Gaddakylfan Award Ceremony Shines Light on Icelandic Crime Fiction
The prestigious Gaddakylfan Award, presented for the best crime short story submitted to the namesake competition by the Icelandic Crime Society, was handed out today at the Skáldu bookstore at 5:30 PM. As tradition dictates, the winner receives the coveted Gaddakylfan itself—a ceramic vase modeled after the ancient and formidable spiked club, serving both as a striking piece of decor and a symbol of storytelling prowess. This unique award is crafted by ceramic artist Kogga, who is responsible for its design, creation, and the concept behind it.
Award and Opportunities for the Winning Author
In addition to the Gaddakylfan award, the author of the winning story receives a publication contract with Storytel and a pass to the Iceland Noir international crime literature festival, officially starting tomorrow. The winner will participate in panel discussions alongside the authors who secure the second and third places. All three top stories, along with other selected entries, will be published by Storytel.
Reviving a Celebrated Competition
The Icelandic Crime Society conducted the competition from 2006 to 2013 in collaboration with various publishing houses. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the society, the competition has been revived as part of the anniversary program “Crime Fever for 25 Years.” This year, 37 stories from 33 authors were submitted, demonstrating the enduring appeal of crime narratives among Icelandic writers.
The Judges and Winning Story
The judging panel consisted of authors Stefán Máni Sigþórsson (chairman) and Margrét Höskuldsdóttir, along with Storytel editor Arnór Hjartarson. This year’s Gaddakylfan was awarded to Einar Leif Nielsen for his story “Sniglasúpan.” The narrative follows an Icelandic teenager spending the summer with his aunt and her husband in Denmark. To earn extra pocket money, he becomes a pest exterminator in a neighbor’s garden, targeting the destructive Spanish slug. However, the seemingly tranquil Danish suburb hides more sinister secrets than just deadly slugs.
Other Notable Entries
Ólafur Tómas Guðbjartsson secured second place with “Rándýr,” a nightmarish tale of two childhood friends who have drifted apart over the years but continue their annual ptarmigan hunt. This particular outing is meant to be their last, though not for reasons anticipated. Third place went to Ægir Jahnke for “Romm og Kók og Konan hans Gustavs,” a story about a hitman trying to disappear on a tropical island after what he intends to be his final murder. Just before he plans to vanish forever, a lively group of Swedes arrives at his hotel, prompting him to reconsider his escape when he meets Ingrid.
The Impact of Crime Fiction in Iceland
The revival of the Gaddakylfan competition highlights the growing interest in crime fiction within Icelandic literary circles. This genre has gained significant traction globally, with readers drawn to its intricate plots and exploration of moral dilemmas. Iceland Noir, the associated festival, further underscores this international appeal, bringing together authors, critics, and fans from across the globe.
Conclusion: Celebrating Storytelling
The Gaddakylfan Award and the Iceland Noir festival are testaments to the vibrant storytelling culture in Iceland. They provide a platform for writers to showcase their talent and engage with a global audience. As crime fiction continues to evolve, these events play a crucial role in fostering creativity and celebrating the art of suspenseful storytelling.