Based on the saga of Gísli Súrsson, one of the Icelandic Sagas. The attempt of a family head in 10th century Iceland to strengthen the fragile bonds within the clan through blood brotherhood turns into the opposite through suspicion and resentment. When the law of blood revenge has to be fulfilled after a murder, a fateful chain reaction is set in motion.

Our hero is Umbi (an acronym for emissary of the bishop), sent by him to undertake an important investigation at Snæfell-glacier. In particular he is to look into the conduct and behavior of Jón Prímus, the old pastor at Snæfell. Fantastic rumors are rife: amongst other things it is said that a corpse is lodged in the glacier! Armed with his tape recorder and notebook, Umbi embarks upon his mission. He tries to question the weird locals, a weird lot, but gets evasive answers. Slowly he is dragged into a quagmire of strange happenings and his efforts to understand only make him confused. If at the beginning he is a chipper, a mere device, by the end of the story he is inextricably involved, a committed participant in the bizarre events.

The smell of leather, whiskey and cigars: Two young girlfriends fall in love with the same man, an adventurous young businessman. Missing, forged documents wreak havoc on the lives of everyone involved.