Bólu-Hjálmar

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Hjálmar Jónsson (1796-1875), better known as Bólu-Hjálmar (after his homestead in Bóla)), was a 19th century Icelandic farmer and poet, known for his sharp style and biting wit.

Hjálmar was born in Hallandi in Eyjafjörður. He first became a farmer in Bakkinn in Öxnadalur, but subsequently moved to Skagafjörður where he dwelled in Bóla (Bólstaðargerði), from whence his nickname is derived. Hjálmar was a poor farmer, and had difficulty making ends meet. He was constantly engaged in disputes with his neighbours, who accused him of stealing sheep. In his own way, Hjálmar was an artistic and creative soul. His style of poetry is marked by economy and clever use of metaphors. Many of his poems are tinged with bitterness, which may partly be attributed to his constant rows and disputes, and partly to what seems to have been a general dislike of humanity.