Move along folks, nothing to see here. But look a little closer. PIC Rangarþing
I celanders, like most Nordic peoples, are hard folks that seldom show much emotions or feelings publicly. You can spend years combing through literature from this place without so much as a whiff of romance or love. But if you look very, very carefully you can find raging romantics in between.
In fact, a well hidden cave in Eyjafjollum, yeah that Eyjafjollum, just a stone´s throw from the Ring Road in South of Iceland is the setting of one of this country´s more famous love stories.
The story revolves around a very rich farm lady falling in love with a simple shepherd two centuries ago or so. Naturally, such love at the time was not only frowned upon but it was a sin to God himself. Since folks here were as simple then as now we have the rich lady´s brother getting all mad about it and heading off the find the shepherd and kill him.
Paul´s cave was so well hidden he was never found
But Paul the shepherd was a pretty resourceful guy. He knew of a small hidden cave where he took refuge and that cave he called home for no less than eight years. But Paul did not in the slightest stop seeing his rich love. His rich lady had no less than eight babies by an unknown man during those same eight years.
Paul´s cave was so well hidden he was never found and it was only after eight years when the mad brother had an accident and was about to be swept out to see having falling into a raging glacial river that Paul comes to his rescue. Afterwards all was forgiven and Paul finally could hook up with his lady friend without fearing for his life. Naturally, they lived happily ever after.
Oh, but Paul´s cave is still there and we recommend a visit. But visiting is not for all. See the pic above? The cave is approximately halfway up the sheer cliff and some climbing is called for. However, locals have made it easier by attaching chains to the cliff wall. Take care and you should be just fine. And you have another great story to tell back home.
