Zombies, witches and how to avoid them

As in most European countries, there was a period in Iceland when tales of witchcraft and sorcery were commonly believed. The magicians from the Westfjords were storytellers with the power to raise people, particularly children, from the dead.

“These figures, known as sendingar, were sent walking across the country to attack others,” says Gunnell. In the 17th century, rumours of these zombies spread panic around the country, resulting in a vicious witch-hunt.

Witches were supposed to be able to release evil spirits, so Icelanders created their own version of knocking on wood to keep bad energy away. They chant Sjö Níu Þrettán (seven, nine, thirteen) – numbers with magical connotations in Christian and Pagan beliefs – as they wrap their knuckles on the table. It might be worth a try if you ever feel the breath of an evil Icelandic spirit over your shoulder.