Móðuharðindin

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Móðuharðindin (literally, The Mist Hardships) was a natural disaster that took place in Iceland in the years 1783-1785 in the Skaftáreldar following the volcanic eruption of Lakagígar. A poisonous mist settled over the entire country, burning up grazing lands and killing off cattle. It is believed that 75% of all cattle died, and that one out of five Icelanders (~ 10,000) perished.

The Hardship began with the eruption in Lakagígar on June 8, 1783 -- which is probably the greatest volcanic eruption in historical times. The eruption devastated Iceland and the environmental effects could be felt in many places of the world, due to the severe global meteorological effects of the rising sulphuric fumes. A contemporary account of the eruption can be found in the Eldrit of pastor Jón Steingrímsson, which was printed in 1788.