Driving Into Öskumyrkur

From the Icelandic publication The Grapevine:

Video taken around noon on May 22 after Grímsvötn erupted
26.5.2011 Words by Anna Andersen

Living in one of the most volcanically active areas in the world, it’s not surprising that Icelanders use a number of words that derive meaning from eruptions. For instance, the word ‘öskumyrkur,’ which translates to ‘ash darkness’ is used to describe total and utter darkness.

While it may be used to describe an Icelandic winter night, that darkness really pales in comparison to the darkness that results when ash blocks out the sun, stars and lights. It’s difficult to imagine until you’ve experienced it. And we don’t recommend experiencing it, so watch this short video of us driving into 'öskumyrkur' at around noon Sunday, May 22 after Grímsvötn erupted and blanketed southeast Iceland in ash.