Brœðrahǫllin (The Hall of Brothers)

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Forn Siðr

Risin ok Kellingin

The Faroese legend of the Giant and the Hag

Forn Siðr
Nov 16, 2021
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The giant and the Hag (the condition of men throughout history has often involved exposure to ugly women).

Once upon a time, the jötnar in Iceland were envious and decided that they wanted Færeyjar (Føroyar/Faroe Islands). So the giant and the hag (his nagging wife) were sent down to the Faroe Islands to bring them back.

They reached the north-westernmost mountain Eiðiskollur, and the jötunn stayed in the sea while the witch climbed up the mountain with a heavy rope to tie the islands together so that she could push them onto the giant's back. However, when she attached the rope to the mountain and pulled, the northern part of the mountain split. Further attempts were also unsuccessful, and they struggled through the night, but the base of the mountain was firm and they could not move it.

If the sun shines on these jötnar, they turn to stone. As they continued to struggle, they didn't notice time passing, and as dawn broke a shaft of sunlight put a stop to their efforts by turning them to stone on the spot. They have stood there ever since, staring longingly across the ocean towards Iceland.

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