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1. The novel opens with a story of Kolumkilli. Why would the author open with this story?

Laxness might open with a folktale to ground the reader in the history of Iceland. He tells the story of the settlement of Iceland and hints at its violent start. It is also to show the importance of folklore to the Icelandic people as well as the plot of the novel. Laxness also uses this story to show that Bjartur is different in that he clearly states that he does not believe in these stories and only believes in himself and his abilities.

2. Who is Gunvor?

Gunvor is a woman who, along with her unnamed husband, farmed Albogastathir. It is believed that the ghost of Kolumkilli haunted her, turning her crazy. She did horrible things like have her husband kill her children and later, eat the flesh of men and throw their remains in the nearby lake. As the story goes, Gunvor still haunts the lands around Albogastathir, which includes Summerhouse.

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