Norse SagasAdditional Sagas

The Saga of Erik the Red

An exiled Viking warrior turns his banishment into a legacy by discovering and settling Greenland.

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Illustration for The Saga of Erik the Red - a additional sagas Norse Sagas story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the epic journey in The Saga of Erik the Red, where an exiled Viking discovers Greenland and paves the way for the Norse exploration of North America.

Erik Thorvaldsson, known as Erik the Red for his fiery hair and temper, was a man born of conflict. After his father was exiled from Norway for manslaughter, the family settled in Iceland. However, Erik’s own violent feuds led to his banishment from Iceland for three years. Undeterred by his isolation, Erik turned his prow westward into uncharted waters, seeking a land rumored to exist in the mist. He discovered a vast, icy territory and spent his exile exploring its rugged fjords. When his banishment ended, he returned to Iceland with tales of a fertile 'Greenland'—a name chosen specifically to entice settlers. In 985 AD, he led a fleet of ships to establish the first permanent Norse settlements. Though he remained a devoted follower of the old gods, his legacy paved the way for his son, Leif Erikson, to sail even further and reach the shores of North America, marking Erik as the patriarch of Viking expansion.

The Moral

True leadership is found in the ability to transform personal misfortune and exile into an opportunity for discovery and the betterment of one's people.

“People would be drawn to the land if it had a good name.”

Fun Fact

Erik the Red's father was also exiled for the same crime as Erik, making the discovery of Greenland the result of two consecutive generations of banishment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Saga of Erik the Red?

The moral focuses on resilience and resourcefulness. It teaches that even when cast out by society, a person can find success by looking toward new horizons and creating their own destiny.

Why was Erik the Red exiled from Iceland?

Erik was exiled for 'manslaughter' following a series of violent feuds with his neighbors. This was a common punishment in Norse law for those who could not resolve disputes peacefully.

Did Erik the Red actually discover America?

No, Erik is credited with colonizing Greenland. However, his saga includes the voyages of his son, Leif Erikson, who is widely believed to be the first European to reach North America.

Why did he name the frozen land 'Greenland'?

Erik named it Greenland as a form of early marketing. He believed that people would be more attracted to the land and willing to settle there if it had a pleasant and inviting name.

Is The Saga of Erik the Red a true story?

The saga is a mix of historical fact and oral tradition. While written down centuries after the events, archaeological evidence in Greenland and Canada supports many of the geographical and cultural details described.

What happened to the settlements Erik founded?

The Norse settlements in Greenland lasted for over 400 years. They eventually disappeared in the 15th century due to a combination of cooling climates, declining trade, and conflicts with indigenous populations.