In the Shadow of the Raven

In the Shadow of the Raven (Icelandic: Í skugga hrafnsins) is the title of a 1988 film by Hrafn Gunnlaugsson, set in Viking Age Iceland. The film was selected as the Icelandic entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 61st Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee. In the Shadow of the Raven is the second film of the Raven Trilogy (also known as the Viking Trilogy) that consists of three 'Viking' films: 1) When the Raven Flies (1984) – (original Icelandic title: Hrafninn flýgur) – usually known as simply The Raven or Revenge of the Barbarians. 2) In The Shadow of the Raven (1988) – (original Icelandic title: Í skugga hrafnsins). 3) Embla (2007) – (original Icelandic title: Hvíti víkingurinn) – the director's cut of The White Viking. Plot The film is a loose re-telling of the legend of Tristan and Isolde. In the year 1077, Trausti returns to Iceland after having studied theology in Norway. Meanwhile, Grim, the foreman on Trausti's farm, discovers a stranded whale. However, the retainers of the cruel neighbouring chief Eirikur discovers the whale as well. As Grim brings Trausti's mother Edda, the chief of the area, they discover Eirikur attempting to steal the whale. A fight erupts between the different clans and Edda is killed in the struggle. Grim kills Eirikur in revenge, and a blood-feud between Trausti's clan and Eirikur's clan is imminent.