Erik Thorvaldsson secured his place in history by establishing the first successful European settlement in Greenland following his exile from Iceland in 982. Often identified by the coloration of his hair and beard, he spent his final years as a persistent adherent to the Old Norse religion while his immediate family embraced Christianity during a period of significant cultural transition.
Exile and Legal Conflict
Born in 950 in the Jæren district of Norway, Erik accompanied his father, Thorvald Asvaldsson, to Iceland after a sentence of banishment for manslaughter. In Iceland, Erik encountered his own series of violent disputes. After killing Eyjolf the Foul and Hrafn the Dueller, he was banished from Haukadalr. A subsequent struggle over inherited setstokkr pillars with a man named Thorgest resulted in further casualties, leading to a formal three-year outlawry verdict from the Thorsnes Thing.
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During his three-year exile, Erik traveled to an island previously sighted by Gunnbjörn Ulfsson and unsuccessfully scouted by the outlaw Snæbjörn galti. He navigated around Cape Farewell and explored the western coast, spending winters on Eiriksey and near Hvarfsgnipa. He eventually reached as far north as Snaefell and Hrafnsfjord. Upon returning to Iceland, he marketed the region as Greenland to encourage migration.
Colonization and Final Years
In 985, Erik returned to Greenland with a fleet of ships to initiate permanent settlement. While his son Leif Erikson eventually invited him to join an expedition toward Vinland, an injury sustained during a fall from his horse prevented Erik from participating. He remained in Greenland, where he died during a winter epidemic around 1003 at the site of Brattahlíð.
Religious and Domestic Life
Erik was married to Þjódhild Jorundsdottir, with whom he had four children: Leif, Thorvald, Thorstein, and Freydís. Domestic life was marked by sharp ideological divisions, as his wife converted to Christianity and commissioned the first church in Greenland. Erik rejected these changes, maintaining his dedication to the Norse gods until his death.
Fast facts
- Born: 950, Jæren, Norway
- Died: 1003, Brattahlíð
- Occupations: Conquistador, warrior, explorer, settler, seafarer
- Religion: Old Norse religion
- Spouse: Þjódhild Jorundsdottir
- Children: Leif Erikson, Thorvald, Thorstein, Freydís
- Notable Expedition: Founding of the Greenland settlement in 985
Questions readers ask
Did Erik the Red discover Greenland?
Historical accounts credit earlier explorers, specifically Gunnbjörn Ulfsson and Snæbjörn galti, with previous sightings and failed attempts to settle the land. Erik is recognized as the first to establish a successful permanent colony.
Why did Erik remain a pagan while his family converted?
While his wife Þjódhild adopted Christianity and founded a church, Erik maintained his commitment to the Norse gods, which created significant tension within his household.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer, conquistador and settler
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