Heimskautsgerðið

Background

History & Background

The concept of Heimskautsgerðið, or the Arctic Henge, is deeply rooted in Iceland's rich cultural and historical heritage, drawing direct inspiration from the country's sagas and ancient folklore. The project was conceived as a monumental artwork that would not only celebrate but also embody elements of Norse mythology and astronomical principles. Its primary inspiration comes from the Dvergatal, or "Enumeration of Dwarves," found in the ancient Eddic poem Völuspá, which is one of the most significant literary works of the Middle Ages. The Henge is designed to create a mythological realm around the dwarves, assigning each of the 72 dwarves a five-day period, thereby creating an annual calendar cycle. This unique approach allows visitors to engage with the ancient stories on a personal level by finding their own "birth dwarf." Furthermore, the Arctic Henge is strategically located on the Arctic Circle, specifically designed to harness and interact with the midnight sun, a spectacular natural phenomenon exclusive to these northern latitudes. While still under construction, the existing stone arches and structures already demonstrate the ambitious vision of its creators to bring an ancient, mythical worldview into a tangible, awe-inspiring physical form, blending the celestial with the legendary.

Perched on Melrakkaás hill above the remote village of Raufarhöfn in North Iceland, Heimskautsgerðið, also known as the Arctic Henge, is a truly unique and ambitious cultural artwork. Inspired by the profound wisdom of Norse mythology, particularly the Dvergatal (list of dwarves) from the ancient poem Völuspá, and the celestial mechanics of the Arctic Circle, this monument is a striking blend of art, history, and astronomy. The site, still under construction but already an impressive sight, is envisioned as a grand circular structure, 52 meters in diameter. Its design is intended to harness the power of the midnight sun, with various stone arches and structures aligning with specific astronomical events. The image vividly captures the Henge's imposing stone arches against a dramatic backdrop of a star-studded, deep blue sky, illuminated by the vibrant, otherworldly glow of the Northern Lights – a truly unforgettable spectacle. Visitors can wander through the emerging "dwarf path," where eventually 72 carved dwarves, each assigned a five-day period, will form a yearly cycle. In the center, an 8-meter crystal-topped pillar is planned to cast the sun's rays across the Henge, bringing ancient sagas to life in a modern context. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of Iceland's rich folklore, find your own "birth dwarf," and marvel at the ingenuity of a project that connects humanity to the cosmos and its own mythological heritage.