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Who was Erik the Red and what did he do?
Erik Thorvaldsson ( c. 950 – c. 1003), known as Erik the Red, was a Norse explorer, described in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first settlement in Greenland. He most likely earned the epithet “the Red” due to the color of his hair and beard.
What did Erik the Red accomplish?
Erik the Red was a Norwegian Viking who, after being banished from Iceland, became one of the first Europeans to explore the mass of land which we now know as Greenland. He is credited not only for naming Greenland but also for being the first European to found settlements on the island.
What did Erik the Red do in Greenland?
Erik the Red established the chieftain’s seat of power at Brattahlið – now Qassiarsuk – in Southern Greenland, whilst others continued further north to the fjord near Nuuk. The two societies were known as the east and west settlements.
Who was Erik the Red for kids?
Erik Thorvaldsson ( c. 950 – c. 1003), known as Erik the Red, was a Norse explorer, described in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first settlement in Greenland….Erik the Red facts for kids.
| Quick facts for kids Erik the Red | |
|---|---|
| Known for | Founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland |
| Partner(s) | Þjódhild, daughter of Jorund |
Was Erik the Red bad?
Much of what we know about Erik the Red comes from Nordic and Icelandic sagas. Also known as Erik Thorvaldsson, the Viking made a name for himself due to his bad temper, a penchant for exploring, and his red hair and beard.
Where did Erik the Red’s father come from?
Erik the Red’s father (Thorvald Asvaldsson) was banished from Norway for the crime of manslaughter when Erik was about 10 years old. He sailed West from Norway with his family and settled in Hornstrandir in northwestern Iceland.
How did Erik the Red family get banished?
Erik took them and made his way back to his settlement. Fearing retaliation, Erik set up an ambush for Thorgest and his clan. A massive brawl erupted, and two of Thorgest’s sons were killed. The village court met, and once again Erik was banished for manslaughter, this time for three years.
What did Erik the Red Age Explorer discover?
During the summer, Erik and his men explored uninhabited lands to the west and named many different areas, most of them starting with “Erik.” Erik and his explorers found that this new land had a similar climate to Iceland. Fjords froze over in winter, but contained rich vegetation during the warmer summers.
Why was Erik the Red important to Greenland?
The epidemic killed several of the leading citizens of the colony and greatly threatened its very existence. Nevertheless, the colony survived till the 15th century before being wiped out due to several causes. Erik the Red is remembered as the one who founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland.