Volcanic eruption recorded in Iceland

1248

An eruption from one of Iceland's volcanic systems deposited ash across farmland and poisoned grazing pastures. The event compounded the island's chronic food insecurity and contributed to the political instability that would soon drive the Althing to surrender Icelandic independence to the Norwegian crown. The eruption's effects on livestock and grass growth pushed several chieftaincies toward the famine line and weakened resistance to Norwegian demands.