A documentary about the 1783–84 Laki eruption and its aftermath — screened at the foot of the fires in Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Eldmessa weaves together 3D imagery, archival material, photographs and on-location footage to tell the story of one of the greatest natural disasters in Iceland’s history.
Produced by Gagarin for Skaftáreldar ehf. Directed by Hringur Hafsteinsson. Premiered at Askja, University of Iceland, 5 March 2009.
On Whitsunday the Laki craters opened — some 130 craters along a 27 km fissure. The eruption lasted eight months and ranks among the greatest lava eruptions in recorded history.
“…north of the nearest hills of Síða there rose a black haze of sand, and a plume so vast…”
The greatest calamity in Iceland’s history. No one was killed by the lava itself, but around 70% of the livestock perished from ash haze and air pollution.
of the nation — nearly 10,000 people — lost their lives. The ash was felt across the entire world.
Priest at Prestsbakki on Síða from 1778, serving the church at Kirkjubæjarklaustur through the calamity. A man of faith and a naturalist who also trusted the healing power of herbs.
The lava was closing in on the church. Reverend Jón held mass regardless — it was thought it would be the last. During his fervent prayer the lava came to a halt, and the church was saved.
Ever since, this service has been called the Eldmessa — the Fire Mass — and Jón the Fire Priest. The spot where the lava stopped is now called Eldmessutangi.
Eldmessa is screened at Hótel Klaustur in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, South Iceland — 270 km from Reykjavík.
The film is screened at Hótel Klaustur. Group visits and other times by arrangement.
Contact us: info@eldmessa.is