Icelandic artist and musician Megas laid to rest

Iceland bid farewell to Magnús Þór Jónsson, affectionately known as Megas, a towering figure in the nation's music, literature, and art scene. His funeral was held at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church, with Séra Auður Eir Vilhjálmsdóttir officiating the service.

Megas, who passed away on July 6, left behind a legacy of beloved Icelandic popular songs, including hits like "Spáðu í mig," "Tvær stjörnur," and "Fatlafól." His funeral was marked by heartfelt tributes from fellow artists who performed his cherished works. Visual artist Ragnar Kjartansson, accompanied by a women's choir and musicians, performed a Megas composition set to Hallgrímur Pétursson's first Passion Psalm. This choice held particular significance, as the psalms deeply influenced Megas during his youth and inspired him to compose music for each one in the early 1970s.

Musician Margrét Kristín Blöndal, also known as Magga Stína, honored Megas by performing his songs "Um óþarflega fundvísi Ingólfs Arnarsonar" and "Björt ljós, borgarljós." Blöndal had previously recorded an album of Megas's songs in 2006. Other artists, including Ólöf Arnalds and Davíð Þór Jónsson, also contributed musical performances, ensuring Megas's melodies resonated throughout the service.

Megas's prolific career spanned decades, resulting in dozens of albums, novels, biographies, and visual art. His contributions were widely recognized with numerous accolades, including a state grant for artists in 2003 and the Jónas Hallgrímsson Award for his work in preserving the Icelandic language. His passing marks the end of an era for Icelandic arts and culture.