The Giants of Iceland | Unparalleled Strength

Explore the incredible strength of Iceland’s Giants with Welcome To Iceland. In 1988, Jón Páll Sigmarsson showcased immense power, exemplifying the country’s tradition of formidable strongmen. Discover more about these legendary figures and their unparalleled feats in Iceland’s rich history.

The Resilience of a Country

Welcome To Iceland is home to incredibly resilient individuals. Renowned figures such as Jón Páll Sigmarsson, Magnús Ver Magnússon, and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, known for his role as the Mountain in Game of Thrones, showcase the robust nature of the Icelandic people.

Welcome To Iceland’s Best Cultural Tours

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Iceland with our top culture tours. Immerse yourself in unique traditions, folklore, and history as you explore this fascinating country.

In the past, the term ‘strongman’ referred to authoritative leaders who maintained control through sheer willpower rather than physical strength or other coercive means. It later evolved in the 19th century to become associated with circus performers, characterized by striped outfits, distinctive moustaches, and specific strength competitions.

Today, the modern strongman is typically seen in movies and advertisements rather than in military contexts. It now represents individuals who participate in what Icelanders refer to as ‘tests of strength’ or Aflraunir, as opposed to traditional power and weightlifting competitions known as Kraftlyftingar.

Physical Strength in Iceland

Throughout Iceland’s history, physical strength has been essential for survival due to the harsh and challenging natural conditions that demand everyone to contribute.

Women’s Strength in Reykjavík

Even in the 20th century, women in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, used to carry heavy loads of laundry from the city centre to Laugardalur pools, a five-kilometre distance. They then had to transport all their equipment and wet laundry back home after a 10-hour washing session.

Foreign visitors were amazed by the strength of Icelandic women, equating their abilities to those of a pack horse due to the enormous weight they carried daily.

The Giants of Iceland: Strength Beyond Measure

Back in history, Icelandic men displayed exceptional strength by moving heavy rocks to construct turf houses and hauling massive fishing nets from the sea manually. The true value of a man was often determined by his ability to lift immense stones.

Testing Strength Through the Ages

Through centuries, Icelanders challenged their physical prowess by taking on specific rocks, with one of the most renowned being the Húsafell stone, weighing a substantial 186kg (409lbs). Attaining a ‘Fullsterkur’ status, denoting ‘Full Strength,’ required lifting, carrying, and placing a rock weighing 155kg or more onto a platform at waist height or above.

The Powerful Women of Iceland

Despite the Icelandic Strongman’s prominent position as a power icon in Iceland, there are numerous fearless women in the country who excel in strength sports.

Notably, Katrín Tanja and Anníe Mist, two Icelandic superwomen, have both earned the title of World champions in Crossfit multiple times. Another impressive athlete, weightlifter Ragnheiður Sara Sigmundardóttir, is recognized globally for her remarkable strength and physical abilities. Additionally, the emerging talent Sóley Jónsdóttir made headlines by winning the European powerlifting championships in her age and weight category with a remarkable 215kg squat at just 15 years old.

Þór’s Feat of Strength

Despite its peculiarity, one of Þór’s notable accomplishments was attempting to lift a cat. This cat, however, was a representation of the fearsome Miðgarðsormur wyrm, a colossal beast encircling the earth, making it an impossible task to lift. Nevertheless, Þór managed to raise it so high that the cat had to lift its hind leg in response, showcasing his immense strength even though he couldn’t fully lift it.

Transition of Strength in Icelandic Culture

As the ancient beliefs in the Old Gods faded away from Icelandic society due to the influence of Christianity and later the Reformation, the ideal of strength persisted through the myths of trolls, giants, Vikings, and the Chieftains found in the Icelandic Sagas.

The Sagas feature individuals of great mental and physical strength, with specific characters like Gunnar Hámundarson and Skarphéðinn Njálsson from Brennu-Njáls Saga being highlighted for their robustness. Gunnar, in particular, was depicted as capable of impaling a man with a spear and using the body as a weapon against his adversaries.

While these tales may seem exaggerated, the strongest man in Icelandic history is revered as Grettir ‘The Strong’ Ásmundarson, renowned for his unmatched physical prowess that surpassed even the legendary heroes of the past, earning him his own Saga..

Grettir’s Legacy in Iceland

Grettir, despite his negative qualities of laziness, dim-wittedness, cruelty towards animals and people, and being a notorious killer, is remembered by Icelanders for his exceptional strength and valor. His negative traits have been overshadowed by his legendary physical abilities and bravery.

Legend has it that Grettir Ásmundarsson was so incredibly strong that any large rock found out of place in the remote Icelandic wilderness is believed to have been moved by him. These rocks are known as ‘Grettistök’ or ‘Grettir’s Burden’ in Icelandic.

The term ‘Grettistök’ translates to ‘Glacial Erratic’ in English, referring to a rock left behind by a glacier after being displaced. This misinterpretation symbolizes the lasting impact of Grettir’s legacy, showcasing the enduring influence of a man who has passed away for over a thousand years.

Strength Beyond Measure in Iceland

With the onset of modernity, sailors and dockworkers took on the role of showcasing pure strength in Iceland. They navigated the harsh waters of the North Atlantic, effortlessly carrying heavy barrels of herring as if they were mere pillowcases.

A Cultural Isolation

Icelanders, both geographically and culturally isolated, lived in their distinctive world. They sailed the relentless Atlantic waters, honing their skills in Glíma, a traditional Icelandic wrestling style. However, the introduction of powerlifter Skúli Óskarsson marked a new era. Skúli, known for his impressive build despite not being exceptionally tall, made history by shattering a weightlifting world record in 1980. He achieved this feat by deadlifting an astonishing 315.5 kilos, showcasing Iceland’s strength on a global stage.

The Legend of Power: Jón Páll Sigmarsson

“I am the mightiest! I am the Nordic warrior!” – Jón Páll

Jón Páll Sigmarsson, born in 1960, emerged as a dominant figure in the Strongman realm, showcasing not just incredible strength, but also agility and captivating charisma. Initially a bodybuilder, his larger-than-life persona endeared him to the public with his infectious smile, playful banter, and the unique ability to engage the audience in the spectacle of strongman competitions.

“Ekkert mál fyrir Jón Pál!”—“No challenge too great for Jón Páll!”—Icelandic children would confidently declare on playgrounds in the 1980s before daring to undertake daunting tasks like climbing tall structures or moving heavy objects. Jón Páll seemed invincible, mastering any challenge thrown his way.

Debuting on the World’s Strongest Man stage in 1983, he claimed the silver medal—an impressive feat for a newcomer. The following year, he clinched the gold, solidifying his status as a national hero admired not just for his showmanship but also his exceptional athletic prowess.

Traditionally rigid, strongman competitions underwent a transformation with the arrival of Jón Páll, who brought a sense of agility, charisma, and a revolutionary approach that reshaped the sport forever.

Jón Páll – The Fastest Strongman in the World

Jón Páll claimed to be the fastest Strongman globally, acknowledging Bill Kazmaier as his competitor and Arch Rival with a Capital A. Despite Kazmaier having the strongest feet, Jón Páll emerged victorious in a deadlift competition, setting a record-breaking 532 kg (Approx 1173 lbs) deadlift. He famously proclaimed, “There is no reason to be alive if you can’t do deadlift!”

Jón Páll’s Playful Competitions

Jón Páll was renowned for his playful antics during competitions. Once, he entertained the audience by dancing a waltz with the Húsafell lifting stone. On another occasion, when a heckler referred to him as ‘The Eskimo,’ Jón Páll swiftly corrected them by exclaiming, “I’m not an Eskimo! I am a Viking!” before effortlessly lifting a 500kg carriage.

Successor in Line: Magnús Ver Magnússon

“…The key is to minimize weaknesses.” – Magnús Ver

Commencing his career with modesty, Magnús Ver entered World’s Strongest Man in 1991 as a replacement for Jón Páll, who withdrew due to injuries. Initially modest, Magnús quickly proved himself by winning the competition, surpassing the expectations of the Icelandic populace. Surprisingly, strongman competition was not his primary focus at that time.

At a young age, Magnús exuded energy and agility, standing out as the youthful contender, the charming athlete, and possibly even quicker and more nimble than his predecessor. Regarded as one of the most skillful strongmen in history, Magnús combined Jón Páll’s athleticism and explosive speed with remarkable static strength, enabling him to outperform many professional powerlifters. He even surpassed the renowned O.D. Wilson in lifting capacity and was acclaimed as an exceptional lifter in his weight category.

Magnús Ver Magnússon: A Strongman Legend

Magnús Ver Magnússon, with his classic smile, made a significant impact in the world of strongman competitions. Winning the World’s Strongest Man title four times, he matched the record set by Jón Páll, solidifying his place in history. Despite being considered ‘somewhat smaller’ compared to others in the sport at 1.9m and 130kg (6’3 ft and 290 lbs), he was a dominant force throughout the 90s.

The Good-Natured Giant

While not as flashy as Jón Páll, Magnús Ver was known for his quick smile and jovial demeanor, embodying the friendly giant persona that Icelandic Strongmen had become known for. These athletes, like the farm boys from the east fjords, exuded confidence and strength without the need for excessive showmanship, having already proven themselves through their hard work in various endeavors, such as fishing seasons.

Magnús Ver

At 54 years old, Magnús Ver may not compete anymore, but his influence in the world of strongmen is enduring. From judging international competitions to training world-class athletes, Magnús Ver continues to inspire. Living in Reykjavík, he maintains his strength by effortlessly bench pressing his own body weight..

The Silent Years

During a span of thirteen years, Iceland consistently achieved success in the World’s Strongest Man competitions, securing a total of 19 medals, with eight of them being gold, placing second only to the United States.

Following the retirement of Magnús Ver from international competitions, Iceland witnessed a succession of strongmen, yet none could match the prowess of Jón Páll and his successor. While notable strongmen like Hjalti ‘Úrsus’ Árnason and Torfi ‘Loðfíllinn’ Ólafsson made their mark, World’s Strongest Man medals remained elusive for Iceland.

Transition in Fitness Trends

There was a shift towards fitness forms catering to the more average body type, replacing the dominance of strongmen. Crossfit competitions gained increasing popularity, and the emergence of figures like Gunnar Nelson saw a rise in mixed martial arts interest. Additionally, football began to capture the nation’s enthusiasm.

Evolution in Athletic Icons

The era of traditional strongmen started to wane as a new wave of dynamic sports personalities took the spotlight. Despite this change, the essence of athletic triumphs remained intertwined with the legendary strength and valor associated with the Viking heritage, a legacy solidified during Jón Páll’s reign.

Strength and National Identity in Iceland

Strength had become a fundamental part of Icelandic national identity, symbolizing resilience despite being a small nation. This strength was embodied by the charismatic Strongmen in the country, who were not only athletes but also entertainers with strong personalities.

The Rise and Fall of Strongmen

Over time, the prominence of Strongmen in Iceland started to diminish, marking the end of an era. Despite this decline, these iconic figures from a bygone golden age continued to be remembered in the sports sections. However, everything changed with the emergence of ‘the Mountain’.

The Modern Age: Embracing the Mountains

Long ago, there was a slender but exceptionally tall kid who excelled in basketball until an injury forced him to seek an alternative path. This led him to weightlifting, where his height remained constant, but his physique underwent a significant transformation.

Known as Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (also referred to as Hafthor Bjornsson), he made his mark in the strongman arena back in 2008, guided by Magnús Ver while training at Jakaból gym. Within a year, he delved into Powersports competitions. Standing tall at 206cm (6’9 ft) and weighing around 110kg (240 lbs) on average, with his peak weight hitting approximately 200kg (440 lbs), Hafþór Björnsson’s sheer size sets him apart, even among fellow strongmen.

The Rise of Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson

His impressive stature has propelled him to the top of Icelandic strongman contests, although he initially faced challenges in reaching the iconic status of Jón Páll or Magnús Ver. Fortunately, in 2018, Hafþór Júlíus managed to surpass these accomplished strongmen by winning the prestigious world’s strongest man competition.

Consequently, he now holds the esteemed title of the world’s strongest man, solidifying his dominance in the realm of strength and power.

Hafþór’s Rise to Fame

Hafþór, known for his imposing size, gained recognition by portraying Gregor Clegane, ‘The Mountain,’ in the HBO series Game of Thrones. He became the third actor to take on this role due to scheduling conflicts with his predecessors.

Iceland’s Pride

Having already achieved success in strongman competitions, Hafþór quickly became a national figure in Iceland. The nation rallied behind him, showcasing Icelandic pride on the international stage.

From Strongman to Star

Following his newfound fame, Hafþór established his own Strongman gym, solidifying his status as a household name. Despite facing challenges with the press in the era of social media, he navigated the evolving entertainment landscape with determination.

Hafþór Björnsson Takes a Break from Acting to Focus on Strongman Career

Hafþór Björnsson, known for his role as The Mountain in Game of Thrones, has decided to step away from acting temporarily to concentrate on his strongman aspirations. This shift entails dedicating his time to intense training sessions, consuming a substantial amount of food to fuel his workouts, and relentlessly challenging himself to lift unprecedented weights.

A Look Into Contest Preparation Dietary Plan

A glimpse into the contest preparation diet plan reveals an incredibly high daily food consumption, which includes a whopping 14 eggs and 2kg of meat and fish.

The Impact of Fame Outside the Sport

There is also a new challenge arising from fame beyond the realm of sports. In the era of Jón Páll and Magnús Ver, they were primarily renowned as strongmen and only sporadically engaged in advertising due to their title as the World’s Strongest Men.

From Strongman to Showman: Hafþór’s Transformation

Hafþór’s reputation primarily originates from the world of entertainment, where he is most recognized as Gregor Clegane from Game of Thrones, affectionately known as The Mountain.

Expanding beyond his strongman persona, Hafþór has delved into various business ventures, including merchandise related to sports and alcohol. These endeavors often highlight his celebrity status rather than his achievements as a strongman, reflecting the necessity to sustain his lifestyle.

The Evolution of Strongman Competition

Modern-day strongman competitions have evolved into fiercely competitive arenas, overshadowed by a serious and cutthroat atmosphere. Unlike predecessors like Jón Páll and Magnús Ver, who embraced showmanship and entertainment, Hafþór’s world is marked by intense seriousness and a growing emphasis on commercial viability.

Strength and Endurance in Icelandic Culture

Despite modern influences, the essence of sports in Iceland remains unchanged. The dedication and commitment required from athletes transcend external factors like commercials and media engagements. This unwavering devotion to the sport is a fundamental aspect of Icelandic culture, where individuals from all walks of life must show total dedication and perseverance to excel.

A Timeless Tradition

Regardless of one’s profession, whether a celebrity or an ordinary citizen, the pursuit of sports in Iceland demands sacrifices and unwavering commitment. This sentiment has been ingrained in Icelandic folklore for generations, emphasizing the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving greatness.

The Symbolism of Strength

While the days of fishermen lifting monumental stones may be a thing of the past, the value of strength in Icelandic culture remains significant. Strength is not solely physical but symbolizes the resilience and determination required to overcome challenges. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Icelandic people, echoing the ancient adage that “tough times never last, but tough people do.”