Related Sponsors

Icelandic Pride

Home » Iceland » Iceland - The People and the Culture » Icelandic Pride

One very important aspect of the lives of people in Iceland is their respect and pride for their past. They consider their independence and self-reliance, as well as their Viking heritage, of utmost importance. Even the modern Icelandic language, which is the nation’s primary language, sounds much like the Old Norse originally spoken there. The people also often speak Danish, English, German, and other languages as well. Because of Iceland’s high educational standards, they have one of the world’s highest literacy rates, and Icelanders love intellectual activities including literature, art, and chess. They are also very informed about things going on throughout the world and new technological and educational trends.

Iceland’s biggest literary accomplishment is The Sagas, which was written between 1180 and 1300. Demonstrating Nordic life and times before 1100 AD, it is based on the true histories and genealogies of the people and is unmatched by any other Nordic writing. It also focuses on and honors the courage, pride and other glories of the early Icelandic heroes, another way that Icelanders show their pride for their heritage and traditions.

Next Page: Religions in Iceland

Related Iceland - The People and the Culture Articles