Páll marries an elf woman

The setting of the story is remote Kópasker in North …

The setting of the story is remote Kópasker in North Iceland. Rax / Ragnar Axelsson

In 88 Stories Around Iceland, writer Ármann Reynisson offers his readers a unique glimpse into Icelandic society and the past. His stories cover a variety of topics set in the countryside and the towns alike, exploring the country's people, animals and natural wonders.

Icelandic writer Ármann Reynisson.

Icelandic writer Ármann Reynisson. Mbl.is/ Ómar Óskarsson

Ármann Reynisson, well known in Iceland for his "vignettes", has kindly permitted Iceland Monitor to publish three of his stories, this being the final one.

Páll marries an elf woman

Early in his childhood, it is obvious to all that the youngest child in Svínadal is unique. He is content to play by himself for hours, out in God’s glorious nature near Hljóðaklettur and he appears to have enough to occupy himself with. Páll does not have much in common with children of his own age, not even his siblings but he enjoys his own company. Education is minimal as he attends a country school and is not particularly studious. The magnificent nature and animals occupy his interests and the boy is kind to animals and seems to be able to speak their language. Guðmunda Jónsdóttir, the boy’s mother, has a saying, “there is nobody like my Páll.”

Hljóðaklettar, "echo rocks" in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, North Iceland.

Hljóðaklettar, "echo rocks" in Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, North Iceland. Mbl.is/ Brynjar Gauti

As time goes by, Páll Friðriksson (1893–1967) is hired as a farm hand, which becomes his life’s work and he is thought of as conscientious and efficient in his farming duties. The farm hand is short and sturdy, lives a modest life, does not do much for himself, lives predominantly in the shadows and is happiest in his work clothes. Páll does not enjoy gatherings and his biggest luxury is his trusted servant, the stallion, Red, as well as his pipe smoking and the occasional drink. His best friend is his dog Brana who has her own account at the cooperative and her only withdrawal is for sweets for herself and to give to others. The children in the countryside are drawn to this good-natured fellow. Once they ask Páll “Is your dog clever?” He sniggers and replies playfully, “she wishes.” It is common knowledge how good Páll is at scraping together money at a time when money is hard to come by. When the cooperative at Kópasker needs financial assistance to renovate, they look both to the farmer for help as well as the farmhand.

In the prime of his life, Páll marries an elf woman by the name of Álfrún and together they have two promising sons, Álfgeir and Álfmund. The family spends all their time together, day and night, and they sleep in the same bed together, one boy at the couple’s feet and the other at the gable end. In Öxafjörður where the farm hand works the longest, there are some impressive elf dwellings both in Snartastaðanúpi and in the rocks at Brekkuhól. There, the family go to visit relatives and friends on their days of celebration and it is always a joyous reunion. Páll has a saying in his later years, “I am never alone.”

Reynisson has also published 88 Stories Around Reykjavik in the same series. English translation: Martin S.Regal. The books are available in most major bookstores in Iceland and at Keflavik International Airport.

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