Vestaeyjar (ˈvɛsteiːjar̥ OR ˈvɛs.tə.jə)

"If you don't know how to get there already, then they don't want you coming."

— typical Vestmanna response to a request for directions

The Vestaeyjar are a group of islands of the west coast of Eyju, and are the westernmost part of the Norður Islands. They were first settled by a group of Fir Fáinne fleeing the reign of Celestina on Oileán Fiáin. Prior to these refugees, the islands were visited by the Eyjamaður, but had no permanent settlements. In the centuries since, the Fir Fáinne and Eyjamaður have intermarried and formed the Vestmanna ethnicity. The Vestmanna are known for keeping to themselves, and are seen as standoffish and unfriendly by their neighbors on Eyju. They speak a dialect of Eyjamannaræða which is known for lilting, elongated syllables and a slow cadence, and which has many words borrowed from Amhrán. This dialect is known as the Eldfell dialect and is named for the village of Eldfell, the largest settlement in Vestaeyjar. Other than Eldfell, there are no real communities in Vestaeyjar. Instead, there are widely spaced homesteads housing an extended family. The Vestmanna enjoy having a good distance from their neighbors, and many feel that a bit of ocean between them and the next house makes for good relations. Some of the smaller islands in the group have only one or two residents, although they will migrate to Eldfell to spend the winter. Vestaeyjar is known for being exceptionally windy and having large amounts of rain compared to the other islands in Eyjaskeggjaheim, and travel between the islands can be difficult in winter.

Notable Spirits

The Vestmanna do not speak much about the spirits of the Vestaeyjar to outsiders, so little is known about the Vættir who make their home here. One odd figure that is sometimes spoken of is Lundahirðir, or the Puffin Shepherd, a spirit who is known to care for and protect the puffins in the area. The Vestmanna have a tradition of guiding stray puffins to safe locations, and they say that Lundahirðir is grateful for the help and will send the spirits of the birds to do little chores for those who have done so. There are many depictions in Vestmanna art of puffins doing such diverse tasks as milking sheep, chopping wood, or cleaning floors, all to help out those who aided them earlier. Sometimes the Vestmanna will tell the puffin they are helping that they'd like to send some help to a friend or family members, and there are some older Vestmanna who seem to have all their daily tasks performed for them by these birds.

Geography

The archipelago consists of a dozen islands, all but one of which is less than one square mile in area. The largest island is Hrafnsøy, which itself is only 5.2 square miles in area. There are also a half-dozen tiny islets and tidal islands, some of which are totally submerged for a portion of each day. Most of the islands are inhabited for at least part of the year, although it may only be by a single person or family. A few of the islands are close enough that bridges and causeways connect them, but most are only accessible by boat. The region is volcanically active, with the most recent major eruption being only 52 years ago. The island of Eimsey was formed during this eruption.

On the western edge of Vestaeyjar, there is a small island known as Dunnaklett. It is the site of a lighthouse (known as Lussviti Dunnaklett, or just the Lussviti). It is a part of the Ring of Light, but has a dark reputation - it is said that monsters of the Dreamlands can use Lussviti Dunnaklett in the same way that Dreamwalkers guide themselves by the Fáros Óneiro. The keepers of Lussviti Dunnaklett have reported seeing things slip out of the tower's shadow and off into the sea, although they can never quite describe what these creatures are like.

The islands are known for their plentiful seabirds, most especially the puffins. There are many plant and insect species, but few large animals other than the goats and sheep that the Vestmanna raise. The waters around the Vesteyjar contain some of the region's richest fishing grounds, including the area known as Hafsvegur. Fish such as cod, haddock, flatfish, herring, and capelin are all found in abundance at different times of the year. Lobsters and ocean perch are found in large numbers in the deep water to the southwest of the islands. Seals, smaller whales, and dolphins are also present in large numbers around the islands.

Maps

• 

  Vestaeyjar

Type

Archipelago

Location under

Eyjaskeggjaheim

Included Locations

• Eldfell

Related Ethnicities

• Eyjamaður
• Vestmanna

Geographic Details

Location: Northeastern Region
Latitude: 63.25 degrees North
Longitude: 36 degrees East
Average Elevation: 7 ft
Highest Point: 797 ft
Lowest Point: -3 ft
Area: 7.82 sq mi