The Passíusálmar or Passion Hymns are a collection of 50 poetic texts written by the Icelandic minister and poet, Hallgrímur Pétursson. The texts explore the Passion narrative, as traditionally presented, from the point where Christ enters the Garden of Gethsemane to his death and burial. Hallgrímur began composing the work in 1656, while serving as pastor of Saurbær in Hvalfjörður. It took him three years to complete, the final poem being written in May 1659; the first edition was published seven years later, in 1666. By the end of the century they had become so popular in Iceland that five editions had been published. Since that time, they have been reprinted more than 75 times, a unique achievement in Icelandic literature. The poems were translated into many other languages, including Latin, English, Chinese and Danish. The first English edition was published in 1913. In the 1950s a new translation was made by Arthur Charles Gook. This new translation received the imprimatur of the Bishop of Iceland, Sigurbjörn Einarsson, and is published by Hallgrímskirkja. In addition, a selection of texts were translated by Anglican Bishop Charles Venn Pilcher and published in a pamphlet entitled "Thirty-One Meditations on Christ's Passion"; this translation, although incomplete, is regarded as more faithful to Hallgrímur's Lutherantheology. The Passíusálmar quickly became an important part of Icelandic religious expression, being sung or read during Lent in every Icelandic home; today, they are broadcast on the radio during that time of year. They have been set to music by many composers of Icelandic church music, including Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson and Jón Hlöðver Áskelsson, but use outside Iceland is rare.
The titles of the 50 ‘Passion Hymns’
Hymn I. Christ goes to the Garden Hymn II. Christ's Suffering in the Garden Hymn III. “Sorrowful, even unto Death” Hymn IV. Christ's Appeals to His Disciples Hymn V. The Jews arrive in the Garden Hymn VI. Judas' Kiss and Christ's Arrest Hymn VII. Peter's Defence and Malchus' Wounded Ear Hymn VIII. Christ's Address to the Jews Hymn IX. The Flight of the Disciples Hymn X. The First Enquiry before Caiaphas Hymn XI. Peter's Denial Hymn XII. Peter's Repentance Hymn XIII. The False Witnesses and Caiaphas' Judgment Hymn XIV. The Soldiers mock Christ Hymn XV. The Priests' Conference Hymn XVI. The Remorse of Judas Hymn XVII. The Potter's Field Hymn XVIII. The Jews' First Charge before Pilate Hymn XIX. Christ's Confession before Pilate Hymn XX. The Jews' Second Charge before Pilate Hymn XXI. Herod's Curiosity and the Gorgeous Robe Hymn XXII. The Demand for Crucifixion Hymn XXIII. The Scourging of Christ Hymn XXIV. The Scarlet Robe and Crown of Thorns Hymn XXV. Christ led from the Judgment Hall Hymn XXVI. Christ and Pilate Hymn XXVII. Pilate and the Jews Hymn XXVIII. Pilate's unjust Judgment Hymn XXIX. Release of Barabbas Hymn XXX. Christ bears His Cross Hymn XXXI. Christ's Address to the Women Hymn XXXII. The Green and the Dry Tree Hymn XXXIII. The Crucifixion of Christ Hymn XXXIV. The First Cry from the Cross Hymn XXXV. The Superscription on the Cross Hymn XXXVI. Christ's Garments divided Hymn XXXVII. The Second Cry from the Cross Hymn XXXVIII. The Mocking suffered on the Cross Hymn XXXIX. The Thief's Repentance Hymn XL. The Third Cry from the Cross Hymn XLI. The Fourth Cry from the Cross Hymn XLII. The Fifth Cry from the Cross Hymn XLIII. The Sixth Cry from the Cross llvmn XLIV. The Seventh Cry from the Cross Hymn XLV. The Death of Christ Hymn XLVI. The Signs that accompanied His Death Hymn XLVII. Christ's Friends, who stood far off Hymn XLVIII. The Saviour's wounded Side Hymn XLIX. The Burial of Christ Hymn L. The Guard on Watch
