Unn the Deep-Minded

ᛉ ~835CE - ~910CE ᛣ

Unn (sometimes called Aud) was the daughter of Ketil Flat-nose. Her story is told in the Laxdaela Saga, in the Landnamabok, and she is mentioned in several other sagas as well. Unn's tale is one of strength, courage, perseverance, and an iron will.

As a young lass, Unn married Olaf the White who was a viking raider with big ambitions. After several victories he had himself declared the king of Dublin. Although he was killed before he was able to fully secure his dynasty. Unn and their young son, Thorstein the Red, fled to the Hebrides. Thorstein eventually married and had many children. Thorstein became a successful chieftain in Northern Scotland, but he was betrayed by some of his overly ambitious followers and killed. Upon his death, Unn quickly left the area, likely out of fear that Thorstein's untrustworthy followers would seek to also slaughter any potential heirs to his legacy.

However Unn did not leave before securing her own place in history: She married one granddaughter off to a chieftain in the Orkney Islands, then another granddaughter she married to a chieftain in the Faroe islands, and finally she sailed to Iceland, where she laid claim to a large swath of land. Here in Iceland she built up a prominent farm and ensured her legacy would live on long after her passing. Up until her death she remained a very powerful and highly respected woman.

For us today she is a reflection of the women of her time, a reflection of our noble female ancestors; strong, bold, and refusing to yield. In many ways, she is a good example for our ladies today. Unn made sure that her family was well taken care of no matter what. Her husband was killed, so she grabbed their son and went to safety. Her son was killed, so she grabbed the grandchildren and saw to it that they would be safe. She protected her family and the future of the family line at all costs!

Unn the Deep-Minded’s Day of Remembrance is July 9th.

By Goði Blaine Qualls