The shore was colored by the conflicts of the later war

Icelanders' relationship with the sea is multifaceted, characterized by periods of abundance and times of profound sorrow. This complex connection was a central theme at a folklore conference held from June 13-16, attended by 600 participants.

Kristinn Schram, an associate professor of folklore at the University of Iceland, presented his research on the lingering memories associated with the sea, specifically focusing on shipwrecked bodies discovered along Iceland's shores. "We are always telling stories, and we tell stories of our experiences," Schram explained during his presentation.

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We are always telling stories, and we tell stories of our experiences.

His research delved into how the sea and the coastline were affected by the conflicts of World War II. Beyond finding driftwood and other resources, some Icelanders encountered the bodies of sailors and soldiers who perished at sea, particularly in clashes north of the island. Schram interviewed individuals who remembered this era, noting that memories tinged with such trauma could even persist across generations.

One woman recounted how her mother would never go to the shore alone, always insisting on having someone with her, preferably holding her daughter's hand, out of fear of encountering the bodies of those lost at sea. These profound experiences highlight the enduring and often somber impact of the ocean on Icelandic collective memory.

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One woman recounted how her mother would never go to the shore alone, always insisting on having someone with her, preferably holding her daughter's hand, out of fear of encountering the bodies of those lost at sea.