Meet the Skrimslis of Lavaland
A long, long time ago in the land of ice and fire, a land we call Iceland, the Skrimslis were born. In the old days, when the people of Iceland still lived in turf houses with only oil lamps to light their homes, they often saw all kinds of ogres and strange creatures taking shape from the shadows of the flickering light. And there came the inspiration for the Skrimslis of Lavaland.
Áróra / Aurora
Áróra the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house in Reykjavik. Outside the northern lights were dancing across the sky, performing their most magnificent show.
In the evening the madam of the house would read poetry for the household. They would listen in awe as she delivered poems about heroes, fairies, trolls and forbidden love. Áróra keenly listened to every word and imagined herself having wonderful adventures.
Áróra brings passionate love to those around her. She sees life as a grand spectacular drama and encourages us to love with abundance. She is graceful, creative and passionate. She is a skrímsli of love, family and creativity.
Aska / Ash
Aska the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house in the proximity of Mýrdalsjökull glacier. Underneath the ice the volcano Katla stirred. The ash cloud that followed surrounded the house for weeks.
The turf house belonged to a peasant and his wife. During the aftermath of the eruption outlaws roamed the region, stole food and attacked people. Each time thieves sneaked up to the house Aska would make it disappear from sight. She hid the couple and scared away anyone with ill-intention.
Aska has the ability to hide creatures and things from sight. She safeguards those around her. Aska is a skrímsli of protection and safety.
Kvika / Magma
Kvika the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house in Kirkjubæjarklaustur. Outside the craters of Laki had just erupted and the raging red lava flowed towards the farm.
The family she lived with were the descendants of great Vikings. They never lost heart and when things became unbearably difficult in the wake of the eruption they never complained and worked even harder.
Kvika brings energy and vigour to those around her. She sets things into motion and encourages us to use our lives to create waves of positive changes. She is vigorous, powerful and energetic. She is a skrímsli of change and energy
Björk
Björk the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house in Borgarfjordur. Outside, under starry skies, the wind was rustling through the crooked branches of birch trees.
Björk adored a little boy who lived in the house. He had huge eyes and the sweetest smile. In the summer he took the sheep to the mountains and watched over them night after night dreaming of faraway places. Björk used to whisper to him when he was sleeping: “do not give up on your dreams”.
Björk gives hope to those around her and she makes dreams come true. She is impulsive, courageous and imaginative. She is a skrímsli of wishes and dreams.
Hraundís / Lava
Hraundís the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house that was surrounded by monstrous rock formations. Snæfellsjökul glacier, which many believe possesses great positive energy, towered over the farm like a protective force.
The farmer and his wife had 14 children who used to play in the lava and see all sorts of trolls and elves take shape in the black rocks. Sometimes Hraundís would find minerals and valuable stones in the rock and leave them as little presents for the children.
Hraundís brings wealth to those around her. She is faithful and generous. She is loyal and trustworthy and always has her feet on the ground. She is a skrímsli of riches and fortune.
Mountain
Fjalli the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house in the west coast of Iceland underneath the beautiful Mount Helgafell, the holy mountain.
The master of the house was a priest who during the most violent period in Icelandic history strove to bring peace to the area. Fjalli admired his steadfast effort and did what he could to help the priest.
Fjalli brings peace to those around him. He is very strong, both physically and mentally. He encourages us to stand our ground and make steadfast effort for good. He has incredible strength and a mighty spirit. He is an unceasing advocate for peace. He is a skrímsli of strength and peace.
Mosi / Moss
Mosi the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house in Reykjanes. The house was surrounded by fields of soft moss and lichen.
The men and the boys of the house were great sailors and every summer they went to sea to fish. They risked their lives in order to provide for the family. To keep up their spirits they sang cheerful songs, told jokes and played games. Mosi preserved these memories in his big soft heart.
Mosi brings joy and a warm heart to those around him. He believes above all in the power of friendship. He is playful and impulsive. He is a skrímsli of friendship and kindness.
Hellir / Cave
Hellir the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a cave near Laugarvatn called Laugarvatnshellir.
The family sought solitude and shelter in the cave. Long after people moved into towns and villages, put up electric lights and turned to modern comfort they resided in the cave and pondered over the meaning of life.
Hellir brings depth and wisdom to those around him. He encourages us to look deeper and to develop a seeking mind. He is the wisest of the skrímsli. He is a skrímsli of wisdom, learning and knowledge.
Regnbogi / Rainbow
Regnbogi the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house close to Gullfoss, the golden waterfalls. As sunrays meet the drizzle from the waterfalls colourful rainbows are formed.
The master of the house belonged to the most important family in the south. He dressed in the finest of garments and decorated himself with silver, gold and expensive fur. He would host big celebrations for the farmers in the region and Regnbogi joined the singing and the dancing.
Regnbogi brings joy and beauty to those around him. He encourages us to celebrate our life. He is flamboyant and has the ability to heal with colours. He is a skrímsli of celebration and happiness.
Geysir
Geysir the skrímsli was formed in the shadows from the flickering light of an oil lamp in a turf house near Geysir. Outside steam rose into the air from nearby geothermal springs that the family used to cook their food, clean their clothes and bathe in.
Sometimes when all the work was done the family went into the baths, relaxed and enjoyed themselves into the night. Geysir would bathe with them in the warm waters.
Geysir brings good health and purity to those around him. He encourages us to relax and cleanse our body and spirit. He possesses the power of transformation. He can change matter; water into steam, steam into snow, and snow into rain. He is a skrímsli of good health, purity and calmness.
