Reykjavík Grapevine - 07.04.2017, Blaðsíða 58

58 The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 05 — 2017
QUIRKY CULTURE

The Dookie
Dropper

Words: Gabriel Dunsmith
Tourists, think twice before you drop
your drawers on a farmer’s lawn while
galavanting around this magical, elf-
filled haven. Þorkell Daníel Eiríksson
of Fljótsdalur recently caught a tourist
doing just that and rightfully berated
him, Morgunblaðið reports. “This
shithead decided to do a shit just by
our home, he almost shat into the
post box itself,” Þorkell told reporters.
When confronted, the tourist alleg-
edly smirked and started arguing for
his defecation rights. “I've had it up to
here with tourists doing this and it's
only getting worse,” says Þorkell. His
petition to install a public toilet in the
area has thus far gone unanswered.
Óðinn Returns
No, this isn’t some cheap Hollywood
appropriation of the Norse gods. This
is as real as tourists pooping where
they please: Icelandic membership in
Ásatrú—the pagan religion developed
in the 20th century, derived from
ancient Nordic beliefs—has bal-
looned 50 percent since 2014, mak-
ing it the fastest-growing religion in
the country, says Morgunblaðið. “We
just encourage people to come if they
are interested,” says high chieftain
Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson. “Our cer-
emonies are open to everyone.” No
word yet if they’ve found the Midgard
Serpent.
Once you notice one, you start seeing
them everywhere. Toys stuck to sign-
posts, window ledges and rooftops,
throughout the downtown area, al-
ways just out of arm's reach. Dótadrei-
farinn, or “the toy spreader,” is Reyk-
javík’s answer to Banksy, or the Easter
Bunny with a cruel sense of humour.
No one knows who is behind this, but
photographer Ben Gruber seems to
have the most extensive documenta-
tion of these toys… a bit like how Peter
Parker had the most extensive docu-
mentation of Spiderman. Just sayin’
(I’m onto you, Gruber).
Accusations aside, one can’t help
but wonder when and how these toys
have made their way around the busi-
est area of Reykjavík without anyone
noticing. My theory is a person creep-
ing out in the dead of night with a lad-
der, a glue gun, and a high-visibility
jacket. No one messes with a high-vis
jacket. Seriously, if you want to do
something illegal, get yourself a high-
vis jacket.
Art piece or frustrated
parent?
But what is the point of all this? Per-
haps this is an art piece. These toys are
a symbol for the everyday fun and joy
that we forget to look for, that we miss
when we go about our daily routines.
Or perhaps it’s an overly tired parent
having a mental breakdown, slowly de-
pleting their child’s toy stash, gluing
every army man they’ve ever stepped
on as far away from the playroom floor
as possible.
Look up, feel happy
Whatever the reason, once you know
about these toys, you find your direc-
tion shifted from the pavement to the
skies. Searching for tiny pieces of plas-
tic, you see the beautiful window ledg-
es and gables and balconies that you’ve
never noticed before. The sun shines
into your vitamin D-deficient face and
you can’t help but feel a little happier.
Happiness + mystery is a perfect com-
bination, so Dótadreifarinn—please
stay elusive, and remember: with great
power comes great responsibility.
Words:
Joanna Smith
Photos:
Ben Gruber
HOUR OF
THE WOLF
CITY SHOT
Dótadreifarinn: A Toy Story
A small invasion.
Come to Iceland for an intimate
experience in beautiful nature
Photo: Art Bicnick
West-Iceland