reddish all over, or has red cheeks or a red head. Sometimes
there are red streaks from the mouth to the trunk, as if drawn in blood. The head itself, as depicted by
Gudmundsson, is almost saurian in appearance, with sharp teeth in both jaws. It either has a small
dorsal fin or none at all.
Raudkembingurs grow to twenty to forty cubits (10-20 m) in length. They are elongate, streamlined, and
very fast swimmers. Their movement is accompanied by massive amounts of foam and the whale’s
ominous neighing. This, along with the red mane, makes the raudkembingur confusable with the
hrosshvalur, and the two have become interchangeable over time. Hrosshvalurs, however, can be easily
distinguished by their dappled coloration, horse’s tail, and enormous eyes.
There is no limit to the malice and evil of the raudkembingur. Its mere presence is enough to dissuade
fishermen from an area. It will play dead for half a month, floating innocuously on the surface of the
water until someone is foolish enough to approach it. Once a boat is within range, the whale puts its
bulk and teeth to use, leaping onto the vessel, destroying it, and drowning all aboard. Much like a shark
is followed by pilotfish, the raudkembingur regularly has a beluga whales or narwhals (nahvalur –
“corpse whale”) following in its wake. These smaller, harmless whales clean up after the raudkembingur
and eat its plentiful leftovers.
If anything, the whale’s single-minded love of destruction represents the best hope of foiling it. If a boat
escapes it, and it does not destroy another within the same day, it will die of frustration. One
raudkembingur destroyed eighteen boats in the course of one day, but a nineteenth boat managed to
escape by dressing a piece of wood in clothes and tossing it overboard. The raudkembingur, believing it
to be a human, kept trying fruitlessly to drown it while the boat made its escape.
Raudkembingurs will also overexert themselves to death when pursuing prey. A boat captained by
Eyvindur Jónsson off Fljót ran into a raudkembingur, and the crewmen reacted by rowing for land as
fast as possible until they reached safety at the inlet of Saudanesvik. The sea then turned red as the
raudkembingur breathed its last. The boat itself earned the nickname of Hafrenningur (Ocean Runner)
after this feat.
Like the hrosshvalur, the demonic raudkembingur is also associated with sorcery and metamorphoses.
One tale tells of a callous young man at Hvalsnes who was cursed by the elfs into becoming a monstrous
red-headed whale. He wreaked havoc in Faxa ord and Hval ordur, until he tried to chase a priest up-
river. The red-head died of exhaustion in Hvalvatn Lake, and its bones can still be seen there.
It is generally believed that the raudkembingur and hrosshvalur are monstrous aggrandizements of the
walrus (itself derived from hvalhross – “whale-horse”). If the walrus is indeed the origin, however, it has
become fully dissociated from its descendants. Gudmundsson realistically depicts both the walrus and
the two illhveli, making it very clear that the la er are indeed whales. O o Fabricius believed the
raudkembingur to be inspired by the maned Steller’s sea lion, all the way from Kamchatka.
References
Arnason, J.; Powell, G. E. J. and Magnusson, E. trans. (1864) Icelandic Legends. Richard Bentley, London.
Fraser, F. C. An Early 17th Century Record of the Californian Grey Whale in Icelandic Waters. In Pilleri, G.
(1970) Investigations on Cetacea, vol. II. Benteli AG, Bern.
Library, Ithaca.
Kapel, F. O. (2005) O o Fabricius and the Seals of Greenland. Meddelelser om Grønland Bioscience,
Copenhagen.
JULY 31, 2015

ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, OCEAN AND SEA, R, WHALES
ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, WHALE FOLKLORE
Stökkull
Variations: Stokkull, Stöckull; Blödkuhvalur, Blökuhvalur, Blodkuhvalur (Flap-Whale); Bloejuhvalur

(Veiled Whale); Springhvalur (Springing Whale); Stökkfiskar (Jumping Fish); Spre fiskur (Sprinting
Fish); Lé ir (Agile One); Lé ur (Light One); De ir (Falling One); Hrosshvalur (Horse-Whale, probably
erroneously)
(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/stokkull-2.jpg)
The Stökkull is probably the most feared of the Icelandic illhveli, or “evil whales”. While not the largest
or the most well-armed of whales, it is remarkably powerful for its size, and is easily capable of pile-
driving ships into a watery grave. In fact, its name is used rather indiscriminately for a number of other
monstrous whales with similar behavior; Jon Gudmundsson combined it with the hrosshvalur.
Stökkull means “jumper”, or “leaper”, and this is an apt description of this whale’s habits. A stökkull
has a rounded body, black above and white below, and is about 8 to 20 meters long. It has a reinforced
ba ering-ram snout and an underslung lower jaw full of sharp teeth. Most notably, it has blinder-like
flaps of skin covering its eyes.
These fleshy flaps earn the stökkull its alternate name of blödkuhvalur (“flap whale”). They prevent
the stökkull from seeing ahead of it, and so in order to see it has to leap out of the water and look
underneath the flaps. Some accounts instead specify that the stökkull can see underwater and is blinded
when it breaches, but this is less likely. It is said that the stökkull’s depredations were once even worse
than they are today, until Saint Brendan implored the Lord to intervene. God responded by causing the
flaps of skin to grow over the stökkull’s eyes, hindering its capacity to do evil.
Blinded or not, stökkulls are still formidable foes. They leap out of the water, breaching so high that the
land and mountains can be seen below them, and cover a distance of four waves with every leap. When
in pursuit of a ship, a stökkull can leap a mile in pursuit. It will sink anything it sees floating by jumping
onto it nose-first, pulverizing boats and breaking the backs of large whales.
To avoid a racting the a ention of a stökkull, it must not be referred to by name, otherwise it is likely to
notice your presence. Any of a number of euphemisms must be used when talking about the jumper,
and that is the reason for its profusion of names.
If a stökkull is sighted in the distance, it must be distracted before it smashes its way into the boat. The
easiest way to do this is to throw a buoy or empty barrel overboard; the stökkull will exhaust itself
trying to sink the object. Even a hat thrown overboard will distract a stökkull, as fishermen on Eyjafirth
discovered. Another method is to make for the direction of the sun. If the stökkull tries to see where the
boat is going, the sun’s glare will interfere. Finally, if all else fails, suitably strong firepower is advised.
One stökkull was shot before it could leap, and that so startled it that it swam away at full speed, trailing
blood behind it.
The legend of the stökkull probably dates back to tall tales of flying fishes. It may be inspired by sperm
whales, Risso’s dolphins, and killer whales to various extents. Today stökkull is used in Iceland to refer
to a number of harmless dolphins and porpoises.
References
Library, Ithaca.
JULY 15, 2015

ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, OCEAN AND SEA, S, WHALES
ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, WHALE FOLKLORE
Múshveli
Variations: Mushveli, Mousewhale; Hafmús, Hafmus (“Sea-mouse”)

(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/mushveli.jpg)
The chimaera, ratfish, or rabbitfish (Chimaera monstrosa) is a small and completely harmless deep-sea
fish. Evidently its legendary counterpart the Múshveli, or “mousewhale”, is enormous and highly
dangerous. As one of the illhveli (“evil whales”) of Iceland, it is inedible and delights in causing death
and destruction.
Múshvelis are mostly mouth, ear, and tail. The gaping, deeply split mouth is large enough to swallow a
rowboat in a single gulp, and the large, prominent ears stick out like sails while the animal swims. A
long whiplike tail without a fin allows the múshveli to swim at terrifying speeds, so fast that the sea
churns ahead of it. Instead of fins, there are two stumpy hoofed legs. These animals are over ten meters
long, and light gray or brownish-black in color.
Múshvelis sink ships by ramming them or rearing up, placing their feet on the gunwales, and pushing
down until the ship capsizes. If a múshveli is sighted, the best course of action is usually to make for
shore as fast as possible, and once there make for higher ground. Unlike most other evil whales,
múshvelis can clamber onto the beach with their stubby legs, but they are out of their element and give
up quickly. One múshveli ran a boat aground and followed the sailors as far as it could. It easily
shrugged off three bullets, and eventually returned to the sea with the next high tide.
Large boats are usually impregnable to múshvelis. In one account, two Icelandic fishermen on a small
boat were alerted to the presence of a múshveli by the roar of the foaming sea. It was making right for
their boat, and terror made them freeze up. Fortunately, the crew of a French fishing schooner saw their
plight, and steered their boat into the múshveli’s path. The sea-mouse rammed the ship so hard that it
listed to one side, but remained afloat. The múshveli continued to take its rage out on the French
schooner while the fishermen were taken aboard to safety, and eventually the monstrous whale gave up
and disappeared.
References
JULY 3, 2015
ABOOKOFCREATURES
ATLANTIC OCEAN, FISHES, HYBRIDS, ICELAND, ILLHVELI, M, OCEAN AND SEA, WHALES
FISH FOLKLORE, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE, WHALE FOLKLORE
Vatnagedda
Variations: Eiturgedda, Vatna-gedda, Loch Pike, Poisonous Pike

(h ps://abookofcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/vatnagedda1.jpg)
A number of Icelandic fishes are extremely toxic, but the Vatnagedda or “loch-pike” is probably the
deadliest of all. Despite its name, it looks less like a pike and more like a small furry flounder, golden in
color (although blue variants have been reported). They are also known as Eiturgedda, or “poisonous
pike”.
The poison of the vatnagedda is found in its flesh and skin. Merely touching it is enough to cause death.
The corrosive toxins can dissolve organic and inorganic ma er alike, and eat through layers of clothing.
Even ghosts are not immune to vatnagedda poison. The presence of a dead vatnagedda is enough to
scare off any evil spirit, and vatnagedda fat will cure pain caused by ghosts and sorcery.
Vatnageddas live at the bo om of murky lakes. They hate light, which is said to kill them, and so are
only seen at the surface before storms and in fog. To catch one, the hook must be baited with gold.
Anglers must wear gloves made of human skin, or multiple layers of skate-skin; even then, handling the
fish will result in rashes and inflammation.
The main problem after landing a vatnagedda is holding on to it, as its poison will eventually destroy
any material around it. One specimen that had been wrapped in two horse-skins melted its way
underground and vanished into the earth. Wrapping it in the caul of a child, followed by the caul of a
calf, is the only known way to transport a vatnagedda.
Jon Arnason tells of a sorcerer who aided a farmer and his son. Some evil spirit was visiting their home,
and its repeated hauntings were driving the young daughter to madness. The sorcerer, wearing human-
skin gloves and armed with a hook baited with gold, captured a vatnagedda from Gedduvatn (Pike
Lake). The dead fish was placed in a bo le, wrapped in multiple layers of sheepskins and leather, and
loaded onto a pack-horse for the journey home. By the time the sorcerer returned, the horse had
developed a hairless, sunken patch on its back where the vatnagedda had been, and it was debilitated
for the rest of its life. The vatnagedda was buried under the threshold of the house, and the ghost never
returned. The girl made a full recovery.
References
JUNE 26, 2015

ABOOKOFCREATURES
FISHES, ICELAND, POISON AND VENOM, POND AND RIVER, V
FISH FOLKLORE, ICELANDIC FOLKLORE
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A Book of Creatures

7 COMMENTS LEAVE A COMMENT

DECEMBER 21, 2020

Variations: King of the Bears, Einhyrningur (Unicorn)

6 COMMENTS LEAVE A COMMENT

Variations: Lodsilungur, Lod-silungur, Shaggy Trout; Loðufsi (Shaggy Pollock)

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JULY 15, 2019

Variations: Öfug-uggi, Reverse-Fin Trout, Fin; Afuggaﬁskur, Aufugguﬁskur (meanings unclear)

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14 COMMENTS LEAVE A COMMENT

APRIL 12, 2019

Variations: Seal Mother

SEPTEMBER 11, 2016

Variations: Sverdhvalur, Sword-whale, Swordwhale; Sverðfiskur, Sverðfiskar, Sverðfiskr (Sword-fish);

FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Variations: Lyng-bakur, Lyngbakr, Ling-back, Heather-back; Jasconius, Iascanus; Hólma-ﬁskur,

Skeljúngur is also another name of the humpback whale or hnúfubakur.

DECEMBER 14, 2015

NOVEMBER 16, 2015

Variations: Nauthvalur, Nautshval (Ox-whale); Nautﬁskur (Ox-ﬁsh); Kýrhvalur (Cow-whale); Fjósi

Variations: Hrosshvalr, Hrosshualar, Hrosshveli, Rosshvalur, Equinus Cetus, Horse-whale; Saehestur

Hrökkáll in common parlance has since evolved to mean electric eels.

Zoëga, G. T. (1911) English-Icelandic Dictionary, Second Edition. Sigurdur Kristjansson, Reykjavik.

Variations: Rauðkembingur, Raudkembingr, Rauðkembingr, Raudkempingur, Red-comb, Red-crest;

JULY 31, 2015

Variations: Stokkull, Stöckull; Blödkuhvalur, Blökuhvalur, Blodkuhvalur (Flap-Whale); Bloejuhvalur

JULY 15, 2015

Variations: Mushveli, Mousewhale; Hafmús, Hafmus (“Sea-mouse”)

Variations: Eiturgedda, Vatna-gedda, Loch Pike, Poisonous Pike

JUNE 26, 2015

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