Introduction/Childhood

Was Christopher Columbus the first European person to reach and discover North America? Although the general answer to this question is usually yes, the answer is in fact no. The first European to reach North America was the great Norseman explorer Leif Erickson. Leif Erickson was the first European to set foot on the New World, opening to Europe a new land rich with resources such as forests and game. Even though only a few Vikings ever made these voyages, Leif’s discoveries were very significant to Europe and the world. 

 Leif was born around 960-970 A.D. in Iceland. He was the son of Erik the Red and Thjodhild. As Viking tradition, Leif did not grow up in Iceland with his parents. He was sent to a German slave named Thyrker. Eric the Red owned Thyrker, but treated him as a family member. Leif learned everything from Thyrker, including reading and writing runes, the Celtic and Russian tongue, and the ways of trade. Leif was also taught the basic knowledge of sagas, plants, and the use of weapons during wars or battles. Leif and his friends had an interest in ships, sailing, and exploration, and so in their free time watched ships enter the harbor. At age 12, Leif was already considered an adult! When he returned, he discovered that his father's house had grown since he was born. There were herds of animals such as cows, more slaves, and larger brand new houses. The spring after Leif arrived, Eric the Red was invited to a Thingvellir, also known as a lawmaking assembly. Eric the Red got into a fight with a man and killed him during the assembly. Because of this, Eric was banished for three years. He could not go to Norway as he been banished there as well. Eric then decided to go to the mysterious lands of the West. Taking his family including Leif, slaves, and ample supplies, Eric sailed west and reached a hospitable land that he named Greenland. He built a camp with what he had.

 For the years Eric spent on Greenland, he taught Leif many things. After three years, Eric returned to Iceland to bring more Vikings to Greenland to form colonies and settlements. Many people readily agreed, as Iceland was in bad times. There was famine, no trees, and overgrazed land. A few months passed and Leif started showing off the exploring and navigational skills he had learned. People were astonished that a 16-year-old boy could navigate as an experienced captain. One day, when Leif was watching boats enter the harbor, he saw an old tattered ship. Leif grew very excited, as this was the ship of the merchant Bjarni Herjolfsson. Leif excitedly followed Bjarni into a hall where he told his adventures of the past year. Bjarni told the excited Vikings of the two unknown places he had visited. Even though he landed on neither islands, he could see the shoreline and a little bit ahead. The first island was completely green with trees. They continued sailing and found another land, and it also had trees. But this land was flat, so they sailed on until they reached Greenland.

First Voyage/Meeting the King

At 24, Leif was finally told to captain his first voyage because he was thought to have sufficient training. His father and Thyrker had helped him to learn how to sail. Not only that, Leif had read many books, which also lead to his level of experience. His mission was to bring King Olaf of Norway gifts. Leif was very excited and had a crew of 14 and Thyrker. The wind was strong during the beginning of the journey, but soon lightened up to a breeze. Leif made the journey three days late. After 5 days of sailing, they spotted Iceland. However, Leif did not want them to land. They kept sailing and started running out of food. Leif saw the Hebrides Islands, and that is when the great storm came. Leif realized he had sailed to far south and was now stuck due to the storm. The lord of the island offered hospitality and so Leif resided on the islands. There, he met the lord’s daughter, Thorgunna. Before Leif left Norway, Thorgunna told him she had his child, Thorgils. Later on, Leif accepted his son and met up with Thorgunna in Greenland.

 The wind was good, and Leif reached Iceland in a few days. He was greeted with open arms by King Olaf. King Olaf was impressed with Leif and so invited him to stay. Leif thought that there was no rush to reach Greenland, so he accepted the offer. He enjoyed living in the lap of luxury and enjoying Iceland. While spending time with King Olaf, Leif became very interested in Christianity. The king told him how Christianity had saved Norway. Leif, who did not favor the Viking gods, liked Christianity, and so on his return voyage, brought a priest to baptize his people.

Discovering the New World

After returning to Greenland, Leif again became restless. He decided to explore the lands to the west Bjarni had spoken of. He bought Bjarni's boat and set off with some men and Thyrker towards the north, following Bjarni's route. After sailing up the western coast of Greenland, Leif sailed 600 miles west to find a land with high glaciers and rock. However, Leif was very disappointed. This land was like a giant slab of rock. He named it Helluland, which is now Baffin Island. Leif then sailed south and found another land. He landed, to find rock again but with some trees and white beaches. He named it Markland and moved on, which is now believed to be the eastern coast of Canada.

Leif then sailed on 2 more days to an island with the mainland behind it. Leif tasted the dew on the grass and it tasted just like honey. Leif had some temporarily shelters built but he was going to need a bigger house for the winter. The land was rich with resources, such as rich pastures and forests and salmon twice the size they had ever seen. After the houses were built, Leif sent out exploration groups. Unfortunately, after one of these explorations, Thyrker did not return. The men searched all day and night and finally found him in the morning. 

 Thyrker was so excited he blabbered in German. Finally, when he calmed down, he said he had found grapes! Now grapes were a delicacy for Vikings as they were also used to make wine. Leif was also excited since he could make profit by selling these grapes. Leif and his men then relaxed through the winter, as it was very peculiar. Frost did not cover the grasses and the days and nights were of equal lengths. When spring arrived, Leif and his men were ready to go. With loaded crates of timber and grapes, Leif set sail and named the place Vinland. This place is currently L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. After Leif returned, he traveled back and forth between Greenland and Norway. He then spent the rest of his life with family and King Olaf with a few following in his footsteps. 

 Leif s single voyage was very important even though only a few people visited Vinland after him. His voyage started opening up a new land for the Vikings. The Vikings finally had hope that even though things in Iceland were bad; maybe this new land Leif Erickson had discovered could give them a new home. Also, since records at that time were not noted, it is likely that Leif Erickson's voyage may have led to the discoveries by other explorers, especially Christopher Columbus. It has been found that the documents, recordings, and books Columbus read may have been about the Vikings. The Vikings were experts in navigation and ships, and maybe that is why Columbus was interested about them. It is possible that he may have even read about Leif Erickson's voyage. Even though we may never find out, Leif Erickson had still found a hidden world full of opportunities.