The story of the Vikings’ discovery and settlement of Greenland is a tale of exploration, adventure, and perseverance that has captivated historians and enthusiasts for centuries. At the center of this narrative is Erik the Red, a charismatic and controversial figure whose actions would shape the course of Norse expansion in the North Atlantic.
The Viking Age of Exploration
The Viking Age, spanning from the late 8th to the mid-11th century, was a period of unprecedented expansion for the Norse people. Their advanced shipbuilding techniques and seafaring skills allowed them to venture far beyond their Scandinavian homelands, reaching as far as North America.
The Norse expansion into the North Atlantic followed a westward trajectory:
- Norway to the Shetland Islands and Orkney
- Faroe Islands
- Iceland
- Greenland
- Vinland (North America)
This gradual progression allowed the Vikings to establish a network of settlements and trading posts across the region.
Erik the Red: A Controversial Figure
Erik Thorvaldsson, better known as Erik the Red, was born around 950 CE in Jæren, Norway. The epithet “the Red” likely referred to his red hair and beard, a common trait among Norse people. Erik’s life was marked by conflict and exile, which ultimately led to his discovery of Greenland.
Erik’s troubles began when his father, Thorvald Asvaldsson, was exiled from Norway for manslaughter. The family relocated to Iceland, where Erik grew up and eventually married Þjódhild Jorundsdottir. However, Erik’s fiery temperament soon landed him in trouble in his new home. Around 980 CE, Erik was banished from Iceland for three years as punishment for several killings. This exile would prove to be a turning point in Erik’s life and in the history of Norse exploration.
The Discovery of Greenland
With nowhere else to go, Erik decided to sail west in search of the land that had been glimpsed by previous explorers. In 982 CE, he set out from Snæfellsjökull, one of the westernmost points of Iceland. Erik’s voyage was successful, and he reached the eastern coast of a large island. Over the next three years, he explored the western and southern coasts of this new land. Erik spent his first winter on the island of Eiriksey and his second in Eiriksholmar. During the summers, he ventured as far north as Snaefell, mapping the coastline and identifying potential areas for settlement.
Naming and Promoting Greenland
In a stroke of marketing genius, Erik named the new land “Greenland.” This name was chosen strategically to make the island sound more attractive to potential settlers. Despite its icy appearance, parts of southwestern Greenland were indeed green during the summer months, particularly during the Medieval Warm Period (900-1300 CE). Upon completing his term of exile, Erik returned to Iceland in 985 or 986 CE. He began to promote Greenland enthusiastically, describing its potential for farming and settlement. His persuasive descriptions convinced many Icelanders to join him in establishing a new colony.
The First Settlement Expedition
In 985 CE, Erik led a fleet of 25 ships from Iceland to Greenland. This ambitious expedition faced numerous challenges, and only 14 ships successfully reached their destination. The others were either lost at sea or forced to turn back due to the harsh conditions. The fleet carried approximately 500 people, along with livestock, seeds, and other supplies necessary for establishing a new colony. This marked the beginning of the Norse presence in Greenland, which would last for nearly 500 years.
The Norse settlers established two main colonies in southwestern Greenland:
- Eystribyggð (Eastern Settlement): Located near present-day Qaqortoq, this was the larger and more prosperous of the two settlements.
- Vestribyggð (Western Settlement): Situated close to modern-day Nuuk, this settlement was smaller but still significant.
A third, smaller settlement known as the Middle Settlement was also established, though some historians consider it part of the Western Settlement. Erik the Red chose a prime location for his own manor, which he named Brattahlid (meaning “Steep Slope”). This site, located in the Eastern Settlement, became the center of Norse Greenland society.
Life in Norse Greenland
The Norse settlers in Greenland faced numerous challenges in their new home. The short growing seasons and limited arable land made agriculture difficult, but not impossible. They adapted their farming practices to the harsh environment, focusing on livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
To supplement their diet and economy, the Norse Greenlanders relied heavily on hunting. During the summer months, they would send hunting parties to Disko Bay, far north of the settlements, to hunt for seals, walrus, and even whales.
These hunting expeditions were crucial for obtaining food, as well as valuable commodities like ivory from walrus tusks. The Norse Greenland society was organized similarly to other Norse communities, with a social hierarchy and a legal system based on the Icelandic model. Christianity was introduced to Greenland around the year 1000 CE, brought by Erik’s son Leif Eriksson after a visit to Norway. In 1126, a bishop’s seat was established in Greenland, further cementing the island’s connection to European Christendom.
The Legacy of Erik the Red
Erik the Red’s discovery and settlement of Greenland had far-reaching consequences for Norse exploration and European knowledge of the North Atlantic. Some of the most significant outcomes include:
- Expansion of Norse territory: Greenland represented the westernmost permanent European settlement at the time, pushing the boundaries of the known world.
- Stepping stone to North America: Erik’s son, Leif Eriksson, used Greenland as a base for his famous voyage to Vinland (North America), becoming one of the first Europeans to reach the continent.
- Trade and resources: Greenland provided valuable resources such as walrus ivory, furs, and live polar bears, which were highly prized in medieval Europe.
- Cultural exchange: The Norse presence in Greenland led to interactions with the Inuit people, although these encounters were often hostile.
The Decline of Norse Greenland
Despite its initial success, the Norse presence in Greenland was not destined to last. By the mid-15th century, the settlements had gradually died out. Several factors contributed to this decline:
- Climate change: The onset of the Little Ice Age around 1300 CE made farming increasingly difficult and disrupted hunting patterns.
- Economic shifts: The European market for walrus ivory declined as elephant ivory became more available.
- Isolation: Reduced contact with Europe led to a lack of new technologies and ideas.
- Competition with the Inuit: Increasing pressure from the expanding Inuit population may have contributed to the Norse decline.
- Environmental degradation: Overgrazing and deforestation may have reduced the land’s carrying capacity.
Archaeological Evidence and Modern Research
Today, the ruins of Norse settlements in Greenland provide valuable insights into Viking life in this remote outpost. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of farms, churches, and other structures. These sites, along with artifacts recovered from them, help researchers piece together the story of Norse Greenland. One of the most significant sites is Brattahlid, Erik the Red’s estate. Visitors can now see reconstructions of a Norse longhouse and what is believed to be the first church in the New World. These reconstructions, based on archaeological evidence, offer a tangible connection to the past and help bring the story of Erik the Red and the Norse Greenlanders to life.
