Erik the Red

Erik the Red was a Norse explorer, commonly identified as Erik Thorvaldsson, who is associated with founding the first European settlement in Greenland.

Erik the Red was a Norse explorer, commonly identified as Erik Thorvaldsson, who is associated with founding the first European settlement in Greenland. Medieval saga sources also describe him as the father of Leif Erikson and as an early figure in Norse exploration of the North Atlantic.

Name and background

Erik the Red was also known as Erik Thorvaldsson and in Old Norse as Eiríkr rauði. Saga traditions place his birth in Norway and connect him to the family of Thorvald Asvaldsson.

Greenland settlement

He is best known for leading the Norse settlement of Greenland around the late 10th century. Sources describe him as the founder of the first European settlement there.

Family and legacy

Erik the Red was the father of Leif Erikson, another major figure in Norse exploration. His role in Greenland made him one of the best-known figures in Viking-age North Atlantic history.

Epithet and historical tradition

The nickname 'the Red' is usually explained as referring to his hair and beard, and sometimes to his temper. Much of what is known about him comes from medieval Icelandic saga literature rather than contemporary records.