HELLULAND
(KINGDOM)
NORÐLAND
NORTH COUNTRY
Helluland was the first European settlement site in Canada in a region known today as Baffin Island. The land was originally settled by Norðmenn, who were fleeing forced Christianization and feudalism, over 1,000 years ago. According to popular culture and Íslendingasögur (Sagas of the Icelanders), Helluland was also first spotted by Bjarni Herjólfsson, contacted by Leifr Eiríksson, and further explored by Þorfinnr Þórðarson. However, Eiríkr Þorvaldsson (Eiríkr hinn rauði, aka Eric the Red) was actually the first Norðmaðr to settle what is now the Canadian Arctic.
LAND OF NORÐMENN
LAND OF NORTHMEN
Helluland today represents a virtual nation without defined borders for all Norðmenn (Northmen) across the world who share common identity, history, traditions, values, and lifestyle. While all Norðmenn are free to identify with, and be part of, Helluland, citizenship and formal registration in Helluland, however, is only granted automatically to members of Sverðin (The Sword).
The Government of Helluland is composed of a Þing (Governing Assembly), Fimtardómr (Fifth Court/High Court), and is responsible for the maintenance of the Official Níðingar Registry (ONR). These institutions also oversee Sverðin, while Hirðir (Units) around the world are under the jurisdiction of Norðsherstjórn (NHS) and Jómsvīkingar.
Defense and armed forces are the responsibility of Jómsvíkingar.
DREKAMERKI
THE FLAG OF HELLULAND
The flag of Helluland (Drekamerki) represents all people of Norse descent whose ancestors settled various parts of North America, including Helluland of course (Baffin Island, Canada), but also Markland (Labrador, Canada), and Vinland (Newfoundland, Canada, and Eastern United States). It is meant to re-affirm our history and heritage, often forgotten or discarded at the hands of British Christian imperialism.
DREKI (THE DRAGON)
The dragon, normally found at the bow of a drakkar, encompasses both exploration and military might. The style is consistent with historic Viking carvings. The mouth of the dragon is not wide-open, to express peace, but at the same time, to convey the readiness to attack as required.
The dragon faces west to represent the voyage between Norway and Iceland, and Helluland, Markland, and Vinland. Alternatively, the dragon may also be shown facing east, in reference to the motherland. As a patch, the flag is worn on the right side, with the dragon watching the bearer's back.
THE WHITE STAR
The star represents the north/pole star, a symbol of the north, and an essential navigational aid. It is in a stylized design, in contrast to a more traditional design, to represent a connection between ancient and recent times.
THE WHITE ELEMENTS
The white part of the flag, namely the dragon and the star, represents ice, snow, and mountains, an integral part of Nordic countries and Norse culture.
THE BLUE ELEMENT
The blue part of the flag represents the night skies of the long, dark, nordic winters, but also the bright skies of extended summer days.
THE RED ELEMENT
The red part of the flag represents the sea, a fundamental part of Norse culture, and a basis for Norse exploration. The the color has several meanings. It represents the blood of our enemies, past and future, as well as our own blood during forced Christianization. It is also be the reflection of the sun on the ocean during an Arctic summer night. Also an honor to Eiríkr Þorvaldsson (Eiríkr hinn rauði), known for his red beard.
THE COLOR SCHEME
The blue, red, and white color scheme of the flag is also a reference to the current flag of Norway. The overall design, however, is a clear departure from the northern cross. It emphasizes the pre-Christianization aspect of the first Norse settlements in North America, as well as the rejection of forced Christianization and its negative effect on Norse culture.
