Forget the Puffin: Why the Raven Is Iceland's True Icon

Odin Chose Ravens - Not Puffins

Even Odin knew a thing or two about choosing companions.

His two ravens, Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory), flew across the world every day, returning with news, wisdom and stories from every corner of Midgard.

Imagine sending puffins on that mission...
They'd probably stop halfway for a sand eel and forget what they were doing.

Still Watching Iceland

Unlike the puffin, which spends much of the year far out at sea, ravens are part of everyday life in Iceland.

You'll hear them calling across lava fields, see them gliding over mountain ridges and watch them perch on old farm buildings with an expression that suggests they know something you don't.

They've become so familiar that Icelanders sometimes forget just how extraordinary they are.

Why We Keep Returning to Ravens

At Jónsson & Jensson, the raven represents everything that inspires our work: intelligence, resilience, mystery and storytelling.

That's why you'll find it throughout collections such as Where Ravens Dare, Hrafn and Óðinn.

The puffin may win the souvenir shops.

We'll happily let the raven keep the legends.