A tribute to Iceland — Land of Fire and Ice
🇮🇸 Gleðilegan þjóðhátíðardag! 🇮🇸
Jón Sigurðsson was born on June 17, 1811, in Hrafnseyri in the Westfjords, the son of a poor pastor. He moved to Copenhagen to study and never returned to live in Iceland — yet no one fought harder for her freedom.
A scholar of Old Norse literature and Icelandic history, Jón edited manuscripts and wrote extensively, but his greatest work was political. He argued tirelessly that Iceland had never legally surrendered its sovereignty to Denmark, and that the union between the two nations had always been one of equals.
In 1851, when Danish officials attempted to impose a new constitution, Jón rose to speak those famous words. The assembly dissolved, but the spark had been lit.
The Alþingi (Althing) is established at Þingvellir — one of the world's oldest parliaments. Free men gather to make laws, settle disputes, and recite the law code from memory.
Iceland enters a union with Norway after civil strife. The Alþingi continues but with diminished power.
Norway and Denmark unite. Iceland comes under Danish rule.
Denmark abolishes the Alþingi — a body that had met for 870 years.
The Alþingi is re-established as an advisory body. Jón Sigurðsson is elected its first representative.
Iceland receives its first constitution and limited home rule. A millennium since settlement.
Jón Sigurðsson dies in Copenhagen at age 68, never having seen his homeland free. But the movement he built lives on.
Iceland achieves home rule with its own minister of Icelandic affairs.
The Act of Union recognizes Iceland as a sovereign state in personal union with Denmark. A 25-year review clause is included.
Germany occupies Denmark. Iceland assumes full control of its own affairs. British forces arrive to prevent German occupation.
The 25-year review period expires. On May 20-23, a national referendum is held. On June 17 — Jón Sigurðsson's birthday — the Republic of Iceland is proclaimed at Þingvellir.
Despite cold rain, an estimated 20,000 people gathered at Þingvellir on June 17, 1944. The new constitution was read aloud. Church bells rang across the nation. Sveinn Björnsson became the first President of Iceland.
The ancient parliament, suppressed for 44 years and diminished for centuries before that, was reborn as the legislature of a free republic.