Erik the Red
Born: c. 950
Known for: Founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland
Died: c. 1003
Age: 53
Allegiance: Norse settlers of Iceland and Greenland; Viking Age Scandinavian culture
Conflicts: Feuds in Iceland leading to his exile; Regional disputes among Norse settlers in Greenland
Cause of Death: Erik's son Leif Erikson became the first Norseman to explore the land of Vinland—part of North America, presumably near modern-day Newfoundland—and invited his father on the voyage. However, according to the sagas, Erik fell off his horse on the way to the ship and took this as a bad sign, leaving his son to continue without him. Erik later died in an epidemic that killed many of the colonists in the winter after his son's departure.
Resting Place: The exact location of Erik the Red's grave remains a mystery. However, it is widely believed that he was buried at his estate, Brattahlíð, located in the modern-day village of Qassiarsuk, Greenland.
Spouses: Þjódhild Jorundsdottir
Erik Thorvaldsson (c.950 – c.1003), known as Erik the Red (Norwegian: Eirik den røde), was a Norse explorer, described in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first European settlement in Greenland. He most likely earned the epithet "the Red" due to the color of his hair and beard.
According to Icelandic sagas, Erik was born in the Jæren district of Rogaland, Norway, the son of Thorvald Asvaldsson. When Thorvald was banished from Norway, the family sailed west to Iceland. During Erik's life in Iceland, he married Þjódhild Jorundsdottir and had four children, including Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson. Around the year of 982, Erik was exiled from Iceland for three years, during which time he explored Greenland, eventually culminating in his founding of the first successful European settlement on the island. Erik died there around 1003 CE during a winter epidemic.
Erik Thorvaldsson was born in Rogaland, Norway in 950 CE, and was the son of Thorvald Asvaldsson (also spelled Osvaldsson). When Thorvald was banished from Norway for committing acts of manslaughter, he sailed west from Norway with his family, including a 10-year-old Erik. They settled in Hornstrandir, in northwestern Iceland, where Thorvald died sometime before 970 CE.
