Annual sheep round-up.
Smölun is the nationwide sheep round-up in Iceland that takes place at the beginning of every Autumn. The animals are guided through valleys, lava fields, sand deserts, over mountain ridges – depending on the part of the country – to a sorting pen known as Réttir. It is a social and cultural event with a long history.
In due course I shall publish a detailed photo essay on this yearly ritual. For now, a photo from the black desert near the Hekla volcano, with the sheep making their way to Áfangagil.
Smölun, near Hekla
DJI Phantom 4 Pro v2
Look forward to your “travels” amigo! Another super tradition in a land seldom known!
Thank you, amigo Dan.
Rajan-Bab, Fascinating. 3questions come to mind 1.are they rounded up for slaughter or for the seasonal harvesting of wool? 2. Are those dots of light carried by the shepherd or by each sheep and 3.One would have thought that the sheep would be boarded into a truck rather than trudge miles. Probably, respecting tradition. Loved it. Thank you.
Antonio-bab: Yes, they are rounded up for slaughter. Those ‘dots’ of white are sheep. These are sheep from the entire community/village. They are herded into a pen, sorted, and then transported by truck to individual farms.
Unique, and I like it. Well done.
Thanks, Bob.