certain blind Monk, brought up in the Monastery of _St. Thomas_, who
reported several memorable things concerning this Countrey, as that it
was call’d _Groenland_ antiphrastically, or by contrariety of Speech, as
appearing seldom or never green; and that it abounded with Bears and
white Foxes, and was not without Pygmies and Unicorns, which never
appear’d till after the Sun was entred into _Aries_; that in the said
Monastery of _St. Thomas_ there was a Fountain of scalding Water, which
was convey’d through Pipes of Stones to the Monks several Cells, and
serv’d them not onely for Stoves, but for the dressing of their Meat,
which was as well boyl’d by means of this Water, as if it had been over
a real Fire, and that the Walls of the Monastery were made of a kind of
Pumice-stone, upon which if Water were pour’d, it would produce a slimy
Matter, commonly us’d in stead of Lime for Mortar, like the Stone of
Mount _Hecla_ in _Iseland_; that two of these Pygmies, a Male and a
Female, were kept by the Abbot, and were both endu’d with perfect humane
Shape, and overgrown with Hair, even to the outermost Joynts of their
Fingers, the Male especially, who had a Beard reaching down to his
Knees, but that they seem’d wholly devoid of Reason and Understanding,
nor had any distinct use of Speech, onely made a semblance of Hissing of
the manner of Geese; lastly, he reported the duration of the Lives of
these Creatures to be answerable to the shortness of their Stature; but
that concerning their Wars with the Cranes, he had no other knowledge
than by Tradition.
[Sidenote: From Mr. _James Hall_’s Description.]
The Description of _Groenland_ left by Mr. _James Hall_, renders it a
high, mountainous, and craggy Region, sufficiently water’d with Rivers,
and provided with good Harbors, of a Soil not unfertile in all places
where he came, having between the Mountains fruitful Valleys and
pleasant Plains, abounding with several sorts of Fowl, as Partridges,
Pheasants, Sea-mews, Gulls, Crows, _&c._ but of Beasts, chiefly black
Foxes, and (as was conjectur’d by the plenty of Harts-horns found about
their Tents) Rein-Deer, yet not destitute of other Beasts, the
_Vestigium_ of one whereof was found to be not less than eight Inches
over.
As for the Manners and Customs of the Natives, they are by the said
Description represented to be a kind of _Samoid_, or wandring People,
still moving from place to place, warlike and active, using Slings and
Darts with marvellous dexterity, of a brown Complexion for the most
part, and of an indifferent Stature, eating their Meat either quite raw,
or onely a little parboyl’d, Clothing themselves with the Skins of such
Beasts, or other Creatures, as they kill, especially Seals, or some of
the largest size of Fowls, which they Dress very smooth and soft,
turning the Feather or Hair side outwards in Summer, and inward in
Winter. Their Weapons Bowes, Slings, and Bone or Iron-headed Darts;
their Religion Idolatrous, but chiefly Sun-Worship, as was gather’d from
their manner of Accost, when any of the _English_ first approach’d them,
for they us’d to point up to the Sun, as chief Author of their felicity,
and then beat their Breasts, crying, _Iliont_, which seem’d to signifie
as much as _I mean no harm_, and would not come near till those that met
them did the like. Their Houses built of Whales Bones, and the Baulks
thereof with Whales Ribs, and cover’d with Earth, but the best sort with
Seal-Skins, having Vaults or Rooms under Ground, four-square, and two
Yards deep in the Earth. Their manner of Burial, a Pile of Stones thrown
over the Corps, being first wrapt up in Seal-Skins.
[Sidenote: First Discovery of _Spilbergia_ or _Greenland_.]
_Spilbergia_, so call’d by the _Hollanders_, from _Spilbergen_, whom
probably they reckon to have been the first Discoverer of it, is the
same that we vulgarly call _Greenland_, and which Sir _Hugh Willoughby_
(if not the first of all, yet at least the first of the _English_ that
discover’d any thing of these Parts) nam’d _King James’s New-Land_. The
said Sir _Hugh Willoughby_ set forth _Anno 1553._ in the _Bona
Esperanza_, accompany’d with two Ships more, _viz._ the _Bonaventure_,
_Richard Challoner_ Captain, and the _Bona Confidentia_, and after some
time of Coasting up and down those Northern Seas, he Landed with his
Company upon the Place, where staying a few days, he sent three Men
three days Journey into the Countrey South-West, and three more as far
full West, who all, after much hardship in their Travelling, return’d
without having met any People by the Way, or seen the least appearance
of any Habitation. Sailing hence back for _Lapland_, they were all
frozen to death in the Haven _Arzina_.
_Fotherby_’s Description of _Greenland_.
A Description of _Greenland_ by one Mr. _Robert Fotherby_, represents
the Nature of this Place contradictory to its Name, as before was
observ’d of _Groenland_: “For certainly (saith he) no part of the World,
yet known and discover’d, is less Green than this, both the Mountains
and Low-lands being cover’d with Snow till the beginning of _June_. The
Countrey, which is for the most part mountainous, bearing neither Grass
nor Tree, save onely Heath or Ling, as it is call’d in the North parts
of _England_, which grows upon the Moors or Heathy Grounds when the Snow
begins to melt, and on which in Summer the Deer feed themselves fat in
one Moneth; but how they live in the Winter, is a thing beyond any Man’s
skill to comprehend, especially during the Sun’s absence under the
Horizon, which in the Latitude of seventy seven Degrees continues from
the eighteenth of _October_ to the fourth of _February_.”
This Countrey is by many suppos’d never to have been inhabited by Men,
yet not altogether uncapable of affording Habitation to such as would
bring with them sufficient defensive Weapons against Hunger and Cold:
For other Animals, it is found, by the testimony of those that have been
upon the Place, not to be destitute; for besides Deer before mention’d,
there have been seen Bears and Foxes; and of wild Fowl, _Cuthbert_
Ducks, Willocks, Stints, Sea-Pigeons, Sea-Parrots, Gulls, Noddies, _&c._
The Southermost part of _Greenland_, call’d _Point Look-out_, stands in
seventy six Degrees and thirty Minutes. The West side of the Land was
discover’d by the first Voyagers Northward as far as eighty Degrees and
odd Minutes, and in that compass six or eight good Harbors for the
Whale-fishing; the East side as far as seventy eight Degrees, with
divers Islands, both great and small, yielding good Harbors, and store
of Whales and Sea-Horses.
[Sidenote: The Voyages of _Jonas Pool_ and others to _Greenland_.]
In the Year 1610. _Jonas Pool_, Master of the _Amity_ fell in with this
Land in _May_, and continu’d upon the Coast, discovering of Harbors, and
killing of _Morses_, till _June_ following: and he is said to have been
the first that gave this Countrey the Name of _Greenland_. The next year
he set out again, accompany’d with _Thomas Edge_, Commander of the _Mary
Margaret_; And since many other Voyages have been made as to a Place
known, and a great Trade driven in catching of Whales, not without
several Contests with the _Dutch_ and _Danes_, but nothing of late
discover’d considerable more than in the first Voyages. The Harbors,
Sounds and Coastings most taken notice of, are _Fair Foreland_, _Cape
Cold_, _Black-Point_, _Horn-Sound_, _Knotty-Point_, _Bell-Sound_,
_Lowness_, _Cross-Road_, _Deer-Sound_, _Fowl-Sound_, _Close-Cove_,
_Gurnet-Nose_, _Ice-Sound_, and _Green-Haven_.
[Sidenote: _Cherry-Island._]
There are few that have Sail’d to _Greenland_, but make great mention of
_Cherry Island_, so call’d, as having been first discover’d at the
Charges of Sir _Francis Cherry_, an eminent Merchant; by others
_Bear-Island_, from the multitude of Bears found there; it lies in the
Latitude of seventy four Degrees, and is noted for store of Fowl, Foxes
like Dogs, and upon the Coasts great store of Whales, Sea-Horses, and
Morses: It is also said to be furnish’d with Lead-Mines, and Pits of
Sea-Coal.
[Sidenote: Situation and first Discovery of _Iseland_.]
_Iseland_, so call’d from the continual Ice which is upon it, is a
craggy mountainous Countrey; and not onely the Hills, but a great part
of the Low-land cover’d with perpetual Snow: It is of a Form somewhat
oblong, lying between the fifty fourth and fifty ninth Degree of
Northern Latitude, having _Norway_ on the East, the _Orcades_ and
_Scotland_ on the South, Grenland on the West, and the _Hyperborean_, or
frozen Sea on the North. It is by _Olaus Magnus_ suppos’d to be twice as
big as _Sicily_, that is to say, about a hundred Leagues in length. It
is the most known, and most througly discover’d of all the Countreys of
the _Artick Region_, and is said to have been first found out and
peopled in the Year of our Lord 900. by certain of the Nobility of
_East-Frisia_ in the Countrey of _Breme_, in the time of _Alebrand_,
Bishop of that Countrey; but whether or no utterly unpeopled till that
time, is a Question not easie to be determin’d, though in all
probability so obvious a Place to be found out, could not lie so long
totally uninhabited. Not long after several Colonies of _Norwegians_
Setled themselves, some in _Hitland_, some in _Ferow_, others (following
the Example of these _Bremers_) in _Iseland_. The Countrey is full of
Rocks and Stones, and (as is credibly reported) not a cultivated Field
or Garden in the whole Island, and by consequence no sort of Corn, yet
the People living without either Bread or Salt, are very strong, and of
a good Complexion: Neither is there a Tree to be seen, except the Birch,
which likewise grows but in one place, and exceeds not the heighth of a
Man, by reason of the violence of the Winds; yet there is said to be
great plenty of Butter, the Grass being so fat, that the Oxen are not
suffer’d to stay long at a time in the Pastures for fear of bursting.
Till of late there was neither Town, nor any thing that could be call’d
a Village, in the whole Island, but stragling Cottages here and there,
not above three or four together in a place, most by the Sea side for
the convenience of Fishing; they were built pretty deep in the Ground,
but artificially fram’d of Whales Bones, with Seats, Benches, and other
Utensils of the same; now sometimes they use Fir to the same purpose,
which is cast upon the Coast by the force of the Sea from _Tartary_ or
elsewhere. For want of Vessels, they lay their Butter in Heaps in the
Corners of their Houses like Mortar. In the Winter, wanting Fodder, they
feed their Cattel with Fish. Besides these Cattel, which are Kine
without Horns, Horses onely fit for carrying of Burthens, and very large
Sheep, there are store of white Foxes, and huge Bears of the same
colour, and a sort of rough Dogs, very well known, and frequent amongst
us by the Name of _Shocks_, which the Islanders esteem not a little, and
will part with their Children at a far easier rate: They keep neither
Hogs nor Poultrey, for want of Grain to feed them.
[Sidenote: Many Rivers in _Iseland_.]
The Rivers belonging to this Island are many, and those not unpleasant,
affording to the Inhabitants plenty of Fish, especially Sturgeon,
Trouts, and Salmons; and one is especially remarkable for a Bridge made
over it, which being the onely Bridge of the Countrey, is made of the
great Bones of a Whale. The whole Island is one continu’d Desart,
without any trodden Path or Road from one end to the other; so that all
that have occasion to travel to any part thereof by Land, make use of
the Compass, as if they were Voyaging by Sea.
[Sidenote: Strange Fish on the Coast of _Iseland_.]
The Coast of _Iseland_ hath many strange and monstrous Fish worth
observation, as first the _Orca_, which though nothing near so big as
the Whale, yet is able to be the death of it; for being of the shape of
a Ship turn’d upside-down, and having sharp long Fins on its Back, it
pricks the Belly of the Whale therewith till it kills.
The next is the _Hackfall_, which is very fat, and about twelve Inches
long.
Then the Dog-Fish, which lifting up its Head out of the Sea, Barks, and
letting forth its young ones, receives them into her Belly again, when
they have sported a while in the Sea.
Lastly, another Monster, of a most frightful shape, mention’d by _Olaus
Magnus_, but not by any particular Name.
[Sidenote: Strange Fountains.]
In divers Parts of the Island are Fountains of scalding Water, which as
soon as taken from the Fountain begins to cool, and when cold, hath a
sulphury Substance swimming on the top.
At the West end is a smoaky Fountain, very cold, and turning all that is
cast into it into Stone.
At the place upon the Sea call’d _Turlocks Haven_, are two Fountains of
different quality, the one hot, the other cold, which by Pipes being
brought together into one place, make a Bath of an excellent
temperature, and of a medicinal Vertue.
Not far from _Haven Halneford_ is a Cliff in a Rock of an unknown depth,
and no Water to be discern’d by those that look down into it, but if a
Stone be cast in, it shall make a noise for half an hour together, as if
it were striking against a Brazen Vessel, and all this while the Water
will be rising till it comes up to the brim, and then will be so long
sinking again as the Stone was falling.
[Sidenote: Mountains of _Iseland_.]
There are also three Mountains in _Iseland_ not to be left unmention’d,
the Mountain of the _Cross_, the Mountain _Snenelstockel_, and the
Mountain _Hecla_; the two first are chiefly considerable for their
wonderful heighth, and for the dreadful noise of Thunder which is heard
on the top of them, when in the adjacent parts below, the Air is calm
and clear; the third lying in the North of the Island, and not very
high, is one of the most prodigious _Vulcans_ in the World, for the
casting forth of Flames, black Ashes, and Pumice-Stones, insomuch that
there is no possibility of Habitation within six Miles of it round
about; and it is a receiv’d Opinion of the Inhabitants, that it is the
place of Torment for the Souls of the Damned; from whence there hath
risen such a company of strange Stories and Fables, that it would make
up a Volume of it self to relate them. The occasion of the great
Eruption of this Mountain is not without much reason imputed to the
inflammation of the Sulphur, of which there are several Mines or Pits in
the Countrey, though none of any sort of Metal.
[Sidenote: First planting of _Christian Religion_ here.]
_Waldemarus_, King of _Denmark_ and _Norway_, being consequently Master
of this amongst the other _Norwegian_ Colonies, Planted the _Christian_
Religion in this Island in the Year of _Christ_ 1398. and Ordain’d two
Bishops, one in _Schalholden_, in the East part, another in _Hollen_, in
the West; and after the _Reformation_ was begun, _Christianus_, King of
_Denmark_, took care to propagate the Reformed _Doctrine_ there, as well
as in other parts of his Dominions; and to that end sent over a PRINTER
thither, that the _BIBLE_, together with the Works of _Philip
Melancthon_ and _Urbanus Regius_, might be publish’d in the Vulgar
Tongue of the Countrey. But these Proceedings were mainly oppos’d by the
Bishop of _Schalholden_, who animating the People to Rebellion, they
slew the King’s Lieutenant: Whereupon the next Year _Paul Holfelt_, a
Knight of the _Danish_ Order, being sent over with an Army, overthrew
the Rebels, and taking off the chief Heads of the Rebellion, committed
the Charge of the Government to another Nobleman of _Denmark_, whom he
left upon the Place. But one _Tadde Bonde_, a great Man of the Countrey,
meditating a Revolt, drew divers Persons of principal note into
Conspiracy with him, and was advancing to a formidable Power, had not
the Bishop given continual Intelligence of their Proceedings to the
King’s Lieutenant, who thereupon employ’d Agents to the chief
Accomplices of the Faction, and what with fair Means and threatnings so
wrought with them, that they return’d to their Obedience, and forsook
_Todde_, insomuch that he flying with a small Party, betook himself to a
fastness at the Foot of _Heckelveld_, where being hemm’d in, those about
him were slain, and he himself taken Prisoner; and because no Man to
whose safe custody he was offer’d durst receive him, so much dreaded was
his Power, one _Jonas_, a bold courageous Fellow, slew him with his own
Hand, and thereby put an end to all farther Tumults and Seditions.
[Sidenote: The People _Iseland_ addicted to Sorcery and Superstition.]
So much have the People of this Island been ever addicted to Sorcerie
and Superstition, that notwithstanding the Profession of _Christianity_,
and the frequent Preaching against those Sins, especially since the
_Reformation_, the generality of them are still wedded to many of those
old diabolical Customs, which were practis’d there in time of
_Paganism_; and amongst other things they are said to be serv’d, many of
them, by Spirits, which constantly attend them, and as _Olaus Magnus_
writes of the _Finlanders_, they are oftentimes dealt with by Strangers,
to sell them prosperous Winds for Money, and (doubtless by the help of
the Devil) perform the same; as also on the contrary, they are said by
their Enchantments to stop the Course of a Ship, and make it as it were
immovable, though in the Stream of never so prosperous a Gale. They are
a proud, haughty People, and for the most part endu’d with vast strength
of Body; their Habit so promiscuous, that neither Sex can be
distinguish’d by it. They are not onely forward to prostitute their
Daughters to those _Germans_ that Trade with them at _Hafnefords_, but
that Virgin who hath had to do with a _German_, shall be sure to be so
much the more esteem’d and Courted.
[Sidenote: Towns and Places of note.]
The onely Towns and Buildings of note here, and those created but of
late Ages, are 1. _Hafnefords_, a Haven Town, chiefly frequented by
_Dutch_ Merchants for Traffick with the Natives.
2. _Bedstede_, the Residence of the Lord Lieutenant or Governor for the
King of _Denmark_.
3. The Bishops See of _Halsar_, having four Monasteries belonging to it,
_viz._ _Pingore_, _Remestede_, _Modor_, and _Monkeniere_.
4. The Bishops See of _Schalholt_, to which also doth belong four
Monasteries, _viz._ _Vedey_, _Pernebar_, _Kirkebar_, and _Schirde_.
[Sidenote: Their Place and manner of Judicature.]
The Nobles of _Iseland_ are call’d _Bonden_; their _Justiciaries_ or
Judges, being twelve in number, _Lochmaders_, that is, Men of Law or
Justice, who are said to meet once a year on the twenty ninth of _June_,
to administer Justice in a place ordain’d for that purpose in the midst
of the Island, appearing like some feigned Paradice, so pleasant a place
it is represented to be at that time of the year, being (as the
Tradition goes) from a high burning Mountain like _Hecla_, consum’d to a
Plain, and so environ’d with Rocks, that there was left but a small
Passage for one at a time to enter. Here the Governor having first given
the Charge, leaves the Trial of all Matters to the _Lochmaders_, who
having diligently heard every Cause argued on both sides, withdraw for a
while to Consult together, and then proceed to Sentence, the same
Persons being both Jury and Judge; but if any Case of difficulty or
scruple arise, they consult the Governor.
[Sidenote: _Angrimus Jonas_’s Relation of _Iseland_.]
_Angrimus Jonas_’s Relation of _Iseland_ differing much from what hath
been deliver’d by _Blefkens_, is not to be omitted. He saith it was
first discover’d by one _Naddocus_, a Pyrate, who going towards the
_Farensian_ Islands, was cast by Tempest upon the Shore of
_East-Iseland_, near the Mountain _Reidarfial_; and as he departed from
the Coast, perceiving the tops of the highest Mountains cover’d with a
very deep Snow, call’d the Island _Snælandia_, that is, _Snowy
Countrey_.
[Sidenote: _Gardarus_’s Voyage to _Iseland_.]
Upon the fame of _Naddocus_’s Discovery, one _Gardarus_, the Son of
_Suavarus_, a _Swede_, was desirous to make a Voyage thither, and
arriving near the Eastern Shore, Winter’d in the Bay of _Skialfanda_, or
_North-Island_, in the Year of our Lord 864. and call’d the Haven
_Huscawick_, from the Houses or Wintering-places built there, as the
next Haven to it was call’d _Nartarawick_, from _Natrare_, an eminent
Mariner in this Expedition. _Gardarus_ returning home about the
beginning of the Spring, call’d the Countrey from his own Name
_Gardarsholm_.
[Sidenote: _Flocco_’s Voyage to the same Place.]
The next that follow’d his Example, was one _Flocco_, a famous Pyrate,
whose Daughter _Geirhilda_ being drown’d upon the Coast of _Schetland_
(anciently _Hietland_,) gave the Name of _Geirhildarwata_ to the Sea
thereabouts: Not having the use of the Mariners Compass, he made use of
Ravens for the steering of his Course, and having sent forth two without
success, by the guidance of the third he had sight of the Eastern side
of the Island; and Steering Southward, he found a very wide Bay, between
the Promontories _Renkanes_ and _Snæfesness_; which Bay, from _Faxa_ a
_Scottish_ Mariner that accompany’d him, he nam’d _Faxaos_, that is,
_The Mouth of Faxa_, though from its many Havens it came afterwards to
be term’d _Hafnafiordur_. Sailing along the West side of the Island, he
entred the Bay _Bredafiord_, and took up his Quarters at
_Watnesfiordur_, a Haven in the Province _Bardostraund_ (for by these
Names these Places came afterwards to be known:) Having stay’d here two
Winters, he return’d back into _Norway_, and is said to have been the
first that gave this Countrey the Name of _Iseland_, from the great
quantities of Ice which fill’d the Seas thereabouts, he also gave it the
Name of _Rafnaflock_, from the Ravens which serv’d him in stead of a
Compass.
[Sidenote: A Plantation setled in _Ise_ by _Ingulphus_ and
_Hiorleifus_.]
The last and most considerable Adventurer was _Ingulfus_, the Son of
_Orn_, Duke of _Fyrdafilace_ in _Norway_, who, together with his Cousin
_Hiorleifus_, that Marry’d his Sister _Helca_, being adjudg’d to
Banishment by _Halsten_ (to the Award of whose Judgment they had
submitted themselves) upon the slaughter of his two Brethren, _Holmsten_
and _Hersten_, (these three Brethren were the Sons of _Atlas_, one of
the prime Noblemen of _Norway_) in a Quarrel, wherein _Halsten_ was
chosen Umpire; and also detesting the Tyranny of _Haraldus
Pulchricomus_, King of Norway, went over _Gonfaloniere_, or chief Leader
of a great Colony of People, whom he rais’d for the setling of a
Plantation in some foreign Countrey: Accompany’d with his Cousin
_Hiorleifus_, he took Shipping for _Iseland_ in the Year of our Lord
854. having been over to visit it about four years before; he Landed at
a Promontory on the South Shore, which from him took the Name of
_Ingulfholde_, and at _Reicharwick_ setled his Habitation, while
_Hiorleifus_ seated himself at the Promontory by him call’d
_Hiorleifholda_, where he built two very large Houses, each being about
a hundred and thirty Foot long; then he set himself to Manure and Till
the Ground, employing in that Work ten Slaves, whom he brought with him
for that purpose out of _Norway_; but it was not long ere they
traiterously set upon him and slew him by an Ambuscade which they had
laid for him; after which they betook themselves to certain little
Isles, which were nam’d _Westmafyar_, where before they had well nestled
themselves, the whole Race of them were rooted out by _Ingulphus_, in
revenge of his Kinsman’s Death. After this the Island grew daily more
and more populous by the coming over of new Families from _Norway_; so
that at this day it is a Place not the least considerable belonging to
the Kings of _Denmark_.