Story Summary
Explore the epic voyages of Leif Erikson and his kin in The Saga of the Greenlanders. Witness the Norse discovery of North America and the trials of Vinland.
The Saga of the Greenlanders begins with Bjarni Herjólfsson, who, blown off course while sailing for Greenland, sighted unknown lands to the west. Though he did not land, his reports sparked the curiosity of Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red. Leif purchased Bjarni's ship and set sail with a crew of thirty-five. They discovered several lands, naming them Helluland for its flat stones, Markland for its woods, and finally Vinland, where they found wild grapes and fertile soil. Leif and his men overwintered there before returning to Greenland with a cargo of timber and grapes. Following Leif’s success, his brother Thorvald led an expedition but was killed in a skirmish with the indigenous people, whom the Norse called Skrælings. Later, Thorfinn Karlsefni attempted a permanent settlement with sixty men and five women, successfully trading and surviving for several years until escalating tensions with the Skrælings forced them to abandon the colony. The final expedition was led by Freydis Eriksdottir, whose ruthless ambition led to internal treachery and the murder of her companions. Despite their bravery and seafaring skill, the Norse eventually withdrew from the New World, leaving the mysterious Vinland to fade into legend.
The Moral
True success in exploration requires not just the courage to find new worlds, but the unity and peace necessary to sustain them.
“Leif gave the land a name after its qualities and called it Vinland.”
Fun Fact
The Saga of the Greenlanders is one of only two primary sources documenting the Norse discovery of North America nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Saga of the Greenlanders?
The saga teaches that while individual bravery can lead to great discoveries, greed and internal conflict can undermine even the most monumental achievements. It highlights the fragile balance between ambition and the need for social harmony.
Is The Saga of the Greenlanders historically accurate?
While it contains oral traditions and legendary elements, archaeological evidence at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland confirms that the Norse did indeed reach North America around 1000 AD. It is considered one of the most important historical sources for these voyages.
Who was the first person to see North America according to the saga?
According to this specific saga, Bjarni Herjólfsson was the first to sight the land after being blown off course, though he never set foot on it. Leif Erikson was the first to actually land and explore it based on Bjarni's reports.
What was Vinland?
Vinland was the name given by Leif Erikson to the coastal area of North America, likely Newfoundland or the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It was named for the wild grapes and fertile land the explorers discovered there.
Why did the Norse abandon their settlements in Vinland?
The settlements were abandoned due to a combination of factors, including hostile encounters with the indigenous Skrælings and internal strife among the Norse leaders. The distance from Greenland and Iceland also made resupply and reinforcement difficult.
How does this saga differ from the Saga of Erik the Red?
The Saga of the Greenlanders credits Bjarni Herjólfsson with the first sighting and Leif Erikson with the intentional discovery. In contrast, the Saga of Erik the Red attributes the accidental discovery directly to Leif Erikson while he was traveling from Norway to Greenland.