What this post will explore is Norway and Iceland’s sibling relationship. I have organized their dynamic around three main themes. That said, let’s get into them.
Brotherly connection:
For one thing, they are confirmed biological brothers.
Source: Hetarchive, Volume 5.
Their blood relation to each other is further reiterated in the World Stars strips that depict Iceland’s birth. Not only does Iceland instinctively sense that he’s a nation but he also senses that he has a brother.
As he ruminates over the purpose of his existence, Iceland’s confusion quickly turns to resentment toward Norway for not being there for him.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 114.
In a later strip, it’s revealed that Norway is able to pick up on Iceland’s feelings from a distance. The two are essentially able to detect each other’s presence and emotions.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 118.
Other examples emphasizing their brotherly connection include:
Ex: Norway senses that Iceland is upset. He attributes Iceland admitting the reason why as a result of their brotherly connection. In reality, Norway used his magical creatures to tickle Iceland.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 106.
Ex: Iceland being able to see magical creatures just like Norway. However, he doesn’t admit to having this ability due to not wanting to be perceived as ‘the kid who sees things.’
Source: Ibid.
Caring is Overbearing:
A crucial aspect of their relationship is how Norway smothers Iceland, much to the latter’s annoyance. Iceland himself uses the term overbearing to describe Norway.
Ex: After proving their blood relations with a DNA test, Iceland regretfully fulfills his promise to refer to Norway as big brother.
Source: Hetarchive, Voume 3.
Ex: Norway is very particular about being Iceland’s big brother. It’s suggested in a character note that Norway becomes irritated when anyone else but him – in this case, it’s Denmark, who raised Iceland – acts as a big brother to Iceland.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 106.
Ex: The Nordics host a birthday part to celebrate the mid-way point between Iceland’s and Norway’s birthdays.
Source: Hetarchive, Volume 6
Norway smugly teases Iceland about how great of a big brother that he is for bringing him a non-alcoholic beverage given that the other Nordics were drinking. Remember that Iceland is physiologically a minor.
Notice how Norway smirks at Iceland; that’s a rare reaction from him that only reaffirms how fond he is of Iceland. He’s usually placid, indifferent, or spacey with the exception of Denmark, who gets on his nerves.
Source: Ibid.
Receptively Hostile:
In tandem to the last theme, even though Iceland complains about how overbearing Norway is, he still appreciates being cared for.
Ex: Iceland becomes skeptical upon realizing that Norway hasn’t been sticking his nose in his business. Later in the strip, Norway sends Iceland a link to a possible gift. Flustered, but also touched, Iceland says that anything is fine.
Again, it’s necessary to mention the smirk on Norway’s face. It’s so pertinent given that he rarely elicits such a reaction. Iceland is someone precious to him.
Ex: Having observed how Spain also coddles Romano, Iceland attempts to relate to him. What’s important is that he admits that he doesn’t actually mind Norway’s overbearing nature.
Source: Hetarchive, Halloween Event 2013-2014
All in all, while seeming to be a love-hate relationship, further inspection indicates that the two do share a deep fondness for each other in spite of the subtle manner in which this is communicated to the reader.
