Erik the Red is one of the most interesting figures in Norse history. Epitomizing the Viking spirit of adventure and conquest, Erik is widely (and mistakenly) remembered as the first European to discover and colonize Greenland. His visit did, however, lay the foundation for Norse expansion into North America, by Erik’s son no less. But Erik was no traditional hero. He was a banished warrior, exiled from Iceland after being charged with murder and manslaughter (more than once). His story, told in multiple sagas, is one of leadership, resilience, and no small amount of redemption.
Erik the Red- From Exile to Pioneer
Erik the Red started life known as Erik Thorvaldsson. His later moniker is believed to have been down to either his red-colored hair or penchant for violence. According to multiple Icelandic sagas, he was born in 950 AD in Jaeren, part of Rogaland, Norway. While nothing is known about his mother we know his father, Thorvald Asvaldsson, was a man of some note.
This isn’t to say Thorvald was known for anything good. He’s mainly remembered because when Erik was around ten years old, he was banished from Norway after committing manslaughter. Thorvald chose to start afresh and take his family west from Norway and settle in Iceland.
This was a challenging undertaking. Iceland had already been thoroughly settled by this point, meaning the best land had already been taken. Adding to this, while Thorvald may have been someone…
