Author Description

The Icelanders are a people with many historical accounts and strong faith. Since settling in Iceland, they have struggled between faith in their pagan gods and Christianity. Extensive research using primary sources such as the Book of the Icelanders and multiple sagas shows religion has always played a significant role in their adventures, travels, wars, and home life. Blood has been shed, wars waged, and cultures changed in the name of religion. The Book of Settlements tells in the early years, Christians and pagans lived together, but because of warfare, political, economic, and social reasons they needed to declare one and only one religion. The Althing declared Christianity as Iceland's official religion. This did not stop the struggle, and ignited problems of its own. Christianity was Iceland's only recognized religion until 1874 when the 64th article of the Constitution guaranteed freedom of religion. Once doors were opened to other religions, Icelandic people began to convert to their ancient Norse gods. While laws continue to favor Christianity, Asatru is the fastest growing religion in Iceland today. As from the time of the first settlers, the battle of religions in Iceland is still alive today