By Sunna Olafson Furstenau and Shaune Jonasson
This coming Monday March 16th marks the 788th anniversary of the death of a revered and saintly bishop in Iceland. The following article is a revised profile of the life and work of Bishop Guðmundur Góði Arason, or Guðmundur the Good (I138506). Other versions have been written in the past by Sunna Olafson Furstenau and shared in the Icelandic Roots newsletters.
Many stories regale the work of Bishop Guðmundur Góði (I138506) or Guðmundur the Good, where the oldest and most often referenced is from Prestssaga Guðmundar góða. He was an illegitmate child born into a well-established family in 1161 at Grjótá in the Hörgárdalur Valley in the north of Iceland. After Guðmundur’s father's valiant death fighting in Norway, his mother sent Guðmundur to be cared for by his uncle, a priest and scholar named Ingimundur Thorgeirsson (I136188). Ingimundur ruled with an iron hand and was ruthless in managing his willful and headstrong nephew, believing strictness would lend to Guðmundur being well educated and prepared for his future.
It wasn’t an easy upbringing with the austere environment and stern manner of his uncle, yet Guðmundur held a strong regard and deep affection for him. He also had an older cousin with whom he spent much time. There was little interaction with others. It is believed that Ingimundur’s influence and the family dynamic molded the character of Guðmundur spiritually.
Guðmundur came close to having a much shorter life after an incident travelling with his uncle. A shipwreck severely maimed Guðmundur's right foot, so much so that the impairment was life-threatening. One of the shipmates suggested the boy should be thrown overboard; he would have difficulty surviving. This action was thwarted by the other shipmates. They took care of Guðmundur allowing the foot to heal, albeit very poorly. Walking was a challenge as was keeping up with his uncle on their land travels. A second procedure was conducted where the bones of his foot were pried apart, breaking them again for his foot to heal more appropriately. This process caused immense pain and suffering but was successful enough to allow Guðmundur the ability to walk with the impairment.
Guðmundur found much satisfaction in the study and application of law, although realizing its application could come into conflict with the teachings of the Church. It wasn’t until after the death of a dear friend when Guðmundur understood that he could continue the law, but only if the proceeds were given to the Church.
Guðmundur was still young when his uncle and cousin left for Norway. He was left completely on his own after learning of his cousin’s death overseas, as well his uncle's extended absence. The return voyage saw Ingimundur land in Greenland after his ship was blown off course. It was there he perished. The loneliness caused by these incidents became the catalyst for Guðmundur’s chosen life ambition. He would devote his life to God and prayer, and continue his desired acts of charity. He believed in being right and fair.
Guðmundur was ordained as a priest in 1185 at the young age of 24. In 1203, he was elected the Bishop of Hólar. He remained the assigned bishop there for 34 years, until his death in 1237.
Before becoming bishop, however, Guðmundur had served as a house priest to Kolbeinn Tumason, an Icelandic chieftain. During these years, Guðmundur had few aspirations for wealth or property, but rather, became devout and was believed to be a miracle worker. When the time came, his election to bishop was endorsed by Kolbeinn.
In this new role of bishop, Guðmundur was expected to uphold the power structure of the Church. He, among others, believed in the virtues of poverty. Guðmundur was very kind, as well as being overly generous with the Church’s holdings. The local chieftains became outraged with this excessive generosity, which led to disputes between them and Guðmundur and the Church.
As a result, Guðmundur was called to Norway by the archbishop in an attempt to mend the error of his ways. Upon returning to Hólar, he was more compliant. The poor amassed again after learning of his return. In the coming years, conflict arose with the new chieftains. Guðmundur fled to Grimsey, was held captive by one of the chieftains, then was returned to Norway to be under the watch of the archbishop.
Guðmundur was an old man when he finally returned to Hólar. He remained a quiet servant of the Church until his death. Believing in dying on the bare earth, he laid between two deceased priests in the churchyard. He was very weak on the Sunday. On the Monday he died. He was taken on a board strewn with ashes and carried into the church in preparation for his burial.
The day of his burial, the residing priest instructed caution while ringing the church bells; only two at a time should be employed because of fear the decaying church would further crumble. With each toll of the twin bells, miraculously the church stood more firm than the tolling before. In the end, many bells were rung until the church did not shake at all. It was a momentous day of joy for all as they celebrated the bishop's life.
His conflicts have faded, but Guðmundur’s piety and acts of charity remain steadfast in historical memory. He was a highly regarded holy man and miracle worker, with many in Iceland referring to him as a saint; yet, the Roman Catholic Church has never recognized him as such.
AS A MIRACLE WORKER...
It is believed there were over forty miracles performed by Guðmundur, with six contending with demons. Each miracle possesses its own tale. He blessed water, ponds, wells, and many places around Iceland. The water supply for Reykjavík comes from one of the wells that Guðmundur blessed. People believed in the healing power bestowed upon these waters and would either visit them in person or take water from them to heal the sick.
In the Sturlunga Saga we learn that, in 1221, Guðmundur was driven away from Hólar during advent and spent a few months with his followers on an island called Málmey in Skagafjörður Bay. An ancient spell was placed on the island so that no mice or horses could live there. A married couple cannot live on Málmey longer than 20 years as the wife will disappear.
Another Icelandic legend says that evil trolls lived on the island of Drangey near the island of Málmey. Whenever men went to pick eggs or hunt birds at Drangey they fell to their deaths. Guðmundur, as the Bishop at Hólar, went to the island with several priests who blessed the island with holy water. He wanted the men to find food on the island as there were many poor, hungry people to feed. As they went around the island, a huge and hairy paw came out of the cliff face and started to cut their ropes. They were unconcerned as their rope was soaked in holy water; the demon could do them no harm.
The creature said to Guðmundur, “Stop your blessings. Even the evil need a place to live.” Guðmundur did stop the blessings and he declared the area would be a refuge for the evil creatures. Ever since there have been fewer accidents on the island. Those hunting birds or gathering eggs have been left alone. However, there was one place that Guðmundur did not bless: Heiðnaberg (Heathen Cliff). No one goes there to pick eggs or hunt.
Guðmundur blessed other places where it was believed that evil lived, but he always left small areas for it to exist.
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