Viking Language 1 Lesson 10: Beached Whales in Iceland
Grettir’s Saga offers some of the most detailed information in the medieval sources about the value of beached whales. Bloated and raised to the surface by the gases of decay in their stomachs and bowels, these dead creatures were huge treasures. Individuals and allies were prepared to fight for possession when whale carcasses washed ashore following storms.
Grettir’s Saga, ch.12
"...Um várit kom veðr mikit af norðri; þat helzk nær viku. Eptir veðrit könnuðu menn reka sína. Þorsteinn hét maðr, er bjó á Reykjanesi. Hann fann hval rekinn innan fram á nesinu, þar sem hét at Rifskerjum: þat var reyðr mikil. Hann sendi þegar mann til Flosa í Vík ok svá til næstu bœja....Flosi kom fyrst ok þeir Víkrmenn; þeir tóku þegar til skurðar ok var dreginn á land upp sá [hvalr], er skorinn var. Í því kómu Kaldbeklingar með fjögur skip. Þorgrímr veitti tilkall til hvalsins ok fyrirbauð Víkrmönnum skurð ok skipti ok brautflutning á hvalnum..."
Whales beach occasionally today as well, click on the video underneath to see. More information on the specific case can be found HERE.
