Spánverjars

Spánverjars is a term used in Icelandic history and folklore to refer to Spaniards. It gained particular prominence during the early 17th century when a group of Spanish sailors, often described as pirates or corsairs, raided the coasts of Iceland. These raids were part of broader conflicts involving Spain and other European powers in the North Atlantic.

The most notable event associated with Spánverjars occurred in 1627. Ships under the command of the Barbary corsair Murat Reis (though often identified as Spanish in Icelandic accounts) attacked several coastal settlements in Iceland, most famously the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). During this raid, a significant portion of the island's population was captured and taken into slavery, primarily to North Africa. This event, known as Tyrkjaránið (the Turkish Abductions), left a deep scar on the Icelandic collective memory.

While the attackers were likely a mixed group, including North Africans operating under Spanish or Ottoman authority, the Icelandic narratives predominantly referred to them as Spánverjars. This reflects a historical perception of the era where diverse maritime forces were often broadly categorized. The raids had a devastating impact on the affected communities, leading to loss of life, displacement, and the disruption of economic and social structures. The memory of the Spánverjars raids has been preserved through historical records, oral traditions, and literature, serving as a reminder of Iceland's vulnerability and its encounters with the wider world.