bjarndýrakóngur

The Bjarndýrakóngur, or “King of the Bears,” is the sovereign ruler of Iceland’s polar bears, said to be born from the union of a female polar bear and either a walrus or a bull. This majestic creature is distinguished by its red cheeks and a single horn on its forehead—its symbol of authority—ending in a sharp point tipped with a glowing platinum globe that shines brightly in all directions, allowing the king to navigate even the darkest environments. Renowned for its wisdom, nobility, and power, the Bjarndýrakóngur understands human speech and commands absolute loyalty from its fellow polar bears. Though capable of killing with its horn, it only does so in self-defense or to dispense justice among disobedient subjects. One famous legend tells of a Whitsun church service in the 18th century, when a procession of 12 or 13 polar bears emerged from Iceland’s wilderness, led by a regal and benevolent Bjarndýrakóngur. Greeted by a clergyman and congregation in full regalia, the king of bears solemnly returned their bows before continuing southward. When one bear in the group killed a sheep at Borgamór, the king swiftly executed the offender with his horn. The procession ultimately vanished into the sea at Grenivík. The only creature bold enough to challenge the Bjarndýrakóngur is the redcheek, or redjowl—a fiercely aggressive polar bear with a reddish-pink cheek that attacks indiscriminately, but even it cannot overcome the king.