The White Falcon - 12.07.1985, Síða 10

A cultural note: Jorund, the “Dog-Days” king!
By Sigurdur Arnason
"Dog Days" is the traditional name in many na-
tions for the hottest part of summer. In Iceland
the summer period is defined as the days from 13
July to 23 August.
There are two popular theories for the origin
of the term "Dog Days." One explanation is that
dogs are prone to eat grass at this time of year.
Another is that dolphins, sometimes called "dog
fish," often become so fat during "Dog Days" that
the fat covers their eyes, causing them to run a-
shore.
The prevailing reason for the use of the term
in Iceland is linked to "Jorund the Dog-Days
King," a Danish adventurer. On June 20, 1809,
Jorund came to Reykjavik on board a British fri-
gate. The British captain of the vessel learned
that the Icelandic people were forbidden to trade
with the British under penalty of death in spite
of a previous trade agreement with Iceland's rul-
ing Danish governor.
Guns and swords
On Sunday, June 25, 13 men from the frigate
overpowered a Danish ship in the harbor and then
came ashore armed with guns and swords. Jorund,
the British captain, and four other men arrested
the governor and took him back to their vessel.
During the next two days, Jorund signed and
posted a notice which nullified all Danish auth-
ority. Subsequent notices promised Icelandic
independence, lowered taxes, lowered prices and
cancelled debts to the Danish Crown and merchants
as well as assuring the people of Iceland that
they would have their own parliament and judici-
ary. Jorund also ordered a new Icelandic flag
design that can be seen to this day, featuring
three white cods on a blue background. After
posting the notices, Jorund settled into the de-
posed governor's house with six Icelandic body-
guards .
Another frigate
On August 8, another British frigate came to
Iceland. The captain of that vessel learned
what Jorund had done, with no actual authority
from the British Crown as he had led the Iceland-
ic people to believe. On August 22, an agreement
was reached with judges on Iceland's National
Court which nullified all of Jorund's proclama-
tions.
The unfortunate Jorund and the conspirators
attempted to escape, but their ship caught fire
at sea. They were rescued and taken on board
the Orion, the very ship they had previously
overpowered in the Icelandic harbor. Jorund was
returned to England.
Later, the would-be conquerer landed in jail
repeatedly for debts and gambling. He was even-
tually exiled to a colony in Australia, where he
died in utter poverty in 1844. Nevertheless,
"Jorund, the Dog-Days King" has earned a place
in Icelandic history.
Classified ads continued
HEDSTROM STROLLER -- Like new,
$25; four sets of curtains,
various sizes and styles, rods
included; 12'xl5' rust colored
carpet with pad, $75; 9'x12'
grey-blue carpet with pad, $65;
9'x3' beige hallway carpets with
pads, $40. Call 4342.
MATERNITY CLOTHES -- Dresses,
blouses, slacks and shorts and
a swim suit. Size 5/6 and 7/8.
Call 7160 in the evenings.
REFRIGERATER/FREEZER -- Whirl-
pool , no frost. Asking $125.
Also two Fisher speakers, model
DS-196, $75 for the pair. Call
7273.
STEREO -- Sanyo JXT 6440 with
Dolby, AM/FM cassette stereo re-
cord player with two speakers
and dust cover. Asking $175 or
best offer. Call 7474 AWH.
TAPE DECK -- Technics M258R with
auto reverse and music s^ect.
Asking $175. Also Vidicraft
guard stabilizer. Used maybe
six times. Asking $35. Call
6115 DWH or 7257 AWH. Ask for
Torre.
TRANSCEIVER -- Kenwood TS-830S
amateur HF transceiver with
MC-50 microphone and service
manual. Digital frequency read-
out. All solid state except
finals. Call 4378 AWH between
5 and 9 p.m.
WASHING MACHINE -- A 1981 model
and a 1983 dryer model. Sears
Kenmore portable washer and dry-
er. Great for small apartments.
Asking $400 or best offer. Call
4994.
Miscellaneous
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS -- A Bent-
wood rocker, $35; black powder
rifle, .44 caliber with rack,
$175; a coffee table and octogon
end table, $50 pr. ; a Pentax
Auto 110, super major kit,
$175; queen-size headboard with
metal frame, $75 and a recliner
that needs a cover, $30. Call
7127.
Lost
LOST -- Small boy's warmup jack-
et. Navy blue with white
stripes down the sleeves and the
letters C-H-A-M-P on the back.
Any information, call 7160 in
the evenings or 4552 DWH.
Wanted
WANTED -- A bass player or
guitarist wanted. Some jazz
background would be helpful.
Call Paul at 4486 or 5101.
10
July 12, 1985 The White Falcon