An introduction to Jón Sigurðsson, the national hero of Iceland
This English version is aimed to give foreigners a general idea of who Jón Sigurðsson was. The text excerpts here are not a direct translation from the icelandic pages as they are more detailed. Learn about a newly published translation of Jón's biography in one of these pages. Learn why Jón was always referred to as "president". The people of Iceland celebrate Jón's birthday every year, as the National day of Iceland. The Republic of Iceland was also founded on his birthday on June 17th 1944.