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GeoEpic

The earth is a "ball" rotating in the vastness of space. Space has no
top and no bottom, so how is a person on the earth supposed to know
*where* something on this sphere is located? In the simplest geographic
terms, **location** is a position on the surface of the earth. Every
geographical feature on the earth has a specific location -- a global
address, so to speak. Therefore to find a geographical feature, the
earth must have a system by which we can identify that location.

If we imagine a grid pattern superimposed over the earth, we can number
the grid lines with the latitude and longitude coordinate system and use
that system to describe any location on Earth. To determine the
coordinate of a location, first we must identify a top and a bottom for
our sphere. For our purposes, we will consider the North Pole to be the
"top" of the earth. Halfway between the top (North Pole) and bottom
(South Pole) of the sphere is the equator, "equa" meaning equal,
referring to dividing the earth equally in half. Latitudinal lines,
measured as degrees north or south of the equator, aree horizontal
("Lats are Flat"), running west to east, always parallel to one another.
The Equator's latitude is 0°, and all other latitudes are measured north
(+) and south (-) of it. Since the earth is a sphere, and we have placed
0° in the middle (at the Equator), one can only get to 90° north or 90°
south (90°+90°=180° or the diameter of a sphere).

So, now that we know if we are in the northern or southern hemisphere,
how do we figure out our other coordinate? We need to know how far east
or west of something we are; however, choosing a main longitudinal line
is not as straightforward as latitude. Unlike the equator, every line of
longitude has the ability to split the earth into two equal halves.
Also, degrees of longitude are only parallel to one another at the
equator, but they arc towards one another, getting closer together, as
you travel toward the poles. This was a dilemma to explorers crossing
vast oceans in primitive ships. They had difficulty charting their
location on a 2-dimensional map while traveling on a 3-dimensional
sphere. Although the use of longitude is attributed to the Greek
astronomer Hipparchus (190-120 BC), the ability to navigate a ship's
longitudinal location is credited to John Harrison, a British clockmaker
in the early 1700s. (Read more about John Harrison, Longitude and the
Royal Observatory at:
[[https://www.rmg.co.uk/discover/explore/longitude-found-john-harrison](https://www.rmg.co.uk/discover/explore/longitude-found-john-harrison).]

The location of the main line of longitude (0°) was awarded to the Royal
Observatory in Greenwich, England, a suburb of London. Why there and not
in another city? The British were intrepid explorers and had created a
huge library of charted maps that were based on the location of the
Royal Observatory. Since nearly ¾ of the world's commerce depended on
these sea-charts, this location proved to be the most advantageous to
the largest number of people. So, if longitude 0°, known as the Prime
Meridian runs from the North Pole (90°N) to the South Pole (-90°S), what
is on the other side of the sphere? At 180° longitude, we have the
International Date Line (IDL), separating one 24-hour day from the next.
The Prime Meridian, together with the IDL create a great circle
separating the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. We measure
location up to 180° east (+) or west (-) of the Prime Meridian.

<img alt='world-1.png' src='/api/images/medium_world_1_cb53a4906b.png' height=600 width=800/>

*Figure 1: Mercator Projection Map of the [http://geoalliance.asu.edu/maps/world](http://geoalliance.asu.edu/sites/default/files/maps/World-at.pdf)*
 

**TASK 1: Using the world map provided, estimate the latitude and
longitude of your current location in degrees. (Be sure to identify
whether your coordinates are north or south of the Equator**
*[**AND**]{.underline}* **east or west of the Prime Meridian).**

**(Example: 33°N, -112°W -- Phoenix, Arizona)**
 
 
 
 
**______________________________________________________________________________**

**TASK 2: Using the same map, estimate the latitude and longitude for the city of Reykjavik, Iceland.**
 
 
 
 
**______________________________________________________________________________**

What is Location?

There are two different ways in which you can communicate location to
someone else. First, you can give an absolute location. Similar to what
we have just been reviewing, this would be the precise latitude and
longitude coordinate for a geographic feature. Absolute location could
also communicate patterns of geographic elements by utilizing thematic
mapping or imagery. For example, a map with topographical features would
illustrate the absolute location of the world's mountain ranges or
oceans. Similarly a political map would indicate the absolute location
of the boundaries of a country or state.

However, relative location expresses location in relation to another
site. It provides a geogration for a location. Perhaps it helps to
explain why something is located where it is, relative to a process or
resource. Relative locations can be explained in terms of locational
factors of history, economics, or other physical or human factors. It is
important to note that even though an absolute location has not changed,
a change in history or economics, etc. can result in a corresponding
change in relative importance of that location.



**TASK 3: Identify if the items below are representing Absolute or
Relative Location.**


| # | Location Description | Image: Review this photo to determine if the image and its corresponding location description is for an absolute or relative location. |  Write "Absolute Location" OR "Relative Location" in the space below. |
| -- | ---- | ---- | ----|
| 1 | The capital city of the United States of America is Washington, DC. It is located at 38.9072°N, 77.0368°W | ![washington.jpg](/api/images/small_washington_1f1be260f5.jpg) | |
| 2 | The donut shop in downtown Boston, Massachusetts is located on the NE corner adjacent to the drug store, but right next to the pet shop. | ![donuts.jpg](/api/images/small_donuts_c250b06230.jpg) | | 
| 3 | The country of Iceland is located in the Atlantic Ocean near the Arctic Circle. | ![iceland.jpg](/api/images/small_iceland_f0a17a6208.jpg) | |
| 4 | The Eiffel Tower is located at Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 75007 Paris, France | ![eiffel.jpg](/api/images/small_eiffel_d02180ec6c.jpg) | |
| 5 | The Acatenango Volcano in Guatemala is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire. | ![volcano.jpg](/api/images/small_volcano_085ae3045f.jpg) | |

*Source: All images from* [*[https://unsplash.com/explore]*](https://unsplash.com/explore)

Absolute versus relative location

**TASK 4: A number of geographical factors contribute to the significance of a location. Let’s start with a brainstorming example:** _**Think about the location of your town’s government buildings. What geographic and other characteristics make that location suitable to be the seat of government for your town/ city/ state/ country?**_

 

**Introduction**

Alþingi (the Thing or Althing), a two-week long summer assembly of Icelandic clans, is the oldest (930AD) parliamentary gathering in the world. Located at þingvellir (Thingvellir), Iceland, representatives from all of Iceland’s clans met to establish commonwealth laws, form political alliances, dispute claims, and to trade. Led by a Lawspeaker (lögsögumađr), clan chieftains (Gođar) and their representatives would settle disputes and establish law. Every man had the right to speak at Lögberg (Law Rock) and news of significant events, important speeches, and many announcements were shared from here.

 

Þingvellir was chosen as the meeting place for its convenient location, geographic features, and resources. The absolute location for þingvellir, Iceland, is Latitude 64°15.355 N, Longitude 21°9.8744 W. Clans would travel from their home farms anywhere from 2 to 17 days, to arrive and set up their clan booths for their two-week stay (See Figure 1). Þingvellir is also noted for its natural resources of firewood and water, as well as good pastures for livestock. The area contains ample flat lands to accommodate large groups, gentle slopes for audience assembly, and the site abuts a cliff face for sound amplification during parliamentary speeches and procedures.

 

Clans would establish booths of wooden frames, turf, and boulders, where they could trade goods and pass along news. These served as temporary residences during the Alþingi. Location of a clan’s booth was important for its proximity to resources, as well as its political influence and economic success in trade.

 

In the Commonwealth era (930-1262 AD), it wasn't only those who had legal errands for the Alþing who made their way there. In the old law book Grágás, mention is made of tanners' and peat-cutters' booths, while in many Icelandic sagas, reference is made to beer-brewers and food sellers. Merchants, sword-sharpeners and tanners would sell their goods and services, clowns performed and ale-makers brewed drinks for the assembly guests. According to statistics left to us by Bishop Gissur Ísleifsson, farmers at the Alþingi numbered about 4000 at the end of the 11th century. Since one in every nine farmers had to accompany his chieftain to the Alþing, this meant that up to 500 farmers were required to go with their chieftains to the general assembly at that time.

 

A common Icelandic phrase, "nú er þröng á þingi" (phonetically: noo err thrang au thingi from Google Translate), literally means: "now it is crowded at the assembly", and this can probably be traced back to the original assembly which was well attended during its peak. During the days that the Alþing was held, it was the center of social life and a kind of capital of the country that the public visited. Laborers and traders, both Icelandic and foreign, went there, along with delegates of foreign heads of state, people in search of work, and beggars looking for alms. It's not an overstatement to say that the foundation of the Icelandic national culture, language, and literature is directly linked to Þingvellir.

 

**TASK 5: Role Play an important Icelandic Clan attending the Alþingi at Þingvellir**

 

**You have been provided a clan/farm assignment. It is summer and your clan has journeyed to the Alþingi at Þingvellir, and you have just arrived. Everyone in attendance took on difficult journeys to get to Þingvellir. Some only had to ride for a day or two, but for others it took more than two weeks to journey over the mountains and desert sands of the Icelandic highlands. Þingvellir is conveniently situated on ancient travel routes and is hardly a day's journey on horseback from the main districts of south and west Iceland. Fairly easy routes could be taken from the most densely populated districts of north Iceland. People from northeast and east Iceland have to cross the highlands, but Þingvellir takes 17 days to reach from the farthest flung parts of east Iceland, largely skirting the mountains.**

 

_**WHEN DO YOU ARRIVE AT ÞINGVELLIR?**_

**Where is your clan-farm located? Find this on your clan assignment sheet.**

 

**Farm** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **is located at latitude:** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **longitude:** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

 

**What is the absolute location for Þingvellir?**

 

**latitude:** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ **longitude:** \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

 

**What is the relative location of Þingvellir to your farm? What is the relative location of Þingvellir to the other farms on the map?**

 

 

 

 

 

**Use the map provided in Figure 2 to locate Þingvellir in Iceland (Black Dot). The red pins indicate the farm locations for clans who would likely attend the Alþing at Þingvellir.**

<iframe class='esri-map' src="https://mrulabs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=ef8e345d7e754a28965f937d230edbef"></iframe> 

_Figure 2. Relief map of Iceland highlighting Þingvellir and hypothetical clan farm locations. Source: L. Moorman 2020_

 

**TASK 6: Using the embedded map above, draw a route from your farm (see assignment sheet) to Þingvellir. Be sure to account for terrain relief, glaciers etc. Explain your choice of route and the geographic factors that influenced it.**

 

**TASK 7: Explain how the relative location of Þingvellir represents OR does not represent a fair and equitable place to hold the parliament for Commonwealth Iceland. Consider the location of your own farm as well as the other farms throughout Iceland. Be sure to use specific examples to support your argument.**

 

**TASK 8: Do you think the Althing’s location should be centered on the island, perhaps at a point where each clan would travel approximately the same distance over the same amount of time from their farm? Consider the landscape, resources, and farm locations on the map. Make an argument, supported by evidence, regarding the strengths or challenges of a centrally located parliament of the Icelandic people.**

 

**TASK 9: How many days did it take your party to travel to Þingvellir? Use the table below and details from your clan/farm assignment sheet to calculate travel days. Note: The resources and people that you bring could extend your travel days.**

<table><tbody><tr><td>Distance</td><td># of People</td><td>Resources</td><td>TOTAL # Days</td></tr><tr><td>1 day for every50 kilometers travelled*#km/50km=#days</td><td>1 days per 50 people #People/5=#days</td><td>2 days for livestock3 days for wagons (goods)(If you have livestock, add 2 days AND/OR if you have wagons (goods), add 3 days)</td><td>Distance Days + People Days + Resource Days = Total # Days</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table>

\*To calculate distance: Measure the distance between your home farm and Þingvellir on the map (Figure 2). Using a string and the map provided, place the string along the path you plan to travel with all associated curves around the mountains, glaciers, or other geographical features. Utilize the graphic scale to closely estimate the total distance you will need to travel. Divide this number by 50 to figure out the number of days it will take your group to complete this distance and place it in the table above.

 

**NOTE: Your answer will determine the order by which your group will select your clan booth location at Þingvellir in the final exercise of this lesson.**

Case Study: Brennu-Njáls Saga and Clan organization during the Commonwealth Era at the Alþingi, þingvellir, Iceland

### Use 3-D resources or 2-D resources to complete this task.

**TASK 10: You are now at Þingvellir. Explore the resources of the plain where clan booths are to be set up. Identify and describe key resources and their relative locations below. These descriptions will help your clan to select the best site for a booth in Part 6 of this exercise, so be detailed and think about the resources you have to sell (economics) and the resources that you might need.**

<table><colgroup><col span="1" style="width: 25%;"/> <col span="1" style="width: 75%;"/> </colgroup><tbody><tr><td>Resource</td><td>Relative Location</td></tr><tr><td>Lögberg (Law Rock):</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Lögrétta Terrace (Law Council Terrace):</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Snorri Sturluson (Important Icelandic Gödi)</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Gizur the White (Important Icelandic Gödi)</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Water: (Rivers/Lakes)</td><td> </td></tr><tr><td>Pasture:</td><td> </td></tr></tbody></table>
 
[Enter VR](https://geoepic.app/thingvellir)

Explore the resources of Þingvellir, Iceland.

THE FIRST PARLIAMENT:

The Alþingi at Þingvellir, Iceland is the first parliamentary government in the world. Political systems and regimes govern societies and determine who has power and authority. They shape the level of legitimacy of leadership and produce different policy outcomes. Political systems comprise the laws, ideas, and procedures that address who should have authority to rule and what the government’s influence on its people and economy should be.

Nordic people, who fled the country and monarchy of Norway due to land shortages and political disputes, began to settle Iceland. As the population increased in Iceland, so did the need for rules and a place to settle disputes. The settlers of Iceland wanted for everyone to be respected and they did not want any authoritarian leadership akin to Harald Fairhair, King of Norway. District assemblies formed in populated regions, and soon there was need for a general assembly. But how do you determine a meeting location that does not favor any individual person or district, treating all equally?

The time period from 930-1262 is known as the Commonwealth of Iceland. At this time the Icelandic people began to develop a democracy with the goals of establishing the rule of law, fairness, and increased citizen participation in policy-making processes. Factors that indicate the degree of democracy or authoritarianism include the extent of adherence to rule of law, such as the principle that a state should be governed by law and not arbitrary decisions made by individual leadership (authoritarianism). Wherever Norsemen settled during the Viking era of exploration, they established a regular assembly of all of the free males of social status to govern the area.

The local chieftains (Gođar), served on the Lögrétta (law council) along with two farmers/representatives who accompanied them to the Alþingi. The law council also elected the Law Speaker (Lögsögumaður) for a three-year term and was the only paid employee of the Commonwealth. At the Alþing, the Law Speaker was the most powerful person in the country, for the rest of the year, he was officially powerless, although he enjoyed the esteem of his contemporaries because of his important role. The law speaker did not have to be Gođar, but could come from the Þingmen (Thingmen or free men/householders). His role included memorizing and reciting the laws over his term. Each year he had to recite the procedural rules at the Alþingi. The Law Speaker also governed the Lögrétta meetings consisting of 146-147 members including: the Law Speaker (if he was not also a chieftain), 48 chieftains (Goði) – each with 2 advisors, and eventually the Lögrétta included the Christian bishops as well. The Lögrétta met on both Sundays of the Alþingi, as well as at the larger general assembly, on the last day, and more often if the Law Speaker so desired.

Transparency of governmental decision making, and the nature of citizen participation in government was demonstrated by the ability of any person to observe the proceedings of the Alþingi, although anyone of the law council could be within the terraced area or have voting privileges. Although those without voting rights could appeal to a chieftain to represent their claim at the Alþingi. Additionally, anyone could step forward at Lögberg (Law Rock) to speak, which was located adjacent to a rock wall created by tectonic divergence. Speeches were given about important matters, and news was reported of significant events. Inauguration and dissolution of the assembly took place at Lögberg, where rulings by the Law Council were announced, the calendar was confirmed, legal actions were brought and other announcements made which concerned the entire nation.

In approximately 960 AD of the Commonwealth, Iceland’s population required the establishment of quarter assemblies who held their gatherings in the Spring. Any dispute that was not settled in the quarter-courts would be heard at the Fifth Court (Fimmtardómir) at the Alþingi (See Figure 3).

_Figure 3: Constitutional structure of the Icelandic Commonwealth (after 1030 AD) modified from Gunnar Karlsson’s The History of Iceland (2000)._

![](/public/lesson1/imgs/ConstitutionalStructureIceland.png)

**Task 11: Compare your country’s political system to the one explained for Iceland.** **Are there regional representatives? How and where does the government assemble. What role do citizens play and can they have a forum to discuss matters?** **Write a summary of your comparison limited to at least 3 sentences and no more than 250 words.**

**TASK 12:** **Examine the goals for your clan that need to be accomplished at Thingvellir (see assignment sheet). What are the legal interests of your clan? Are they more or less important than other needs such as trading, or acquiring resources. Based on the activities of most importance, determine how near or far from Law Rock your clan needs to be located.** **Explore Þingvellir and locate Lögberg (Law Rock), as well as the Lögrétta (Law Assembly) terrace, and the booths of the influential people (Snorri Sturluson and Gizur the White). Determine the most advantageous location for your clan booth given the political needs of your clan. Explain your reasoning.**


Political Importance at the Alþingi

Democratization is a transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic regime. For Iceland, the transition occurred when the people left the country Norway and the authority of King Harald Fairhair to settle in Iceland. Although many of the Icelandic people maintained connection to Norway through family, religion, and male quests for honor. The aims of democratization are to achieve more competition, fairness, transparency in elections, increased citizen participation in policy-making processes, universal suffrage for adult citizens, greater governmental transparency, protected civil rights and liberties, and equal treatment of citizens, as well as establishment of the rule of law. Democratization can stall or be reversed; policy changes regarding election rules and civil liberties can support or impede democratization. Consensus among competing cultural and political groups about governmental policies associated with democratization and economic development can advance the process and make it sustainable. Political corruption inhibits democratization— independent judiciaries can reduce such corruption while protecting individual liberties and civil rights.

In the late 10th century, Olaf Haraldsson gained the throne of Norway. King Olaf was a Christian and set about converting all interests of Norway to the Christian faith. The people who settled Iceland had continued to follow the Norse Pagan (Ásatrú) faith. Ásatrú is polytheistic, believing in various gods and goddesses, including Odin and Thor. Icelandic religion centered on tolerance, honesty, magnanimity and respect for nature and all life. Olaf sent men to Iceland to proselytize and convert the “heathens” to Christianity. This effort is explained in Brennu-Njal’s Saga. Read the following short relevant chapters below.

**TASK 13: Read chapters 96-101 of Brennu-Njal’s Saga (** [https://sagadb.org/brennu-njals\_saga.en](https://sagadb.org/brennu-njals_saga.en)**)**

**

_**Chapter 96 - Of the change of faith**_

_There had been a change of rulers in Norway, Earl Hacon was dead and gone, but in his stead was come Olaf Tryggvi’s son. That was the end of Earl Hacon, that Kark, the thrall, cut his throat at Rimul in Gaulardale. Along with that was heard that there had been a change of faith in Norway; they had cast off the old faith, but King Olaf had christened the western lands, Shetland, and the Orkneys, and the Faroe Isles. Then many men spoke so that Njal heard it, that it was a strange and wicked thing to throw off the old faith._

_Then Njal spoke and said "It seems to me as though this new faith must be much better, and he will be happy who follows this rather than the other; and if those men come out hither who preach this faith, then I will back them well."_

_He went often alone away from other men and muttered to himself._

_That same harvest a ship came out into the firths east to Berufirth, at a spot called Gautawick. The captain’s name was Thangbrand. He was a son of Willibald, a count of Saxony, Thangbrand was sent out hither by King Olaf Tryggvi’s son, to preach the faith. Along with him came that man of Iceland whose name was Gudleif. Gudleif was a great man-slayer, and one of the strongest of men, and hardy and forward in everything._

_Two brothers dwelt at Beruness; the name of the one was Thorleif, but the other was Kettle. They were sons of Holmstein, the son of Auzur of Broaddale. These brothers held a meeting, and forbade men to have any dealings with them (the Christians). This Hall of the Side heard. He dwelt at Thvattwater in Alftafirth; he rode to the ship with twenty-nine men, and he fares at once to find Thangbrand, and spoke to him and asked him "Trade is rather dull, is it not?" He answered that so it was._

_"Now will I say my errand," says Hall; "it is, that I wish to ask you all to my house, and run the risk of my being able to get rid of your wares for you."_

_Thangbrand thanked him, and fared to Thvattwater that harvest._

_It so happened one morning that Thangbrand was out early and made them pitch a tent on land, and sang mass in it, and took much pains with it, for it was a great high day._

_Hall spoke to Thangbrand and asked, "In memory of whom keepest thou this day?" "In memory of Michael the archangel," says Thangbrand._

_"What follows that angel?" asks Hall._

_"Much good," says Thangbrand. "He will weigh all the good that thou doest, and he is so merciful, that whenever any one pleases him, he makes his good deeds weigh more."_

_"I would like to have him for my friend," says Hall._

_"That thou mayest well have," says Thangbrand, "only give thyself over to him by God’s help this very day." "I only make this condition," says Hall, "that thou givest thy word for him that he will then become my guardian angel."_

_"That I will promise," says Thangbrand._

_Then Hall was baptised, and all his household._

_**Chapter 97 - Of Thangbrand’s journeys**_

_The spring after Thangbrand set out to preach Christianity, and Hall went with him. But when they came west across Lonsheath to Staffell, there they found a man dwelling named Thorkell. He spoke most against the faith, and challenged Thangbrand to single combat. Then Thangbrand bore a rood-crossö before his shield, and the end of their combat was that Thangbrand won the day and slew Thorkell._

_Thence they fared to Hornfirth and turned in as guests at Borgarhaven, west of Heinabergs sand. There Hilldir the old dwelt,ö and then Hilldir and all his household took upon them the new faith._

_Thence they fared to Fellcombe, and went in as guests to Calffell. There dwelt Kol Thorstein’s son, Hall’s kinsman, and he took upon him the faith and all his house._

_Thence they fared to Swinefell, and Flosi only took the sign of the cross, but gave his word to back them at the Thing._

_Thence they fared west to Woodcombe, and went in as guests at Kirkby. There dwelt Surt Asbjorn’s son, the son of Thorstein, the son of Kettle the foolish. These had all of them been Christians from father to son._

_After that they fared out of Woodcombe on to Headbrink. By that time the story of their journey was spread far and wide. There was a man named Sorcerer-Hedinn who dwelt in Carlinedale. There heathen men made a bargain with him that he should put Thangbrand to death with all his company. He fared upon Arnstacksheath, and there made a great sacrifice when Thangbrand was riding from the east. Then the earth burst asunder under his horse, but he sprang off his horse and saved himself on the brink of the gulf, but the earth swallowed up the horse and all his harness, and they never saw him more._

_Then Thangbrand praised God._

_**Chapter 98 - Of Thangbrand and Gudleif**_

_Gudleif now searches for Sorcerer-Hedinn and finds him on the heath, and chases him down into Carlinedale, and got within spearshot of him, and shoots a spear at him and through him._

_Thence they fared to Dyrholms and held a meeting there, and preached the faith there, and there Ingialld, the son of Thorsteinn Highbankawk, became a Christian._

_Thence they fared to the Fleetlithe and preached the faith there. There Weatherlid the Skald, and Ari his son, spoke most against the faith, and for that they slew Weatherlid, and then this song was sung about it - He who proved his blade on bucklers, South went through the land to whet Brand that oft hath felled his foeman, ’Gainst the forge which foams with song;ö Mighty wielder of war’s sickle Made his sword’s avenging edge Hard on hero’s helm-prop rattle,ö Skull of Weatherlid the Skald._

_Thence Thangbrand fared to Bergthorsknoll, and Njal took the faith and all his house, but Mord and Valgard went much against it, and thence they fared out across the rivers; so they went on into Hawkdale and there they baptised Hall,ö and he was then three winters old._

_Thence Thangbrand fared to Grimsness, there Thorwald the scurvy gathered a band against him, and sent word to Wolf Uggi’s son, that he must fare against Thangbrand and slay him, and made this song on him -_

_To the wolf in Woden’s harness, Uggi’s worthy warlike son, I, steel’s swinger dearly loving, This my simple bidding send; That the wolf of Godsö he chaseth, Man who snaps at chink of gold Wolf who base our Gods blasphemeth, I the other wolfö will crush._

_Wolf sang another song in return -_

_Swarthy skarf from month that skimmeth Of the man who speaks in song Never will I catch, though surely Wealthy warrior it hath sent; Tender of the sea-horse snorting, E’en though ill deeds are on foot, Still to risk mine eyes are open; Harmful ’tis to snap at flies.ö_

_"And," says he, "I don’t mean to be made a catspaw by him, but let him take heed lest his tongue twists a noose for his own neck."_

_And after that the messenger fared back to Thorwald the scurvy and told him Wolf’s words. Thorwald had many men about him, and gave it out that he would lie in wait for them on Bluewoodheath._

_Now those two, Thangbrand and Gudleif, ride out of Hawkdale, and there they came upon a man who rode to meet them. That man asked for Gudleif, and when he found him he said -_

_"Thou shalt gain by being the brother of Thorgil of Reykiahole, for I will let thee know that they have set many ambushes, and this too, that Thorwald the scurvy is now with his band At Hestbeck on Grimsness." "We shall not the less for all that ride to meet him," says Gudleif, and then they turned down to Hestbeck. Thorwald was then come across the brook, and Gudleif said to Thangbrand -_

_"Here is now Thorwald; let us rush on him now." Thangbrand shot a spear through Thorwald, but Gudleif smote him on the shoulder and hewed his arm off, and that was his death._

_After that they ride up to the Thing, and it was a near thing that the kinsmen of Thorwald had fallen on Thangbrand, but Njal and the eastfirthers stood by Thangbrand._

_Then Hjallti Skeggi’s son sang this rhyme at the Hill of Laws -_

_Ever will I Gods blaspheme Freyja methinks a dog does seem, Freyja a dog? Aye! let them be Both dogs together Odin and she.ö_

_Hjallti fared abroad that summer and Gizur the white with him, but Thangbrand’s ship was wrecked away east at Bulandsness, and the ship’s name was "Bison"._

_Thangbrand and his messmate fared right through the west country, and Steinvora, the mother of Ref the Skald, came against him; she preached the heathen faith to Thangbrand and made him a long speech. Thangbrand held his peace while she spoke, but made a long speech after her, and turned all that she had said the wrong way against her._

_"Hast thou heard," she said, "how Thor challenged Christ to single combat, and how he did not dare to fight with Thor?"_

_"I have heard tell," says Thangbrand, "that Thor was naught but dust and ashes, if God had not willed that he should live."_

_"Knowest thou," she says, "who it was that shattered thy ship?"_

_"What hast thou to say about that?" he asks._

_"That I will tell thee," she says._

_He that giant’s offspringö slayeth Broke the new-field’s bison stout,ö Thus the Gods, bell’s warderö grieving. Crushed the falcon of the strand;ö To the courser of the causewayö Little good was Christ I ween, When Thor shattered ships to pieces Gylfi’s hartö no God could help._

_And again she sang another song -_

_Thangbrand’s vessel from her moorings, Sea-king’s steed, Thor wrathful tore, Shook and shattered all her timbers, Hurled her broadside on the beach; Ne’er again shall Viking’s snow-shoe,ö On the briny billows glide, For a storm by Thor awakened, Dashed the bark to splinters small._

_After that Thangbrand and Steinvora parted, and they fared west to Bardastrand._

_**Chapter 99 - Of Gest Oddleif’s son**_

_Gest Oddleif’s son dwelt at Hagi on Bardastrand, He was one of the wisest of men, so that he foresaw the fates and fortunes of men. He made a feast for Thangbrand and his men. They fared to Hagi with sixty men. Then it was said that there were two hundred heathen men to meet them, and that a Baresark was looked for to come thither, whose name was Otrygg, and all were afraid of him. Of him such great things as these were said, that he feared neither fire nor sword, and the heathen men were sore afraid at his coming. Then Thangbrand asked if men were willing to take the faith, but all the heathen men spoke against it._

_"Well," says Thangbrand, "I will give you the means whereby ye shall prove whether my faith is better. We will hallow two fires. The heathen men shall hallow one and I the other, but a third shall he unhallowed; and if the Baresark is afraid of the one that I hallow, but treads both the others, then ye shall take the faith."_

_"That is well-spoken," says Gest, "and I will agree to this for myself and my household."_

_And when Gest had so spoken, then many more agreed to it._

_Then it was said that the Baresark was coming up to the homestead, and then the fires were made and burned strong. Then men took their arms and sprang up on the benches, and so waited._

_The Baresark rushed in with his weapons. He comes into the room, and treads at once the fire which the heathen men had hallowed, and so comes to the fire that Thangbrand had hallowed, and dares not to tread it, but said that he was on fire all over. He hews with his sword at the bench, but strikes a cross-beam as he brandished the weapon aloft. Thangbrand smote the arm of the Baresark with his crucifix, and so mighty a token followed that the sword fell from the Baresark’s hand._

_Then Thangbrand thrusts a sword into his breast, and Gudleif smote him on the arm and hewed it off. Then many went up and slew the Baresark._

_After that Thangbrand asked if they would take the faith now?_

_Gest said he had only spoken what he meant to keep to._

_Then Thangbrand baptised Gest and all his house and many others. Then Thangbrand took counsel with Gest whether he should go any further west among the firths, but Gest set his face against that, and said they were a hard race of men there, and ill to deal with, "but if it be foredoomed that this faith shall make its way, then it will be taken as law at the Alþingi, and then all the chiefs out of the districts will be there"._

_"I did all that I could at the Thing," says Thangbrand, "and it was very uphill work."_

_"Still thou hast done most of the work," says Gest, "though it may be fated that others shall make Christianity law; but it is here as the saying runs, ’No tree falls at the first stroke’." After that Gest gave Thangbrand good gifts, and he fared back south. Thangbrand fared to the Southlander’s Quarter, and so to the Eastfirths. He turned in as a guest at Bergthorsknoll, and Njal gave him good gifts. Thence he rode east to Alftafirth to meet Hall of the Side. He caused his ship to be mended, and heathen man called it "Iron-basket". On board that ship Thangbrand fared abroad, and Gudleif with him._

_**Chapter 100 - Of Gizur the White and Hjallti**_

_That same summer Hjallti Skeggi’s son was outlawed at the Thing for blasphemy against the Gods._

_Thangbrand told King Olaf of all the mischief that the Icelanders had done to him, and said that they were such sorcerers there that the earth burst asunder under his horse and swallowed up the horse._

_Then King Olaf was so wroth that he made them seize all the men from Iceland and set them in dungeons, and meant to slay them._

_Then they, Gizur the white and Hjallti, came up and offered to lay themselves in pledge for those men, and fare out to Iceland and preach the faith. The king took this well, and they got them all set free again._

_Then Gizur and Hjallti busked their ship for Iceland, and were soon "boun". They made the land at Eyrar when ten weeks of summer had passed; they got them horses at once, but left other men to strip their ship. Then they ride with thirty men to the Thing, and sent word to the Christian men that they must be ready to stand by them._

_Hjallti stayed behind at Reydarmull, for he had heard that he had been made an outlaw for blasphemy, but when they came to the "Boiling Kettle"ö down below the brink of the Rift,ö there came Hjallti after them, and said he would not let the heathen men see that he was afraid of them._

_Then many Christian men rode to meet them, and they ride in battle array to the Thing. The heathen men had drawn up their men in array to meet them, and it was a near thing that the whole body of the Thing had come to blows, but still it did not go so far._

_**Chapter 101 - Of Thorgeir of Lightwater**_

_There was a man named Thorgeir who dwelt at Lightwater; he was the son of Tjorfi, the son of Thorkel the long, the son of Kettle Longneck. His mother’s name was Thoruna, and she was the daughter of Thorstein, the son of Sigmund, the son of Bard of the Nip. Gudrida was the name of his wife; she was a daughter of Thorkel the black of Hleidrargarth. His brother was Worm wallet-back, the father of Hlenni the old of Saurby._

_The Christian men set up their booths, and Gizur the white and Hjallti were in the booths of the men from Mossfell. The day after both sides went to the Hill of Laws, and each, the Christian men as well as the heathen, took witness, and declared themselves out of the other’s laws, and then there was such an uproar on the Hill of Laws that no man could hear the other’s voice._

_After that men went away, and all thought things looked like the greatest entanglement. The Christian men chose as their Speaker Hall of the Side, but Hall went to Thorgeir, the priest of Lightwater, who was the old Speaker of the law, and gave him three marks of silver to utter what the law should be, but still that was most hazardous counsel, since he was an heathen. Thorgeir lay all that day on the ground, and spread a cloak over his head, so that no man spoke with him; but the day after men went to the Hill of Laws, and then Thorgeir bade them be silent and listen, and spoke thus "It seems to me as though our matters were come to a dead lock, if we are not all to have one and the same law; for if there be a sundering of the laws, then there will be a sundering of the peace, and we shall never be able to live in the land. Now, I will ask both Christian men and heathen whether they will hold to those laws which I utter"._

_They all say they would._

_He said he wished to take an oath of them, and pledges that they would hold to them, and they all said "yea" to that, and so he took pledges from them._

_"This is the beginning of our laws," he said, "that all men shall be Christian here in the land, and believe in one God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but leave off all idol-worship, not expose children to perish, and not eat horseflesh. It shall be outlawry if such things are proved openly against any man; but if these things are done by stealth, then it shall be blameless."_

_But all this heathendom was all done away with within a few years’ space, so that those things were not allowed to be done either by stealth or openly._

_Thorgeir then uttered the law as to keeping the Lord’s day and fast days, Yuletide and Easter, and all the greatest highdays and holidays._

_The heathen men thought they had been greatly cheated; but still the true faith was brought into the law, and so all men became Christian here in the land._

_After that men fare home from the Thing._

**TASK 14:** **How did democracy influence the conversion of Iceland from Paganism to Christianity? Please provide your answer in a 500 word paragraph form with no less than 5 sentences.**

**


Fire, Religion, and the Althing

### Choose your clan booth location.

You have explored the geography, economic resources, and political considerations of Þingvellir, Iceland. Your team must select the most ideal booth location that will best represent the interests of your people and their needs for the two-week long Alþingi. You must consider the resources you have brought from your home farms, the resources that you plan to acquire and take back to your farm, as well as your economic or political agenda at this parliamentary gathering. Additionally, booth locations are on a first-come, first-site-selection basis. You must weigh your resources and goals to pick the best site. If another team has already claimed the site you determine to be most advantageous, you will have to settle for the next best site.

Now, considering all that you know, it is time to select the most ideal location for your clan’s booth for the Alþingi at Þingvellir, Iceland.

* In Parts 1 & 2, you learned about location and the difference between absolute and relative location for a place on earth.
 
* Parts 3 & 4 demonstrated the location for the AlÞingi in the time of the Commonwealth of Iceland. Additionally, you identified an ideal route that determined the order by which your clan arrived at Þingvellir, and consequently the order by which you will choose your ideal booth location (your instructor will verify your calculation). Finally, you identified resources at Thingvellir to be considered for your own clan resource needs and wants.
 
* Part 5 identified the most advantageous political location for your clan at the Althing.
 
* In Part 6 you explored how democracy influenced cultural change in Commonwealth Iceland through an historic political moment at the AlÞingi.
 
* And now in Part 7, the final section of this lesson, you bring all of your knowledge together to select the ideal clan booth location site at Þingvellir.
 

You will now utilize all of your information to identify an absolute location for your clan booth, based on the relative relationships of resources, politics, etc. There is an ideal spot for each clan booth, however, you may have to choose the next-best spot because your spot has been chosen. So, keep an open mind and weigh the benefits of the variables with the Likert Scale below. A Likert Scale is a good-better-best approach to the variable considerations. It is a way to quantify a series of qualitative variables. It is usually a 5 or 7 point index that demonstrates a “Like” to “Dislike” quality on a survey, but it is not limited to simple liking

**TASK 15: Use your answers and notes from this lesson to rank the variables that will help you to rank the available site polygons in the virtual reality interface of this lesson.**
<table width="624" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="0">
 <colgroup><col width="89"/> <col width="65"/> <col width="67"/> <col width="66"/> <col width="62"/> <col width="189"/></colgroup>
 <tbody>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Variable</td><td>Very ImportantScore: 3</td><td>Important Score: 2</td><td>It would be nice…Score: 1</td><td>Not NecessaryScore: 0</td><td>Notes (for class discussion):</td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>WaterLakeRiver</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Pasture</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Lögberg(Law Rock)</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Lögrétta(Law Council Terrace)</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Snorri Sturluson’s Booth</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Gizur the White’s Booth</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Goods to buy</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>Goods to sell</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 <tr valign="top"><td>TOTAL</td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td><td> </td></tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

 
[Enter VR](https://geoepic.app/thingvellir) 

**Task 16 (FINAL TASK): Classwide discussion: Your instructor will guide you through a debrief of this lesson. This is your opportunity to see if your choices were the most ideal locations for ALL of the groups (clans) with their unique scenarios. You may wish to appeal to another group to exchange sites for optimization of clan distribution at this location OR you might take your grievance to the Law Council at Lögberg. You must solve any disagreement about location through a democratic process. You may elect your representatives (goðar), but the instructor is the Lawspeaker.**