Reykjavík Grapevine - 24.05.2019, Blaðsíða 46

46 The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 08— 2019
WAR OF THE NERDS
So Long,
And Thanks For All
The White Walkers
You’re always welcome back, Jon Snow
Words: Valur Grettisson Photo: Still from GOT
It’s safe to say that season eight
of the epic cultural phenomenon
Game of Thrones was controver-
sial. Around one million fans of
the show have signed a petition
for the season to be reshot, and
they’re literally crying over their
keyboards. Few shows have ever
elicited such a strong fan reaction.
It must be some form of success
to rile them up in such a brutal
manner.
The special
relationship
Iceland, of course, has a spe-
cial relationship with GoT. Our
landscapes have been part of the
magic since season two. Viewers
all around the world have been
with us at Hengilssvæðið, Þóru-
foss, Skógafoss, and many other
locations around the island. Most
often, Iceland was the rugged
wild lands of the North, where
the White Walkers roam and the
Wildlings, led by Tormund Giants-
bane, embrace their freedom from
the psychotic kings and queens
of civilisation and or the barbaric
monarchy.
Icelandic production company
Pegasus assisted the American
crew behind the production to
source locations and navigate the
Icelandic landscape. The local
crew of 60 to 70 people gained a lot
of experience in the process. The
collaboration with Iceland has also
resulted in the creation of popu-
lar GoT tours, so fans can see the
“true north” for themselves.
Wildling Iceland
While Icelandic fans—like those
around the world—have differ-
ing opinions on the finale of GoT,
we’re proud that our beloved coun-
try was featured as a main char-
acter in the show. We’re thankful
that the world was captivated by
the harsh northern lands near and
beyond The Wall, and the series as
a whole. It’s been glorious to follow
these complex characters travel-
ling Westeros, between locations
in Iceland, Croatia and Ireland.
Our final words to the cast,
crew, and audience of Game of
Thrones is simple; Goodbye, and
thanks for the White Walkers. And
you’re always welcome back, Jon
Snow.
CITY SHOT by Art Bicnick
WELL, YOU ASKED
Say Ha?
Words: Valur Grettisson
Photo: Art Bicnick
I've been living in the Icelandic
countryside for the last five years,
but my partner and I are planning to
move back to Reykjavík this summer.
Any tips, advice, recommendations
for an Alabama country mouse about
to move into the big city?
First of all, you need to watch out for
the hustlers with their cards and cups.
Those guys will skin you alive if you are
not careful enough. I would recommend
that you would watch all of John Waters’
movies so when you finally meet those
degenerate city folks—all of whom have
sought out an abortion in the 22nd week
just because they felt like it—you won’t
feel too much of a culture shock. I also
recommend that you bring your bible
with you for moral support and don’t
forget to dress in your Sunday best, just
to let them know that you're serious
about that shit. If all else fails, just hit
people with your bible and scream: The
power of Christ compels you!
How do I keep from reacting badly
to someone responding to me with
"HA?" I’ve lived in Iceland for almost
20 years and it still grates my nerves
like cheese. I can't hide it.
The short answer is: don’t restrain
yourself. It’s perfectly healthy to react
really badly when someone says ‘Ha?’ to
you. Because it’s goddamn disrespectful
language and the individual who dares
to use such language in a conversation
is either mocking you or telling you
in a loud voice that you are an idiot.
These kind of people don’t understand
anything other than the language
abuse, so you should just unleash your
wrath on their asses and explain to
them how ‘Ha?’ grates on your nerves—
like cheese!—after having to listen to
it for twenty long years! Then I would
strongly recommend some kind of
anger management. And if that doesn't
work, just scream at the guilty ‘Ha?’-
ers from the top of your lungs: "The
power of Christ compels you!" That’ll
throw them off most of the time.
Send your unsolvable (UNTIL NOW )
problems to editor@grapevine.is or
tweet us at @rvkgrapevine.
Iceland - the true North
The sky has gone weird and blue and warm. Idgi
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