Eric the Red

Born as Erik Thorvaldsson in Norway, halfway through the tenth century, Erik the Red became
one of the most well-known of the Vikings. Named after his red hair and beard, Erik has been
made famous from The Saga of Erik the Red, which was said to originally have been written
during the 13th century. Refer Image 1
The Saga of Erik the Red tells that at a young age, Erik's father was banished from Norway. They
then moved to Iceland, which had been colonised by the Vikings some time earlier. It also
suggests that while in Iceland, Erik became involved in a quarrel over some goods that his
neighbour refused to return. The fight ended with the neighbour's two youngest sons being killed.
It is thought that Erik sought revenge by taking the life of a man who killed Erik's slaves for
accidentally starting a landslide on his farm. Erik was convicted of murder and exiled from
Iceland for three years.
Erik's exile resulted in him sailing west of Iceland to Greenland (982). Despite often being
credited with being the first person to discover Greenland, this claim is disputed. While Erik did
establish the first European settlement there, it is thought that nearly a century earlier Gunnbjorn
Ulfsson was the first European to sight the land. Another Norseman named Snaebjorn Galti was
also believed to have attempted to colonise Greenland, but failed.
Erik spent his exiled years exploring the new land, before returning to Iceland to persuade others
to join him in 'Groenland.' Around 985, 25 ships of settlers set out for Greenland, where they
established an Eastern Settlement and a Western Settlement. Later, a Middle Settlement was
established.

Leif the Lucky

Leif the Lucky was given his name in honour of having sailed a great distance without meeting
disaster. As the second son of Erik the Red, Leif was thought to have been born in around 960.
Leif spent much of his early life being educated in not only the way of the runes, but also in
becoming a skilful trader and warrior.
In 984, the learned Leif travelled to Norway to take gifts to King Olaf Tryggvason. Impressed by
the Norwegian King and his Christian faith, Leif decided to be baptised while he was there. He
returned to his home in Greenland as a Christian.
The Saga of the Greenlanders, which was thought to have been written in the 13th century, is a
main source of information on the exploration of North America. The saga documents that once
back in Greenland, Leif heard of the adventures of Bjarni Herjolfsson who lost his way in a
storm, but sighted a new tree-covered land west of Greenland. Inspired by this sighting, in AD
1000 Leif purchased Bjarni's knarr (a Viking cargo ship) and with a crew of 33 men, he set sail
for this land.

Leif was thought to have first come across what is known as modern-day Baffin Island (Canada),
since he named it 'Helluland' ('Land of the Flat Stones'). Unimpressed by its barren landscape he
continued to sail to 'Markland' ('Wood-land'). Still not satisfied that he had reached the
destination which Bjarni talked of, he set sail again. A few days later Leif knew that he had found
the land when he saw forests, lush meadows and streams filled with salmon. Leif also found wild
grapes growing, which is thought to be the reason Leif named the new land, Vinland. It is
thought that Vinland was modern Newfoundland. This makes Leif the first European to have
landed in North America. Refer Image 2

Olaf II Haraldsson
Born in 995, Olaf II Haraldsson was the great-grandchild of Harald I Fairhair (the first King of
Norway). During his early years, Olaf took part in several Viking raids. He later fought for King
Aethelred II with the intention of protecting England against the invading Danes. Olaf also
fought in France with the English army. While he was there, he was baptised in 1013. Refer
Image 3
In 1015, Olaf returned to Norway and declared himself the king of the Uplands region. In the
following year he defeated Norway's ruler and was also accepted as King in the east and the
west. Olaf had won a great deal of support among powerful people. This support significantly
assisted Olaf in securing what he is known for today - being one of the prominent figures to
convert Norway to Christianity.
To bring Christianity to the country, Olaf brought bishops from England and Germany. Olaf
attempted to establish church organisations in the most isolated rural areas. There are some
sources, however, that suggest that Olaf resorted to using barbaric methods which included
burning down towns or severing the tongues of those who refused to be baptised. It is thought
that many kings used Christianity as a way to increase their power. Those who converted were
also made to pledge their allegiance to the king by handing over their sons to him.
Detested for the cruel methods by which he ruled the country, by the mid 1020s, Olaf had lost so
much support that the Norwegians overthrew him. Olaf fled to Russia and in 1028 King Knut
succeeded him to the throne. Olaf recruited a Swedish army in an attempt help him return to the
throne in 1030, but was killed in the battle of Stiklestad.
Shortly after his death, Olaf II Haraldsson was made a saint and his body was taken to the
Church of Saint Clement in Nedaros (Trondheim). As a saint, Olaf was revered in an
unprecedented manner. He had a number of monasteries and churches named in his honour, as
well as having the Royal Norwegian order of St Olaf (1847) and the St Olaf College (Minnesota,
1874) named in his memory.