HERJÓLFUR BÁRÐARSSON

Herjólfur  Bárðarson is considered to have been the first settler of the Westman islands and Herjólfstown is named after him. He was the son of Bárður Báreksson and his brothers were named Hallgrimur sviðabálki and Ormur ánaugði.

According to legend, Herjólfur was a cruel man who considered himself to be the owner of the valley's only water source. Despite many people begging him for water, he refused to provide it unless they paid for it. Herjólfur was a big, cruel, and bitter man. It was the same routine every day for him. He went out early to fish and hunt for food, collect debts, find ingredients for his brew, and ensure that everything was alright on the island. When he got home after a long day, he started brewing ale for fun. Herjólfur's ale became famous all over Europe, and rulers and kings traveled from all over to the island to try it.

Did you know that Herjólfur was the first Icelander to sell Icelandic water and national liquor.