History of the Faroe Islands

History pre-Scandinavian

The old story of the Faroe Islands is little known. It is possible that at the sixth century, Saint Brendan, an Irish monk, saw the Faroe ones during its voyage. He indeed says to have seen a “island of sheep”, true “paradise for the birds”.

At the end of the seventh century or the eighth century, the islands were visited by Irish monks, with research is of loneliness. These islands then became a place of hermitage, just like the Iceland.

The first known text really describing the Faroe Islands was written by an Irish monk named Dicuil.

Scandinavian period

One knows only few things about the Faroe ones to the fourteenth century. The only source written is the Saga of the Faroe (Færeyinga Saga), written at the thirteenth century, of which the historical value is discussed. Moreover, the original version of this saga did not arrive to us: there are several versions which were recopied later on.

According to a version, the colonizer of Faroe, Grímr Kamban, would have come during the reign from Harald Ier from Norway, which directs this country between 880 and 931. According to other versions, and the chronicle of Dicuil, Grímr Kamban would have come before this reign. “Grimr” is a Scandinavian first name, but “Kamban” is an Irish name, which would let suppose that this colonizer would have had a double origin.

Between 800 and 900, a Alþing must be established on the island, with the site of the current capital, Torshavn. This institution, similar that which has existed in Iceland, is an assembly of the free men where are made the political decisions and legal.

The inhabitants are converted with Christianity in the neighborhoods of the year 1000, and a church is established in the South of the island of Streymoy. In 1035, the islands become also part of the Kingdom of Norway. These two facts would have been initiated by Sigmundur Brestisson, sent by the king Olaf Ier of Norway to seize the island.

In 1380, the islands become possession of the double monarchy of Denmark and Norway.

History of the fourteenth at the twentieth century

Christian III introduced the lutherianism into the islands to replace the catholiscism. This project was finished 5 years later and Danish replaced Latin at the time of the masses.

Second world war

The situation of the islands is largely modified at the time of the Second world war, because of the occupation of the Denmark by the Germany. In order to prevent a possible German unloading, the British occupy them and install an air base. This situation supports the emergence of the claims separatists which are concretized after the release of the motherland in 1945.

Post-war period

The islands obtain their autonomy in 1948. Competences of the government cover in particular the linguistic aspect (the language féringienne is recognized officially) and the management of the internal businesses (transport, station, infrastructures…). The Denmark preserves a right to watch as regards defense (presence of Danish troops) and of currency (the Danish crown is the currency of the islands).

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