A young boy from Iceland named Brynjar Karl Bigisson did something truly extraordinary, turning his deep love for ships into a LEGO creation that amazed people around the world. At just 10 years old, Brynjar decided he wanted to build a replica of the Titanic—not just any version, but one that would set a record.
This wasn’t a small model or something built in an afternoon. No, Brynjar wanted to construct a 26-foot-long replica of the Titanic using LEGO bricks, a project that would take him almost a year to complete. His fascination with ships began at an early age, and the Titanic quickly became his favorite vessel. He immersed himself in research, studying every detail of the Titanic through books and the internet until he knew the ship inside and out. For Brynjar, this wasn’t just a fun hobby; it became a mission, and it was deeply tied to how he experienced the world. Diagnosed with autism, Brynjar had difficulty connecting with other children and often found it hard to communicate.
While this made group activities and socializing a challenge, it also helped him develop an incredible ability to focus on things he loved—like building with LEGOs. He explained that LEGO bricks were more than toys to him; they were companions that allowed him to escape, imagine, and create. He never felt lonely while building, because his imagination kept him company. As his Titanic dream took shape, he realized he couldn’t do it all on his own. That’s when he turned to his family for help.
His grandfather, Lulli, stepped in with technical support, helping him translate actual blueprints of the Titanic into step-by-step LEGO instructions. Meanwhile, his mother helped him launch a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money he needed for thousands of LEGO pieces. The support from his family and the kindness of strangers helped him turn his dream into a reality. For 11 months, Brynjar poured his heart into the project, often spending three or four hours every day after school building the enormous ship. Piece by piece, his LEGO Titanic grew, eventually becoming a 26-foot-long masterpiece that wowed everyone who saw it.
The finished model was stunning, not only because of its size and accuracy but because of the incredible determination behind it. For Brynjar, building the Titanic wasn’t just about the ship—it was a personal journey of growth and self-discovery. He said that being allowed to explore his passion helped him grow stronger and more confident, and it showed him that there’s nothing he can’t achieve if he puts his mind to it. He wants others to know that too.
Through his story, Brynjar hopes to inspire kids and adults alike to follow their interests and believe in themselves. He believes that having a strong team, staying focused, and never giving up are the keys to accomplishing something amazing. His journey led him to share his experience in a TED talk, spreading his message of hope and determination to a wider audience. What started as a boy’s dream of building a LEGO ship turned into something much greater—a reminder that passion, perseverance, and a little help from the people you love can take you farther than you ever imagined.
