Erik the Red

founder of the first Norse settlement in Greenland

950 CE to 1003 CE

Erik Thorvaldsson (950 – c. 1003), known as Erik the Red, is remembered in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland.

The Icelandic tradition indicates that he was born in the Jæren district of Rogaland, Norway, as the son of Thorvald Asvaldsson, he therefore also appears, patronymically, as Erik Thorvaldsson (Eiríkr Þorvaldsson).

The appellation "the Red" most likely refers to his hair color.

Leif Ericson, the famous Icelandic explorer, is Erik's son.

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