The first known permanent Norse settler was Ingólfr Arnarson, who built his homestead in present-day Reykjavík in the year 874. Ingólfr was followed by many other emigrant settlers, largely Norsemen and their thralls, many of whom were Irish or Scottish. By 930, most rich and cultivable land had been claimed and the Althing, a legislative and judiciary parliament, was initiated to regulate the Icelandic Commonwealth. Christianity was adopted around 999–1000, although Norse paganism persisted among some segments of the population for several years.
The Commonwealth lasted until the 13th century, when the political system was proved unable to cope with the increasing power of Icelandic chieftains.
During these early Celtic and Viking settlements, the climate was significantly warmer and about 25% of Iceland was covered with forest compared to 1% now.
Sigur Rós – made up of the four musicians, Jón þór Birgisson, Kjartan Sveinsson, Georg Hólm, and Orri Páll Dýrason – is an Icelandic post-rock band with melodic, classical, experimental, and minimalist elements. The band is known for its ethereal sound and lead singer Jónsi’s falsetto voice. Sigur Rós means Victory Rose, named after Jonsi's little sister.
Singer-songwriter Ásgeir Trausti is only 20 years old but is already releasing his first album after making a breakthrough this summer with his first single, Sumargestur. A classically trained guitarist, Ásgeir Trausti is one of the most promising young musicians to arrive on the Icelandic music scene recently. His music can be described as a fascinating mix of folk and electronic music where his beautiful and high voice and vocal harmony play a key part.
Of Monsters and Men is an amiable group of day dreamers who craft folkie pop songs. But last year, the six pack transformed into total rock stars after stomping out their competition during Músiktilraunir, a yearly battle of the bands in Iceland. The six members of the band are Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, Ragnar þórhallsson, Brynjar Leifsson, Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, Kristján Páll Kristjánsson, and Árni Guðjónsson. Little Talks is their most popular song.