Goðahópurinn, a group of people interested in combining Norse mythology and tourism, have suggested that the so-called ‘Norse God Zone’ south of Skólavörðustígur in central Reykjavík, where the streets are named after Norse gods, be marketed as such.

“Norse gods have been used as characters in movies in the U.S. which is all the more reason for stressing who protected the stories about the ancient religion,” the group writes in a letter to city authorities, Fréttablaðið reports, referring to ancient manuscripts about Norse mythology having been preserved in Iceland.

Fifteen streets are included in the proposed ‘Norse God Zone,’ such as Lokastígur, Óðinsgata, Freyjugata and Baldursgata. “The first step would be to provide information [about the zone], illustrations, statues or something like that on street corners,” the letter suggests.

“It would prove a magnet for the district and for Reykjavík as a travel destination. It could also become a role model for other districts to freshen up their image,” the letter concludes.

Goðahópurinn would like a competition to be held on how to execute the project with artists and advertising agencies participating. Their request is being processed by Reykjavík City’s urban planning committee.

ESA