Sölvör Bjarna is an author from Canada. She is also a Vestur-Íslendingur, or West-Icelander: a descendant of the Icelanders who were compelled to leave their homeland in the late 19th century, due to harsh conditions, and emigrate to North America. Her pen name, "Sölvör", is drawn from two ancestors in her family tree, and means "guardian of the hall" in Old Norse. (Fun fact: the 13th-century writer Snorri Sturluson, author of the Prose Edda, was her 21st great-grandfather.) Her heritage also includes Scottish, English, and Italian.

In addition to drawing on the Norse myths, Sölvör's writing frequently incorporates elements from Celtic folklore, the Old English language, and traditional European fairytales, and is perennially inspired by her love of nature.

She has a Master's degree in English literature, and was a professional dancer for over twenty years. When not writing, she can often be found walking her dogs, perusing old books, or daydreaming. As a child of the West Coast, she is happiest in a mossy forest or on a rainy shore.

About the Author

Sölvör