Thorstein Erikson’s Expedition – Saga of the Greenlanders
Thorstein Erikson, the youngest son of Erik the Red and brother to the famous explorer Leif Erikson, is a lesser-known but significant figure in Norse exploration history. His voyage, as described in the Saga of the Greenlanders, was part of the early attempts by the Norse to explore and settle lands west of Greenland, particularly the mysterious Vinland.
Background
After Leif Erikson’s successful journey to Vinland, where he discovered rich lands full of timber, grapes, and resources, news of his expedition spread through Greenland. Inspired by Leif’s findings, Thorstein decided to mount his own voyage to retrieve the body of his brother Thorvald, who had been killed during an earlier expedition in Vinland. Thorstein’s expedition was not focused on exploration or settlement but was driven by a mission of family loyalty and honour.
The Voyage
Thorstein gathered a crew of around 25 men and prepared a ship for the Atlantic crossing. He was accompanied by his wife, Gudrid, a woman of remarkable strength and wisdom, who plays a significant role in the saga. The plan was to sail west from Greenland, reach Vinland, and bring Thorvald’s body back for a proper burial in Greenland.
However, from the start, Thorstein’s expedition was troubled. As they sailed westward, the ship was hit by rough seas and adverse weather. The crew struggled with strong currents and unpredictable winds, which pushed them far off course. Despite their efforts to correct their path, they never reached Vinland. Instead, they wandered at sea for much of the summer, becoming increasingly desperate as their food and supplies dwindled.
Fate of the Expedition
Eventually, the ship made landfall, but not in Vinland. Instead, they returned to the western coast of Greenland, far south of their home settlement. They found refuge in a place called Lysufjord, where they stayed with local farmers for the winter. During this time, tragedy struck the expedition: a severe sickness broke out among the crew, leading to the death of many, including Thorstein himself.
Before his death, Thorstein reportedly delivered a prophetic speech, in which he foresaw Gudrid’s future, predicting her remarriage, further travels, and eventual conversion to Christianity. His words became an important part of the saga, underscoring themes of fate and the shifting cultural tides of the Norse world.
Legacy
Though Thorstein’s expedition was unsuccessful in its immediate goal, it holds an important place in the saga tradition. His journey reflects the perilous nature of Viking exploration and highlights the deep bonds of kinship that motivated many of these voyages. The saga also emphasises the role of Gudrid, who would later undertake her own legendary journeys, becoming one of the most travelled women of the Viking Age.
Thorstein’s story is a testament to the challenges faced by Norse explorers as they pushed the boundaries of their world, driven by ambition, loyalty, and an unyielding spirit of adventure.
Timeline of Thorstein Erikson’s Expedition
c. 1000 AD – Leif Erikson’s Voyage to Vinland
- Leif Erikson sails west from Greenland and discovers Vinland, described as a land rich with resources. News of his successful voyage spreads quickly across Greenland.
Shortly After – Thorvald Erikson’s Expedition
- Thorvald Erikson, Leif’s brother, mounts his own expedition to Vinland to explore further. He is killed in a conflict with Indigenous people, leaving his body behind in Vinland.
Following Years – Thorstein’s Decision
- Thorstein Erikson, moved by the death of his brother, decides to retrieve Thorvald’s body from Vinland for a proper burial in Greenland. He prepares a crew of 25 men and is joined by his wife, Gudrid.
Summer of the Expedition – Departure from Greenland
- Thorstein and his crew set sail from Greenland, aiming to reach Vinland. Their journey is quickly hampered by severe storms and adverse weather conditions.
Throughout the Summer – Lost at Sea
- The crew battles harsh seas and shifting winds. They are blown far off course and fail to reach Vinland despite weeks of searching.
Late Summer/Early Autumn – Landfall in Greenland
- After a long struggle, the ship makes landfall back in Greenland, not far from their starting point but to the south. They seek shelter at Lysufjord for the winter.
Winter of the Expedition – Sickness Strikes
- A deadly illness spreads among the crew while they are staying with local farmers. Many die from the sickness, including Thorstein Erikson himself.
Before Thorstein’s Death – Prophetic Vision
- Thorstein, on his deathbed, delivers a prophetic message to Gudrid, foretelling her future travels, remarriage, and conversion to Christianity.
Aftermath – Gudrid’s Journey Continues
- Following Thorstein’s death, Gudrid’s life becomes legendary in its own right. She remarries and later travels to Vinland herself, as well as to Europe, becoming one of the most renowned women in Viking lore.