Take a hike
Walking through the set of Burial Rights Take a hike through love, passion, jealousy, murders, trial and executions in North Iceland. But first, you’ve got to read one book. by Einar Skúlason
W
hen you walk close to the seafront at Illugastaðir Farm or near the Þrístapar Hills close to Vatnsdalshólar Hills there is not much in the environment suggesting it was the stage of murders and the last executions in Iceland. The numerous seals and birds of Illuga staðir are the main focus of one’s attention and the horses grazing near Þrístapar (Triple Hillocks) are more likely to raise your curiosity than the low hills themselves. However, once you hear the true story of Agnes and the other characters of the wonderfully written book Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, this area will transform and you will see it in a wholly different way. A STORY COMES TO LIFE As you walk around Illugastaðir, you might wonder where Agnes went to pour out her disappointment and anger when she found out that the 15-yearold girl Sigríður had taken her place as mistress of
46
WOW Power to the people