In the rugged highlands of Iceland, a troll named Bergþór lived with his wife in a cave called Hundahellir, nestled in the slopes of Bláfell. Unlike the fearsome reputation trolls usually have, Bergþór was a gentle giant, mild-mannered and kind—though not someone you’d want to provoke. Skilled in the mysterious “black arts,” Bergþór kept mostly to himself.

This episode is part of my Folklore Friday series where I am sharing an Icelandic folklore story every Friday in 2024

Not far from the cave stood a farm in Haukadalur, where an elderly farmer lived. One day, Bergþór visited the farmer with an unusual request.

“When I die,” the troll said, “I want to be buried where I can hear the sound of church bells and running water. Please promise to lay me to rest in the churchyard at Haukadalur. As a sign of my passing, you’ll find my large wooden staff at your door. And as thanks for fulfilling my wish, you’re welcome to take whatever you find in the kettle by my bedside.”

The farmer agreed, and with that, Bergþór left.

Time passed, and one crisp morning, the farmer’s servants stumbled upon a massive wooden staff leaning against the farmhouse door. When they told the farmer, he immediately knew—it was Bergþór’s staff.

Without delay, the farmer and his men prepared a coffin and set out for Bláfell. Inside the cave, they found Bergþór’s enormous body lying lifeless. Surprisingly, the troll’s gigantic corpse was remarkably light, almost as if it were hollow.

They gently placed him in the coffin, still marveling at the strange sight.
Beside Bergþór’s bed, they noticed a large kettle.

Remembering the troll’s promise, the farmer eagerly opened it, expecting to find a treasure trove of gold. But to his dismay, the kettle was filled with nothing but dead leaves.

The farmer’s anger flared. Had Bergþór tricked him? Still, one of the men decided to fill his gloves with the leaves, just in case there was more to them than met the eye. With the kettle left behind, they carried the coffin down the mountain.

At the base of the hill, they paused to rest. The man who had taken the leaves peeked into his gloves—and gasped. The leaves had transformed into gold coins!

Word quickly spread, and the farmer, now hopeful, rushed back to the cave with his men. But no matter how hard they searched, the cave and the kettle had completely vanished. Others who heard the tale also scoured the mountain in vain. It seemed that Bergþór’s magic had hidden the treasure for good.

In the end, the farmer kept his promise. Bergþór was buried in the Haukadalur churchyard, and the mound where the troll rests is still known as “Bergþór’s Mound” today.

Haukadalur Valley, located in southwestern Iceland, is a stunning geothermal area famed for its geysers and hot springs. Part of the Golden Circle, it features Strokkur, one of Iceland’s most reliable geysers, which erupts every 4 to 10 minutes, sending water as high as 30 meters into the air.

Nearby is the iconic Great Geysir, which gave its name to geysers worldwide. Although Geysir rarely erupts now, it remains a significant natural feature. The valley also boasts over 40 smaller hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles, offering a dynamic and colorful geothermal landscape.

Haukadalsskógur, the valley’s forest, is a cultivated area that began as a reforestation project in the 1930s to combat severe soil erosion. It features marked hiking trails, including wheelchair-accessible paths, and is a serene spot for birdwatching and picnics.

The forest contains various tree species, some commemorated on a totem pole, symbolizing international connections. Nearby, the Beiná River runs through the area, contributing to its lush environment​.

Bergþórsleiði – Bergþórs mound or gravesite

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