“For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and there is nothing covered up that will remain undisclosed.”

~ Gospel of Thomas, Nag Hammadi Library

It never ceases to amaze us when new discoveries of our past are made. But incredibly, we keep witnessing as archeologists or locals uncover new Information and new evidence from these sites, often changing our views of how our ancestors lived and operated. Some of the discoveries have literally changed history, The Rosetta Stone, Gobleki Tepe, and King Tut’s Tomb are just three of many over the years which have made headlines and sparked worldwide interest. In this issue of the KGRAdb newsletter, we share recent news of a previously unknown Viking Colony in the North Atlantic Faroe Islands.

In the misty expanse between Norway and Iceland, lies the rugged archipelago of the Faroe Islands. This cluster of 18 islands, with its dramatic cliffs and rolling green hills, has long been shrouded in mystery and legend. The story of its settlement is a tale woven with the threads of Norse sagas, genetic revelations, and the enduring spirit of the Vikings.

According to the Færeyinga Saga, a literary account from the medieval period, the Faroe Islands were first colonized by Norse settlers between A.D. 872 and 930. The saga tells of a Norse chief named Grímur Kamban, who led a band of Vikings to these remote islands. Grímur, whose name evokes images of a formidable leader, is said to have been the first to set foot on the Faroese shores. The saga paints a vivid picture of these early settlers, braving the treacherous seas in their longships, driven by a desire for new lands and opportunities.

For centuries, the origins of these Norse settlers remained a topic of speculation and debate. Where did Grímur and his followers come from? Were they from a single Scandinavian tribe, or did they represent a more diverse group? Recent genetic studies have begun to unravel this mystery, offering new insights into the Viking expansion into the North Atlantic.

A groundbreaking study led by anthropologist Christopher Tillquist of the University of Louisville analyzed the genetic makeup of 139 Faroese men. The results were surprising and enlightening. Contrary to the long-held belief that the Faroe Islands and Iceland were settled by similar Norse populations, the study revealed that the Vikings who colonized the Faroes came from a diverse range of Scandinavian backgrounds. This diversity suggests that the Viking expansion was more complex than previously thought, involving a mix of different groups and cultures.

The genetic evidence aligns with the rich tapestry of anecdotes and legends that have been passed down through generations. One such legend speaks of Grímur Kamban’s journey to the Faroes. It is said that Grímur, seeking refuge from the political turmoil in Norway, set sail with his followers in search of a new home. After a perilous voyage, they arrived at the Faroe Islands, where they found a land of stark beauty and abundant resources. Grímur and his men established settlements, building sturdy homes from the local stone and timber, and began to cultivate the land.

The Faroese landscape, with its steep cliffs and windswept moors, provided both challenges and opportunities for the settlers. They adapted to their new environment, developing unique farming and fishing techniques that allowed them to thrive in this remote corner of the world. Over time, the Norse settlers intermingled with other groups, including Irish monks who had previously visited the islands, further enriching the cultural and genetic heritage of the Faroes.

The story of the Faroe Islands is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Norse people. It is a story of exploration and discovery, of forging new paths in uncharted territories. The genetic study led by Tillquist adds a new layer to this narrative, highlighting the complexity and diversity of the Viking expansion.

As we look back on the history of the Faroe Islands, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of the Vikings. Their spirit of adventure and their ability to adapt to new environments continue to inspire us today. The Faroe Islands, with their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, stand as a testament to the remarkable journey of Grímur Kamban and his followers, who ventured into the unknown and carved out a new life in the North Atlantic.

Additional Info:

The Faroe Islands were colonized by Vikings between 872 and 930 AD, though there is evidence that humans lived there before the Vikings. Here’s what’s known about the Viking discovery of the Faroe Islands:

• Who discovered the Faroe Islands?
• According to the Færeyinga Saga, a Norse chief named Grímur Kamban led the Viking group that settled the Faroe Islands. However, the Saga of Ólafr Tryggvason and Flateyjarbók disagree on the year of Kamban’s departure and the reason for it.
• Where did the Vikings come from?
• A genetic study of 139 Faroese men found that the Vikings who settled the islands came from a variety of Scandinavian backgrounds. This suggests that Viking expansion into the North Atlantic was more complex than previously thought.
• Evidence of earlier human inhabitants
• Researchers have found evidence that the islands were inhabited as early as 300 CE, possibly by Celtic monks or others from the British Isles. This evidence includes burnt barley grains found under the floor of a Viking longhouse on Sandoy, and sheep DNA and fecal biomarkers found in sediments.
• Viking journeys
• The Vikings used their longships to cross the North Sea and North Atlantic, eventually making their way to Greenland and North America.