Skip to content

It is often said of people with second sight that their…

“It is often said of people with second sight that their soul leaves the body. That doesn't happen to the glacier. But the next time one looks at it, the body has left the glacier, and nothing remains except the soul clad in air... the glacier is illuminated at certain times of the day by a special…” quote by Halldór Laxness
Download Open image
““It is often said of people with second sight that their soul leaves the body. That doesn't happen to the glacier. But the next time one looks at it, the body has left the glacier, and nothing remains except the soul clad in air... the glacier is illuminated at certain times of the day by a special radiance and stands in a golden glow with a powerful aureole of rays, and everything becomes insignificant except it. Then it's as if the mountain is no longer taking part in the history of geology but has become iconic... A remarkable mountain. At night when the sun is off the mountains the glacier becomes a tranquil silhouette that rests in itself and breathes upon man and beast the word never, which perhaps means always. Come, waft of death.””

Halldór Laxness

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The glacier is described as a luminous, timeless entity that transcends geology, evoking awe and contemplation of eternity.

In simple terms: The glacier shines, feeling eternal and awe‑inspiring.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate nature’s enduring beauty.

Themes

nature eternity beauty spirituality

Mood

contemplative reverent

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • hiking
  • photography
  • meditation
  • environmental education

Key Concepts

aesthetic philosophy environmental reverence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the glacier symbolize for you?
  • How does nature influence your sense of time?
A Different Perspective

Subjective perception may romanticize natural processes.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Halldór Laxness

Explore all 87 Halldór Laxness quotes

More Glacier quotes

Browse all 21 Glacier quotes