Eldgamla Ísafold

poem by Thórarensen

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July 16, 2026

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"Eldgamla Ísafold" is a poem by Bjarni Vigfússon Þórarinsson, considered the first Romantic nationalist poet of Iceland. Written during his studies in Copenhagen, the poem, meaning "Ancient Iceland," became a nationally recognized song. Þórarinsson's work, including this poem, emphasized a nostalgic devotion to Iceland, viewing it as a birthplace of heroism and a land whose traditions and language preserved its people from foreign influence. His reintroduction of simple Eddaic meters and his patriotic songs were instrumental in shifting Icelandic attention back to their own past, away from Europe.1

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Bjarni Vigfússon Thórarensen
…he wrote his poem “Eldgamla Ísafold” (“Ancient Iceland”), which became a nationally recognized song in Iceland. He returned to Iceland to serve as deputy justice in 1811 and as justice of the Supreme Court from 1817 to 1833, when he became governor of North and East Iceland. Thórarensen’s enthusiasm…
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…he wrote his poem “Eldgamla Ísafold” (“Ancient Iceland”), which became a nationally recognized song in Iceland. He returned to Iceland to serve as deputy justice in 1811 and as justice of the Supreme Court from 1817 to 1833, when he became governor of North and East Iceland. Thórarensen’s enthusiasm…
Read More