Iceland was named by a Norwegian Viking named Hrafna-Flóki Vilgerðarson. According to the Book of Settlements, Hrafna-Flóki sailed to Iceland from Norway with his family and livestock with the intention to settle in the new country. The story goes that he was named Hrafna-Flóki, which means Raven-Flóki, because of the three ravens he brought with him on his journey to Iceland to help him find his way to the island around 865 AD. That first winter, all of his livestock died, causing him to decide to leave the island. However, before leaving, he looked over the fjord of Vatnsfjörður and saw that it was full of ice, leaving him to name the place Iceland1.
Greenland was named by a Viking named Erik the Red. Historians believe Erik chose the name Greenland as a marketing strategy. The word “green” promised people from elsewhere in the Nordics they would find lush, green fields waiting for them in the new region2. Some people also say that the Vikings named Iceland to discourage over settlement on the island. Just as the name “Greenland” aimed to attract new locals, the name Iceland created visions of a cold, unwelcoming atmosphere2.
Learn more:
1. theculturetrip.com2. scandification.com3. icelanddiscover.is4. bluecarrental.is5. icelandreview.com6. en.wikipedia.org7. knowswhy.com8. snopes.com
