“Lengi tekur sjórinn við” – The Sea Accepts Everything

Meaning

“Lengi tekur sjórinn við” means “the sea accepts everything” and conveys the importance of embracing things with an open heart, as expressed in Icelandic culture. The image of the sea as something that accepts everything calmly without rejection suggests that we should be open-minded and tolerant toward people and situations. This saying teaches that we can grow by accepting challenges and difficulties with a broad and open heart.

In Japan, there is a similar expression, “a heart as vast as the ocean,” which is used as a metaphor for being broad-minded and forgiving. Likewise, in English, “have a heart as big as the ocean” emphasizes the importance of deep compassion and receptiveness through the metaphor of the sea.

Origin

Iceland is a country surrounded by the sea, and the ocean has long been an integral part of life for Icelandic people. Fishing is one of Iceland’s main industries, making the relationship with the sea very close.

This saying reflects the belief that, just as the sea provides natural blessings, it also possesses a harsh side with waves and storms. The ideal of having a strong and open heart, capable of accepting all things like the vast ocean, is rooted in this understanding of the sea.

Conclusion

“Lengi tekur sjórinn við” is an Icelandic saying meaning “the sea accepts everything,” highlighting the importance of embracing situations with an open mind. The sea is foundational to Icelandic life, and Icelanders value the ideal of having an expansive, ocean-like heart that accepts all things. This saying teaches the importance of being generous and open-hearted, both in relationships and in the face of difficult situations.