Icelandic Culture Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sagas

Sagas are common in most Scandinavian cultures, especially in Iceland. Most sagas told epic stories about exploration and were written by Vikings or other Norsemen. It is from these sagas that we know most of Iceland's early history, including its founding. Sagas are not unique to Iceland or Scandinavia and are found in many European cultures.

Answer: The Sugarcubes

In addition to Bjork, other members included Einar Orn Benediktsson and Sigtryggur Baldursson. "Birthday" debuted on the band's first album "Life's Too Good". The band broke up in 1992 but has reunited occasionally since then.

Answer: Johnsson

In Iceland, last names are not family names but are patronymic. They are formed by taking the father's name and adding "-sson" for a male or "-sdottir" for a girl. Johnsson means John's son. If I were female, my last name would be Johnsdottir, meaning John's daughter.

Answer: Snowflake bread

Laufabrauo is traditionally served at Christmastime. It is a very flat bread, decorated with patterns before it is fried. It is similar to pancake in the United States or a tortilla in Mexico in size, shape and texture.

Answer: Because that is the birthday of a famous Icelandic poet

November 16 is the day Jonas Hallgrimsson was born. Hallgrimsson was active in the fight for Icelandic independence and wrote many poems about Iceland. He also founded "Fjolnir", an Icelandic language journal in 1835. His pro-Icelandic verse led to the movement for Icelandic independence which would not be achieved in full until 1944.

Answer: Lutheranism

The Church of Iceland was founded in 1540 and claims over 75% of the population as members. During the Reformation, Iceland was controlled by Denmark which quickly became Protestant. Prior to this, much of Iceland was Roman Catholic. The last Roman Catholic bishop in Iceland until 1855 was Jon Arason who was executed in 1550 while fighting against the Reformation.

Answer: Pastoral/Rural

Thorlaksson was known for his scenic paintings of the Icelandic countryside. He was the first Icelander to host an exhibition in the country. One of his most famous creations is called "Thingvellir", which today is now set aside as a national park.

Answer: Film and television

The Edda Awards began in 1999 to honor films and television programs nationwide. It is, essentially, the Icelandic Oscars and Emmys. It is for Icelandic language productions.

Answer: Handball

Iceland lost to France in the gold medal match. This was Iceland's first medal in handball, and fourth overall. Handball is one of Iceland's most popular sports and is sometimes called the national sport but it is not officially so. Many of Iceland's handball players play in foreign countries professionally and only play for Iceland in the Olympics or other world championships.

Answer: Shark

Hakarl is traditionally made from the Greenland shark, but other sharks can also be used. The shark is gutted and then buried in the sand for a few months. It is then cleaned and cut before it is hung to dry. Although loved by Icelanders, even the most famous and well-eaten food critics from other places around the world find hakarl repulsive in both smell and taste. Andrew Zimmerman on his show "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman" did actually claim to enjoy the taste once he got past the smell.