Hymn: The Story of How Iceland’s National Anthem was Written in Edinburgh
In the 1870s, Icelandic composer Sveinbjörn Sveinbjörnsson found himself living in Edinburgh, a city that offered far more opportunities for a budding musician than his native Iceland. Iceland’s music scene was rather limited, and the wider European mainland had a more developed musical tradition. Edinburgh, with its thriving cultural life, was an attractive place for someone like Sveinbjörnsson to build his career.
During his time in the Scottish capital, Sveinbjörnsson lived in a Georgian-style townhouse in the New Town, one of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods, with its grand architecture and sweeping streets. Edinburgh’s New Town was a hub for intellectuals and artists, and it must have been a great source of inspiration for the young composer. While he worked on many musical pieces during his time in Scotland, there was one composition in particular that would later take on a significance he could never have predicted. One of the pieces he created in this townhouse would go on to become Iceland’s national anthem, although not for many years.
The piece was called Lofsöngur, meaning “Hymn.” It was composed in 1874, but at the time, Sveinbjörnsson had no idea that this simple hymn would one day be embraced as Iceland’s national song. Fast forward to 1944, and Lofsöngur was officially adopted as Iceland’s national anthem when the country gained independence from Denmark. For nearly 70 years, Iceland had been a part of the Danish realm, and the declaration of independence marked a significant moment in the country’s history. Choosing Lofsöngur as the anthem was a way of celebrating Iceland’s new chapter as a sovereign nation.
The lyrics of the hymn were written by Matthías Jochumsson, a man who would later be recognised as Iceland’s “national poet.” The collaboration between Sveinbjörnsson and Jochumsson is particularly interesting. Although both men lived in Edinburgh around the same time and were known to be acquaintances, it seems that Jochumsson did not write the lyrics while in Scotland. It’s more likely that the words were added after he had returned to Iceland, giving the hymn a distinctly Icelandic touch despite its Scottish origins. The full title of the piece is actually The Millennial Hymn of Iceland, and the lyrics are deeply rooted in Christian themes, reflecting the religious sentiments of the time.
Lofsöngur is a hymn in every sense of the word. The music is solemn and reverent, and the lyrics speak of faith, hope, and the beauty of Iceland’s natural landscape. Jochumsson’s words celebrate the island nation’s rugged mountains, glaciers, and fjords, while also calling on God to protect and guide the country. The Christian undertones are clear, and the hymn’s religious message is very much in line with the values held by many Icelanders at the time of its creation.
The hymn’s adoption as the national anthem in 1944 was a moment of pride for Icelanders. It represented more than just a piece of music; it symbolised the nation’s independence and a new sense of national identity. Lofsöngur is a hymn that ties Iceland’s past to its future, blending religious devotion with a deep love for the country’s natural beauty. The choice of this hymn as the national anthem at the time of Iceland’s independence underscores the country’s desire to celebrate its unique culture, history, and landscape, all while acknowledging the role of faith in its heritage.
Sveinbjörnsson may have been living far from home when he composed the music, but his work has left an indelible mark on Icelandic history. His hymn, combined with Jochumsson’s heartfelt lyrics, has become a cherished symbol of Iceland’s identity, reminding the nation of its roots, its faith, and its hard-won independence.
