Faroese Children and the Grindadrap: An Overlooked Trauma?

Cultural Tradition vs. Ethical Concerns

The grindadrap is described by locals as an integral part of the Faroese cultural fabric, comparable in significance to the Faroese language and traditional ballads. Locals often express that the pilot whale is a "gift from the sea" or "gift from God," meant to be "harvested" and shared among the community. It is therefore viewed as natural for children to witness and even participate in this tradition.

However, the involvement of children in these activities raises ethical concerns. What does it mean for a child to witness violence and death up close? And how do we balance the preservation of any claimed cultural tradition against potential psychological trauma?

Children's Reactions: A Spectrum of Responses

The majority of Faroese children involved in the grindadrap seem thoroughly desensitized to its brutal aspects. They touch the carcasses, feel the warmth of the dead animals, and even receive parts of the whale as gifts. In these cases, their parents and the community have succeeded in "normalizing" the event for them. What thoughts and emotions come before the achievement of normalizing violence isn't discussed, but throughout the years we've heard heartbreaking recollections from whalers remembering their first experiences with the slaughters.

As grown men, they describe it as a necessary experience to become the whale hunters that they are today.

Over the years we´ve seen children weeping, trying to hide their faces, or even openly questioning the morality of the act. For example, during the Torshavn grindadrap on July 9th, Sea Shepherd volunteers heard a young child ask his father, "Why are we killing the whales? Why aren’t we helping them?" This highlights the emotional and psychological toll that

such events can have on young, impressionable minds.

Kindergarten class with the carcasses. Photo by Joanna/Härmä/Sea Shepherd.

A Question of Informed Choice

Cultural traditions often pass from one generation to the next through direct exposure and participation. However, children, by virtue of their age and cognitive development, may not have the ability to process or fully comprehend what they are witnessing. This raises ethical questions about informed consent. When does cultural exposure cross the line into coercion or emotional trauma? In Hvannasund this year, Sea Shepherd volunteers saw a kindergarten class brought to witness the aftermath of a whale hunt. One young girl was visibly distressed and refused to watch, opting instead to hide away, covering her eyes and weeping. Is it fair to force such young children into direct confrontation with violence and death?

The Ethical Quandary

While the majority of Faroese children may appear unfazed by these events, the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the minority who are distressed cannot be ignored. The debate over the grindadrap often revolves around environmental and animal welfare issues, but perhaps it is time to consider another dimension: the psychological and emotional impact on Faroese children.

As "outsiders", we recognize the sensitivity of questioning deeply-held cultural traditions. Yet, when it comes to the welfare of children, difficult questions must be asked, and meaningful conversations should be had to balance cultural preservation against the potential for psychological trauma. To continue this practice without consideration for its impact on all children, not just the majority who seem unfazed, is to risk perpetuating a cycle of emotional distress that could have lasting repercussions. As the world becomes increasingly connected and diversified, it is essential for any culture, including that of the Faroe Islands, to critically examine its traditions in the broader context of human and emotional wellbeing.