Magnificent Arctic Henge And Its Giant Dwarf Path In Iceland

MessageToEagle.com – Located in Raufarhöfn, one of the most remote and northernmost villages in Iceland stands a magnificent, giant sculpture called the Arctic Henge.

It’s a huge sundial similar to Stonehenge and its purpose is to harness the Midnight Sun at the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Henge is inspired by the mythical world of Eddic poem Völuspá (Prophecy of the Seeress), taking from it the concept of 72 dwarves who represent the seasons in the world of the poem, among other symbolic queues.

A new monument that will preserve Nordic roots

Although it looks like an ancient monument, it’s a new construction that is still under development.

The Arctic Henge project started in 1996. The monument was built to preserve Iceland’s Nordic roots, as well as to honor some of the neo-pagan beliefs that have arisen in certain areas.

When completed, the Arctic Henge will be 52m in diameter. The ambitious series of circles and stacked basalt columns are placed according to a complex system based on old Norse mythology. Utilizing the ideas of a pastor named Kolbeinn Þorleifsson (who believed dwarves corresponded to seasons in the Edda) there are 72 stones, each one representing a different dwarf name.

Dwarves in Norse mythology

Dwarves played an important role in Norse mythology. They were craftsman and provided the gods of Asgard with gifts and powerful weapons.

Thor’s hammer and Odin’s spear came from the dwarves. The Norse dwarves lived in a place called Nidalvellir which stands for “dark fields”. These small and clever beings resided under rocks and in caves underground.

The Arctic Henge and its giant dwarf path

The Arctic Henge will contain a Dwarf Path including the names of 72 dwarfs which form a year-circle in which each dwarf has five days. A crystal at the top of an 8-metre-high column will throw light all over the Henge. Each dwarf will have his name and character, and visitors can find their own Birthday Dwarf.

The Arctic Henge will also capture the sunrays, cast shadows in precise locations and capture the light between aligned gateways.

See also:

Mysterious And Powerful Valkyries In Norse Mythology: The Choosers Of The Slain

The Realms Of Jötunheimr – The Home Of The Fearful Giants In Norse Mythology

Ragnarok In Norse Mythology – The Doom Of The Gods And Apocalyptic Record Of The Coming Comet

With its magnificent northern lights, astounding glaciers, mountains and beautiful landscape, Iceland is already a popular tourist destination for all those who want to admire nature and the Arctic Henge will add even more beauty to this wonderful country.

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References:

Hawthorne, Simon- Norse Mythology: The Norse Gods: Thor, Odin and Loki, the Nine Worlds and the Old Norse Myths

Icelandic Saga & Heritage

Arctic Henge

Atlas Obscura