AUD THE DEEP MINDED

Auður the deep minded was one of the most remarkable women of the Viking Age and among the earliest great settlers of the 9th century. She is well known in Icelandic history for her wisdom, strength, and foresight. Auður was born into a powerful Viking family, the daughter of the Norwegian viking, Ketill Flatnose and Yngvid Ketilsdóttir.

Auður married Olaf the White, son of King Ingjald, thereby becoming part of one of the most powerful families of the Norse world. Together they had a son, Þorsteinn the Red. After Olaf fell in battle, Auður and Þorsteinn traveled to the Hebrides. There, Þorsteinn married, fathered six daughters and one son, and rose to become a great warrior-king. He conquered large parts of northern Scotland before being betrayed by his own men and killed in battle.

Auður was intelligent, compassionate, and generous of heart. Her story stands apart in the Viking world for its emphasis on mercy, dignity, and her ability to lead. She is unique among Viking women and remains a lasting source of inspiration.

Auður the Deep-Minded stood at the stern of her ship, with her eyes on the distant outlines of Vestmannaeyjar. She had sailed far, but this journey was not merely one of conquest or trade. It was a voyage of kinship, destiny, and legacy.

Auður sought out Herjólfur not only as an old family ally, but as a key figure in her greater vision,the settlement of Iceland. She had witnessed too much bloodshed and too much betrayal, and now sought to create a future where her people could live and flourish.

Auður wished to offer Herjólfur a place among her followers, to join her in building something lasting free from the endless wars of the mainland. 

Did you know that she was one of the richest women of the Viking age, owning ships, people, and great wealth.