KATLA THE HAG AND HER MAGIC BRITCHES

While visiting Iceland in the summer of 2016, I stumbled upon the story behind the naming of “Katla” – a very active, dangerous volcano in the southern part of the country. As the legend goes, Katla was a foul-tempered housekeeper at a monastery back in the 12th century. She was rumored to be a witch who owned a pair of magic britches that made it possible for whoever wore them to run as fast as the wind without tiring. This work attempts to capture the spirit and character of the alleged hag.