TRAVELS IN I€ ELANS* 



pek, and Ms building was so extensive, that travellers could pass 

 through it with their baggage, arid were furnished not only witk 

 provisions, but with any thing for which they might have occa- 

 sion. In this edifice there was always a large fire, at which the 

 traveller might warm himself, or prepare the food and drink 

 which he received. 



EORSERKIA HRAUX. 

 This k a large extent of ground, covered with scoria and lava, 

 in the vicinity of Helgafell : and on it is a long rampart, con- 

 structed of large stones. History relates, that this rampart owes 

 its origin to two brothers, on one of whom was imposed the task 

 of building it, as the condition of obtaining the hand of a young 

 woman with whom he was in love ; but before the marriage 

 took place, the young couple were destroyed by a fire ; thek 

 tomb may still be seen amongst the lava of Borserkia* 



TROBAAR-UNDUS. 



The annals called Eyrboggia Sagas, mention an adventure which 

 took place in this district in 1700, and which, if it had the 

 least appearance of truths would be really remarkable ; but these 

 annals are allowed to rank amongst the most authentic. It took 

 place at the parish of Trodaar, situated to the east of the Gla* 

 cier. Shortly after the inhabitants embraced -Christianity, an Ice- 

 land lady died suddenly at Frodaar, and ordered in her will., that 

 every article which composed her bed, should be burnt, even to the 

 curtains ; her husband, however, not willing to destroy such, 

 valuable articles, they being very rich and fine, forbade his people 

 from touching them. Soon after a pestilential disease broke out 

 in. the house, and carried off all its inhabitants one after the other ; ' 

 the husband however, with a few of his people, met his end in a 

 different manner ; for being at sea in quest of provisions, the 

 vessel sunk, and they were all drowned. This adventure spread 

 terror throughout the canton ; as soon as any one died, he was 

 expected to return, and nothing was talked of but phantoms and 

 .spectres. The people used to collect together in the evening 

 to talk of the event, and did not separate till the fire had burnt 

 out. At last, not knowing to what saint to offer up their prayers, 

 they applied to a man of distinction named Snorre Gode, who 

 is celebrated in the histories of Iceland, as one of the most 

 learned persons in the country. He sent to the house several 

 adroit and courageous men, with orders to burn before the door the 

 articles in question, according to the will of the deceased ; they 

 afterwards assembled, in the same place, a judicial commission, 

 according to the ancient laws,, and the spectres were ordered to 



