Neighbourhood of the Gods - Reykjavik, Iceland
Posted by: 
Metro2
N 64° 08.544 W 021° 55.712
27W E 454815 N 7113211
This sign is located near the Einar Jonsson Museum and across from the Cathedral.
Waymark Code: WMP36X
Location: Iceland
Date Posted: 06/21/2015
Views: 5
The sign reads:
"Neighbourhood of the Gods
Around Skolavorduholt hill, fifteen streets carry names from Norse Mythology. The neighbourhood is sometimes referred to as the Neighbourhood of the Gods as Thor, Freyja and many more gods from the pagan religion have their own streets here. At one time, city authorities tried to name the area Asgard, on of the nine worlds in Norse Mythology and home of the gods, but the name did not stick.
The one eyed and wisdom seeking Odin was th first god to have his namesake here. not surprisingly as h is traditionally considered to be the highest of the gods residing in Asgard. Odinsgata got its name in 1906 and it set the tone for other street names in the area for the next 25 years or so.
The main source of knowledge about the pagan world view is to be found in the Edda of Snorri Sturluson and the Poetic Edda. The 13th century Codex Regius, which is the oldest preserved manuscript containing the Edda poems, is the most valuable Icelandic manuscripts. It is preserved by the Arni Magnusson Institute here in Reykjavik. Snorri's Edda collects material from the poems and other sources and paints a clear picture of the gods. One of them is Njord that this street, Njardargata, is named after.
The naming system in the neighbourhood does not seem to reflect certain myths, with a few exceptions. The fact that Baldursgata and Nonnugata intersect is hardly a coincidence, as Baldur and Nanna are husband and wife. In the same fashion, it is meaningful that Valastigur and Hadastigur lay side by side next to Baldursgata. Hodur the blind and Vali are Baldur's brothers. Hodur is tricked by Loki to shoot an arrow made from mistletoe at Baldur, and is thus indirectly responsible for his death. In revenge, Vali slays Hodur.
It is interesting to note that some of the major gods do not make their way onto the city map. The goddess Frigg is one of them, as are Sif and Heimdallur. On the other hand, if you travel to Copenhagen, you will find Heimdalsgade, Friggagatan is in Gothenburgh and on the planet Venus there is a volcano carrying the name of Sif."
Group that erected the marker: City of Reykjavik
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Njardargata
Reykjavik, Iceland Iceland
101
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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