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People and Culture
Origin of the Icelanders
The language and culture of Iceland today is predominantely influenced by their Norse origin, but there is also 
found evidence of celtic blood and heritage.
Although the first settlers of Iceland are supposed to have been Irish monks or hermits they left the island upon arrival of the heathen Vikings in the 2nd half of the 9th century. Therefore most indications are, that the majority of the Icelandic settlers came from Norway. They were accompanied by their Irish slaves, who brought the celtic culture and legacy to the Icelanders origin.
According to The Book of settlements (Landnámabók), Ingólfur Arnarson was the first permanent settler of Iceland, establishing himself there in 874.
Language
The Icelandic language is one of the main characteristics of this proud nation. It belongs to the group of the North Germanic languages and is quite similar to the language that the settlers brought with them in the ninth and tenth centuries (Old Norse language).
The language has been basically retained unchanged since and provides the basis for the rich saga literature in the thirteenth century. Nonetheless, English is widely understood and spoken, especially among the younger generation.
Literature
The medieval literature is probably Iceland’s most significant contribution to world literature, especially the "Sagas", a unique genre of realistic and secular prose narratives dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Nevertheless modern Icelandic literature has gained international attention, not least since 1955, when the great novelist Halldór Laxness won the Nobel Prize. Today authors like for example Einar Kárason, Arnaldur Indriðason, Guðbergur Bergsson and Steinunn Sigurðardóttir reach readers on a broad international scale.
Religion
The established religion in Iceland is Lutheran.
Icelandic Music
Icelandic music is widely recognized internationally with top artists like Sigur Rós, Björk, Mum, Mugison, Emiliana Torrini, Lay Low and The Sugarcubes.
Iceland Airwaves Music Festival
Iceland Airwaves, a festival gathering increasing international attention, has rocked Reykjavik every October since 1999. It's been called "the most innovative music festival since CMJ" and "as responsible for all of Reykjavík's recent positive press as Björk herself".
Thousands of fans from around the world show up to groove to cutting-edge music by alternative artists from both sides of the Atlantic.
Reykjavik Jazz Festival
The Reykjavik Jazz Festival is also held in August annually with a broad line-up of jazz artists from all over the world. For a full detail of this year’s line-up visit the festivals website.
