When did Iceland start settling?

Written sources consider the age of settlement in Iceland to have begun with settlement by Ingólfr Arnarson around 874, for he was the first to sail to Iceland with the purpose of settling the land.

Was there a monastic settlement in Iceland?

There is some archaeological evidence for a monastic settlement from Ireland at Kverkarhellir cave, on the Seljaland farm in southern Iceland. Sediment deposits indicate people lived there around 800, and crosses consistent with the Hiberno-Scottish style were carved in the wall of a nearby cave.

Are Icelandic settlements based on a true story?

Although scholars believe there is always some historical fact behind these stories, they are considered largely works of legend and myth. The earliest sources on Icelandic settlement are the Íslendingabók (“Book of the Icelanders”, c. 12th century CE) and the Landnámabók (“Book of the Settlements”, c. 13th century CE).

Was Iceland a land of gods?

As noted, the original settlers are said to have believed Iceland was the land of the gods and was imbued with spirits. Regarding this, Professor Aðalheiður Guðmundsdóttir notes, “You can't live in this landscape and not believe in a force greater than you.” (Kirby, 3).