Diversity Is The Reality
Many foreign students arrived at the University of Iceland early last month to the sight of Nazi stickers spread out all around the campus. Several foreign students, who live in [&
Ask a Pagan Chieftain: How Was Winter Celebrated Before Christian Traditions?
Christmas lights and traditions bring much-needed warmth to the cold Icelandic winters. But before Christianity arrived in the country, Icelanders were pagan. We asked Hilmar Örn
The Outsider: Countess Malaise Claims Her Throne
In the Icelandic rap scene, there’s Countess Malaise and there’s everyone else. Since the the dark monarch debuted three years ago with her hit “Goth Bitch,” the Countess h
This Christmas, Go Easy On The Grýla Myth And Don’t Make Pipe Bombs
Oh my, time flies when you’re having fun! Christmas is upon us. Now is the time where Icelanders cook their traditional glazed ham or pick pellet out of the ptarmigan. […]
New In Town: Yuzu
Headed up by the owners of beloved clothing store Húrra Reykjavík, Yuzu is an artisanal burger shop at Hverfisgata 44 with an Eastern twist. Stop by for their lunch deal, [&helli
Just Sayings: “Sá er montnastur sem minnst er í varið”
Here’s one for the endless self-posting idiots out there. This saying literally means, “the ones that are conceited are often uninteresting” and it’s used by Icelanders to
Last Words: 101 Doom And Gloom
“Would you rather it be like a decade ago when half the storefronts were empty and run-down?” Over the course of my decade living in 101, I’ve heard or read [&hel
Well, You Asked: Star Wars, God & Some Whining
I’m having a quarter-life crisis, help me? Hm, okay, Does that mean you’re like 25 years old? Jesus, relax. My first advice would be don’t panic. Everyone will be dead [&hell
Just Sayings: Að Slá Einhverjum Gullhamra
“Að slá einhverjum gullhamra” literally means to hit someone with a golden hammer. In Icelandic though, this means that you just gave someone a compliment. The saying can als
We Are A Fire Cult: Andri Snær Magnason Talks Oil, Humans As Volcanoes & Pancake Sci-Fi
“At first, people think I am messing around. But it’s all about the journey around the black hole,” laughs Andri Snær Magnason, discussing his new book ‘Um Tímann og
What Are Icelanders Talking About?
The ongoing RÚV television series, Svona fólk (People like this), which focuses on Iceland’s queer history, reminded people of just how adamantly the National Church fought aga
Just Sayings: “Tekinn á Beinið”
This saying is not really that old. It originated at Akureyri Junior College and means to tell someone off, often by higher authority. The direct translation of the saying—which
Well, You Asked: This One Is For My Haters
Stuck in a tricky situation? Don’t worry, Grapevine’s advice column is here to help you. How many Instagram followers do you need to be considered an influencer? Why? Do you [&
Just Sayings: “Of Seint Í Rassinn Gripið”
Here’s one idiom that suddenly became inflammatory because of #MeToo. It literally means “too late to grab that ass.” I kid you not. This is the exact translation. Of course,
Last Words: In Defence Of Faramir
There are but two individuals who held the Ring of Power and willingly yeeted it off to another sucker: Bilbo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. Other than that, there’s the somewhat [&
Off The Rails With Grísalappalísa: The Iconic Band Bids Adieu
If the early aughts in the Icelandic music scene was defined by lo-fi indie, peaking at around the time of the financial crisis of 2008, Grísalappalísa undoubtedly represents the
How Iceland Celebrated Halloween Before There Even Was Halloween
Halloween nears, and from the hearts of all the old Norse, you’re welcome. The holiday has its roots in old pagan customs originating in the Nordic countries. In Sweden, it [&hel
Food Of Iceland: Liquorice
Liquorice gets a bad rap internationally, thanks to black jellybeans being the worst candy ever made, as well as Twizzlers completely missing the mark. (For reference: It’s not s
Ask A Scientist: What Actually Happened During The Turkish Raid Of 1627?
One of the most infamous events in Icelandic history is the Tyrkjaránið (The Turkish Raid) of 1627. Although it‘s commonly associated with modern-day Turkey, the raiders in que
The Lóaboratoríum: Winter Is Here
Lóa Hjálmtýsdóttir is a comic artist, musician and probably a bunch of other things, too. She has contributed to Grapevine since way back when. Our very favourite, here she pre