"Odin, the god of war, intelligence and poetry, who ordained the laws which ruled human society, held court in a vast hall glittering with gold which was called Valhalla. Here he summoned to his presence the heroes whom it pleased him to distinguish among those other warriors who had fallen in the field of battle. In the evening this immense hall was lighted by the flash of swords which reflected the huge fires burning in the midst of the festive tables. Dead heroes passed their time in warlike games and feasts — Odin presided over their libations. On his shoulders perched two ravens who whispered in his ear all that they had heard said and all that they had seen with their eyes. Their names were Hugin ('thought') and Munin ('memory'). Every morning Odin sent them far and wide; they ranged all the inhabited world, questioning the living and the dead, and returned before breakfast to bring to their master news of the great world."
WHERE FRIENDS OF ICELAND BEGAN
The Friends of Iceland is an Icelandic club based in Ottawa. The first official meeting was held on March 19, 2002, and hosted by Ambassador Hannesson and Anna Birgis Hannesson. The Ambassador welcomed our club into the Icelandic National League and presented a gift from the INL. He also presented the club with a set of Sagas and wished our group well.
WHAT WILL THE CLUB DO?
The objective of the Friends of Iceland is to promote and foster an appreciation of Icelandic culture and heritage. We will support various cultural developments including education, history, publishing and the arts.
To become a member, please fill out the Membership Registration form and send it along with a cheque to the address listed.
To date, all of the events and meetings have been thoroughly enjoyable and you are sure to find a relative or a connection among the group.