Genealogy
In 1992 the first four volumes of Astafjord Family book was released. These I received as a gift from my uncle and aunt. The books contain personal and family registry for this former large municipality. I've been told family stories through adolescence. Having received this gift, I started making a family tree for my mother's family. I tried to follow the family branches as far as possible back in time. One name that I was taken aback at were: Anne Esausdtr Moddy (1668-1773). Moddy was a surname that was not typical Norwegian. At that time I did not find out where this family name originated.
When I joined the local genealogy association, Kongsberg - Norway, I learned to use the Internet and computers to progress. I made new discoveries. Eventually, I solved the origin of the Moddy name. Robert Mudie/Moddy/Moodie was a Scot who immigrated to Norway probably around 1630. I am pretty sure that Robert Mudie emigrated from Orkney. I have also visited the family farm located on the island of Hoy. It was a true adventure! Eventually, I found out that genealogy is so much more than dates and names. The stories and human destinies give so much more than a name and year of birth.
I was so lucky to find documents, censuses, and church records. The Mudie family was involved in several conflicts with Patrick Steward (2nd Earl of Orkney). Malte Moddy, the main character's name, came to me from this family branch - also think a sequel where I merge onto Robert and Francis Moodie and the old family farm, Melsetter House.