eftirlegukind

All of Iceland's vegetation was beautifully autumnal in September 2023. To get a good picture of it, however, you need an eye-catcher; the vegetation alone...
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All of Iceland's vegetation was beautifully autumnal in September 2023. To get a good picture of it, however, you need an eye-catcher; the vegetation alone doesn't work in the picture. This sheep immediately offered itself as a model. Sheep left behind in Iceland that were not found during the sheep drive (Göngur) are referred to as “eftirlegukind”.

The first settlers brought sheep with them to Iceland. They served as a source of food and provided wool for textiles. During Iceland's eventful history, sheep played a central role in all phases of growth as well as catastrophes. During the eruption of the Laki volcano in 1783, 25% of the Icelandic population died because 80% of the sheep died as a result of the toxic ash. When Europe's economy was most affected by the First World War, Icelandic wool was in high demand. Thanks to the wealth created from the sale of sheep products over these four years, Iceland was able to become the modern nation we know today. Today there are around 800,000 sheep living in Iceland - more than twice as many as people. The animals spend the summer freely and roam around the entire island. When the days get shorter and the wind gets cooler, “Göngur” – the rounding up of the animals – begins. Because they don't come into the stable voluntarily! Once the animals are rounded up, “Rettir” sorts and assigns the animals to their respective owners.
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