sjón

Sjón, born Sigurjón Birgir Sigurðsson in 1962 in Reykjavík, is an Icelandic poet, novelist, and lyricist. Writing under the pen name Sjón, he has been a prominent figure in contemporary Icelandic literature and has published numerous books of poetry and fiction since the 1980s. His work is known for its lyrical precision, integration of myth and folklore, and a stylistic blend of the ancient and the modern.

Among his best-known novels are The Blue Fox and From the Mouth of the Whale. The Blue Fox, rooted in Icelandic history and folklore, garnered critical acclaim for its atmosphere and language; From the Mouth of the Whale combines a reimagined 19th-century Arctic expedition with reflections on language and perception. His writing has been translated into many languages and has earned him international recognition.

Sjón is also recognized as a lyricist and has collaborated with Icelandic musician Björk on several projects, contributing to the lyrics of the Homogenic era and other works. Through these collaborations, he helped bring a distinctly Icelandic sensibility to a broader audience.

He has lived in Iceland and abroad, and his work has received several major awards and translations. Sjón remains influential in both literary and musical spheres, noted for merging myths, history, and contemporary concerns in a concise, imaginative style.