Growing Up Viking: Fond Memories of Iceland by Herman, Ieda Jonasdottir

Viking Children Don't Cry. Grandpa always said Viking children never cried; they howled, screamed, bellowed - but did not cry! In Iceland 1935, the Viking philosophy was deeply rooted in the culture. Life was tough and the work was hard but along with the responsibility, there was freedom too. Childhood memories of growing up in the freedom and hardship of 1930's Iceland recalled by a WWII war bride after 65 years in the United States. Looking back after a life in America, raising ten children and being surrounded by grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, the author recalls a simpler time and draws the reader into a childhood routine that had been virtually unchanged since the days of the Vikings. Ieda's story takes the reader on an adventure as she embarks on an amazing journey through childhood. The matter-of-fact acceptance of the existence of trolls, hidden folk and the elusive monster worm (Serpent of Lagarfljot) are all part of daily life. Iceland is a world all of its own; eerie landscapes, erupting volcanoes, gushing geysers, and swirling fog. It's not hard to believe the folklore of hidden folks, and trolls, romping alongside of humans. These enchanting legends are interwoven with the hopes and fears of a child growing up amidst the hardships of day-to-day life in this mysterious land.

At 91, Ieda Herman has finally accepted that she may be unusual. For years, she has heard comments about how adventurous she is, how active and that she is an inspiration. She responds that growing old is not a choice but how you do it is up to you. Originally from Iceland, she was a WWII war bride, married to a US serviceman she met at a USO dance in Reykjavik. After seventy years of marriage and ten children, Ieda considers hers a life well-lived. She credits her vitality to her Scandinavian heritage, or Viking blood as she is fond of saying, a natural curiosity, and constant movement. Since turning 90, she has scaled 60 feet of an indoor climbing wall, practicing for her exploration of the Icelandic cave that inspired Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth. She has gone paragliding off the southern cliffs of Vik in Iceland, appeared with her daughter giving presentations on Iceland, and enjoys local festivals and events. A family BBQ in Texas afforded her first opportunity to sit in the driver's seat of a fire engine, an impromptu fishing trip gave her the thrill of snagging THREE 25+ pound fish on the same line, all at the same time! To learn more, follow her blog: