Jón lærði Guðmundsson

Jón lærði Guðmundsson (1574–1658; Icelandic pronunciation: ​[ˈjouːn ˈlairðɪ ˈkvʏðmʏntsɔːn]) was an Icelandic autodidact, poet, and alleged sorcerer. His poetry gives insight into contemporary Icelandic folklore.

Guðmundsson, who lived in Strandir, was considered a great master of magic in 17th century Iceland. He was said to have turned around the Turkish slave ships from the coasts of Iceland more than once, an achievement which gave him widespread fame, and was described in popular prints.[1] He had to leave his home region and was tried for sorcery several times during the 1630s, but managed to avoid the death penalty every time.[1]