The Exile of Erik the Red – Saga of the Greenlanders
The story of Erik the Red is a central part of The Saga of the Greenlanders, one of the key Icelandic sagas that recount the exploration and settlement of Greenland and North America. This tale reflects the bold spirit of Viking expansion and the challenges of survival in harsh new lands.
Who Was Erik the Red?
Erik the Red, born Erik Thorvaldsson, was a Norwegian Viking who later settled in Iceland. His fiery temper and violent nature earned him the nickname “the Red,” referring both to his hair colour and his temperament. He is best known for founding the first Norse settlements in Greenland around the late 10th century.
The Circumstances of His Exile
Erik’s saga begins in Iceland, where he had settled with his family after his father, Thorvald Asvaldsson, was exiled from Norway for manslaughter. Unfortunately, Erik followed in his father’s footsteps. After a series of disputes and killings—including the deaths of Eyjolf the Foul and Hrafn the Duelist—Erik was declared an outlaw in Iceland.
Under the Icelandic legal system of the time, outlawry meant a person could be killed on sight, and they had to leave the community for a set period, typically three years. Erik’s sentence forced him to leave Iceland around 982 AD.
Exploration of Greenland
Seeking a new home, Erik sailed west, following the stories of a distant land seen by Gunnbjörn Ulfsson decades earlier. He reached the landmass now known as Greenland. Over the next few years, Erik explored the coastline, mapping fjords, and identifying habitable areas.
Erik was impressed by the fertile valleys and named the land “Greenland” to make it sound more appealing to potential settlers. His choice of name was a clever bit of marketing; according to the saga, he believed that a pleasant name would attract more people to join him.
Return and Settlement
After completing his period of exile, Erik returned to Iceland, where he shared stories of the new land’s promise. His tales persuaded many to join him, and around 985 AD, Erik led a fleet of 25 ships back to Greenland. Only 14 of these ships made it to their destination, but this marked the beginning of the first permanent Norse settlement in Greenland, centred around Brattahlid in the Eastern Settlement.
Legacy
Erik’s bold journey not only established Greenland as a Norse territory but also laid the groundwork for further exploration, including his son Leif Erikson’s later voyage to Vinland (North America). The saga of Erik the Red highlights themes of exile, resilience, and the drive for new opportunities in uncharted lands.
Today, Erik’s story stands as a testament to the adventurous Viking spirit and their ability to adapt and thrive in some of the world’s most challenging environments.