The saga of Bróðinn and his Brennivin
Hearken, ye, and lend thine ears to the Saga of Bróðinn, the master distiller of the gods. Bróðinn was an Asgardian deity gifted with the knowledge of every plant that grew in the nine realms. In his garden, which spanned the entirety of the Icelandic highlands, he grew many rare and potent botanicals, and crafted them into a magical elixir known as Brennivin, the true Icelandic spirit.
When the aurora borealis shone bright in the sky, Bróðinn distilled the fiery drink in a volcanic pot, with his two loyal puffin companions, Hver and Hvað, by his side. Some say Bróðinn infused his Brennivin with the blood of a mighty serpent that he had defeated in battle, while others maintain that this is just a rubbish story meant to sell alcohol to tourists. Ahem… Regardless, Bróðinn’s brennivin became a beloved drink throughout Iceland, and beyond.
And so it was that Bróðinn became a legend throughout the land. His name was spoken with reverence and respect, and even his brother Óðinn started returning his calls. To this day, his creation remains a beloved and iconic drink in Iceland, with its unique blend of caraway seeds, star anise, angelica root, cloves, and oranges. It is celebrated for its cultural significance and the spirit of adventure that it embodies, and symbolizes the magic and mystery of the Norse gods, and the bravery and ingenuity of the people who created it.
So if you are still reading this (and not yet tired of the onslaught of Icelandic clichées in this story), find a quiet spot next to one of our many waterfalls, raise a horn to Bróðinn, and drink to his enduring legacy. For though he may have been a lesser known god, his impact on the world was no less profound. Skál!
Are you brave enough to try it?
