The Icelandic Canadian - 01.09.1981, Síða 26

24
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
AUTUMN, 1981
THE ADDRESS OF THE FJALLKONA
("Mountain Woman")
At the Islendingadagurinn, Gimli, Manitoba, 1981
by Marjorie Arnason
My dear descendants and friends:
The Fjallkona, whom I have the honor of representing
today, is a symbol of Mother Iceland, which was conceived
about 1750 by the poet Eggert Olafsson, who in verse
described her person and dress, and later in 1810 by another
poet, Bjarni Thorarensen, who popularized the name in the
national anthem of Iceland. Her first ceremonial personal
appearance was at the Icelandic celebration in Winnipeg in
1924. Now I address you on her behalf:
While many of you still speak and understand the Ice-
landic language, I do not forget those of my descendants
who do not speak nor understand the tongue that was
brought to this new land over a hundred years ago, nor you
their friends who are with them today. It is for you that I
shall now speak in English.
Besides being the climax of the annual Icelandic Fes-
tival, this day is also a commemoration of the centennial of
New Iceland, the only republic ever existing in Canada,
being brought into Manitoba and thereby being taken into
Fjallkona — Marjorie Arnason the family of Canadian provinces.
This summer many of my people have
come from the land of their forefathers to
celebrate with you on this festive day. To
them I say, “Thank you.” This day renders
us forever mindful of our common heritage,
a heritage that you have continued to uphold
here in your new land for a hundred and five
years. I feel, however, that had my people
not ventured out from their volcano-
devastated island more than a century ago,
there would not be this magnificent partici-
pation here today. Yes, you the descendants
of Iceland, have inherited the Icelandic
spirit, a wealth of knowledge, wisdom,
loyalty and strength of character. You have
done much to maintain the ties of this, your
new land, with the proud island in the North
Atlantic, Iceland.
My land is said to have a continental drift.
You also have a continental drift in your
land ... a drift of people of Icelandic
descent. Wherever they settle in this vast
country they take the spirit of Iceland with
them.
Here in your new country, Canada, in the
midst of the Canadian mosaic, you continue
to grow with pride in both your nations,
which is evident here today as the flags of
both your countries fly side by side.
Many say that my country, Iceland, is
unique.
What makes my country unique is that it
is an island of vast mystery. If you have seen
it, you will understand. Many of you have
not had the opportunity, but if you do, visit
Thingvellir (Parliament Plains), the site of
the first parliament in the world. To stand
there at Logberg (the Mount of Law), or