Loftur Þorsteinsson

Loftur Þorsteinsson (1702 -?), was an Icelandic Galdrmaster. He is known in Icelandic folklore, where he is the subject of many folksagas about his alleged magical performances.

Loftur Þorsteinsson became a student of the Latin school at Holar in 1716. Apparently, he had an interest in the practice of magic. According to the legend, Loftur Þorsteinsson tried to obtain the legendary grimoire Rauðskinna from the dead Bishop Gottskálk grimmi Nikulásson of Holar by the use of magic. He failed, however. Some time after, he was, according to legend, dragged down from his fishing boat under the water and disappeared. Whatever the truth, it is a fact that Loftur Þorsteinsson is never heard of after the year of 1722, and his year of death is unknown.