1. Ancient Origins of Fishing
- 11,000 Years of History: The Lofoten Islands have been inhabited for millennia, with traces of human activity dating back to the Stone Age.
- Viking Age: During the Viking Age, Lofoten became a center of power and trade, with cod as a key resource.
- Vågan: The first urban settlement in Northern Norway, near present-day Kabelvåg, was an important fishing and trading center.
2. Viking Domination.
- Local leaders: Viking leaders, such as Oláfr of Borg, ruled through alliances and strength. Oláfr, known as “Uni-brow” and considered a shape-shifter, was a powerful and well-connected man.
- King Olav Tryggvason: The king unified Norway and initiated the Christianization of the country. Thorir the Deer (Þórir Hjort) was an opponent of his, defeated in a bloody battle.
3. The Birth of the Stockfish
- Tørrfisk (Stockfish): Thanks to Lofoten’s maritime winds, air-dried cod became a valuable resource, storable for long periods of time and easily transported.
- Global trade: Norwegian stockfish, produced mainly in Lofoten, was exported all over the world, becoming a source of wealth for the region.
4. Conditions Unique to Lofoten
- Gulf Stream: The relatively mild waters of Lofoten, warmed by the Gulf Stream, create ideal conditions for spawning Arctic cod.
- Winter migration: Every winter, thousands of cod congregate in Lofoten waters, attracting fishermen from all over the world.
5. The Rorbu: Fishermen’s Lodgings.
- Construction in 1120: King Øistein ordered the construction of the rorbu, small cabins to house seasonal fishermen.
- Modern tourism: Today the rorbu are used as tourist accommodations, offering an authentic Lofoten experience.
6. Norse Mythology.
- Ketill Trout: In the Ketill Trout saga, the protagonist discovers the rich fishing waters of Lofoten and faces cannibalistic trolls on the island of Skrova.
- Tröllaþing: Ketill attends a gathering of trolls, a magical and frightening event that marks his last adventure in Lofoten.
