Sigríður and Gullfoss by wysiwig

Photography • Landscape • posted on Jul 23, 2014

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Description

Legend says that once upon a time a farmer named Gygur lived near these falls. He had amassed a large amount of gold and could not bear the thought of anyone possessing it after his death. To prevent this, he placed the gold in a box and threw it into the waterfall. Ever since it has been known as Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall). In the early 20th century it was owned by Tómas Tómasson. After his death foreign investors wanted to build a hydroelectric power plant on the site to harness electricity. Pressure was put on Tómas’ daughter Sigríður. She was said to have replied, “I will not sell my friend.” When the government made plans to confiscate the falls she threatened to throw herself into Gullfoss and kill herself. She rallied the public behind her cause after her barefoot march to Reykjavik, 72 miles (120 kilometers) away over unpaved roads. When she arrived her feet were bleeding. Today Gullfoss is not only a protected national treasure but Iceland’s most popular waterfall.