Welcome to the last instalment of our Interesting Icelanders for 2024. We hope you enjoy the story about a poet who is revered today for a poem she wrote, now a favorite folksong in Iceland. She was also an accomplished midwife. These are facts, but a colorful life paints the character.
Rósa Guðmundsdóttir or Vatnsenda-Rósa
Rósa Guðmundsdóttir (IR# I113231), who is often referred to as Vatnsenda-Rósa, or sometimes Skáld-Rósa, [1]. Vatnsenda refers to the farm where she lived. Skáld refers to her as a poet.
Rósa was born on 23 December 1795 to Guðmundur Rögnvaldsson (IR# I145869) and Guðrún Guðmundsdóttir, "yngri", (IR# I145870). Born at Ásgerðarstaðir in Hörgárdalur, Eyjafjarðarsýsla, she was the eighth child of eleven. Only five children, including Rosa, lived to adulthood. Life was tough for the family as it was for many. None of the children attended a school. Their education came from books and life, mostly taught to them by their father. Rosa’s mother died when she was young and at the age of twelve she became a house maiden for the governor. [2]
Rosa’s life began like many; she needed a home and some manner of work. It was shortly after she moved into the governor’s home as a maid that the more colorful elements of her character were revealed. Rósa was an attractive and intelligent woman, noted by some as eloquent, with a cheerful and witty demeanor. People were naturally drawn to her. She was also a strong-willed woman who exerted control over the family home in Vatnsenda rather than her husband. This characteristic and her philandering nurtured much fodder for gossip.
Rósa as a young woman married Ólafur Ásmundsson (IR# I113234 ). They had five children, although it was disputed that the paternity of some of the children was not her husband's. Speculation about an affair before she had married Ólafur continued post marriage, particularly when Rosa’s first daughter was named after her assumed lover. [3]
In later years, while still married to Ólafur, Rósa became involved with Natan Ketilsson (IR# I113224), a man who resided with them for a time. Natan was a poet and had studied medicine; both areas captured Rosa’s interest. He was well known for his brash personality and was labelled a womanizer. Rósa was but one in Natan’s long line of mistresses. It is believed that three of Rósa 's children were Natan’s offspring, but only the youngest was acknowledged as his. She died in infancy. [3]
Rósa experienced frequent heartbreak. The end of many love affairs either by the other’s choice or tragic death, and the loss of a child, bred much sorrow. Her poetry and ballads are imbued with love, passion, deceit, and pain. The most famous love poem of Iceland was written by Rosa. [4]
In her later years, Rósa worked as a midwife using the skill she learned from her mother and grandmother. She had been practicing for many years in Húnavatnssýsla before receiving formal training in Reykjavik in 1835. She returned to the Húnavatnssýsla district, specifically Vatnsdal from 1835 to 1838; Snæfellsnessýsla from 1838 to 1849 based at Ólafsvík.
In 1840, Rósa married Gísli Gíslason (IR# I27648), a man 20 years her junior. The marriage started well but Gísli became a drunk and was abusive. He would often travel with Rósa to the births. Rósa , now 60 years of age, was returning from work in 1855 and died on the way home. Gísli returned safely. Some have speculated her death may have been suspicious, but no one will ever know.
From Icelandic Roots: "The church of Efri-Núpur is situated in Núpsdalur valley in Miðfjörður. The route was a common road in the old days for people traveling. The grave of the famous poet Vatnsenda-Rósa who died on Efri-Núpur on her way from work on the 28th of September 1855. Local women set up a memorial."
Elements of Rosa’s life unfold in other writings, such as Natan's Saga (about Natan Ketilsson). In Hannah Kent’s book Burial Rites, a story about the last beheading in Iceland, includes some of Natan's story, including his affair with Rosa. Also, in the book Skáldkonur fyrri alda (Poet Women of the Past Centuries), Fuðrún P. Helgadóttir writes about Rósa's life and poetry. More recently, in 2007, a book called Skáld-Rósa, the midwife Rósa Guðmundsdóttir by Gísli H. Kolbeins was published.
Rósa was one of the best-known Icelandic poets of her time. She authored many well-known folk songs and poems, specializing in love poems. Her writing lives on to this day.
The most famous love poem penned by Rósa and is now a beloved folksong in Icelandic covered by many vocal artists. The melody is a traditional lullaby, arranged in 1960 by Jón Ásgeirsson.
You can read about the verse she wrote here: Vísur Vatnsenda-Rósu [4]. Additionally, have a listen on YouTube to the song called Vatnsenda-Rósa . [5] In fact, there are a few videos of her song on there. Simply search for “Vatnsenda-Rósa.”
As a member of Icelandic Roots visit Rosa’s page and read this emotional and poignant poem written by her. You may need to engage translation assistance. Try Translate King.
References:
[1] Icelandic Roots Genealogy Database.
[2] Wikipedia Rósa Guðmundsdóttir
[3] Web of Science Sources for Vatnsdensa-Rósa
[4] Wikipedia Vísur Vatnsenda-Rósu
[5] You Tube Vatnsenda-Rósa