Leif Eriksson
Leif Eriksson, also known as is known throughout the world as a great sea voyager. He was thought to be born in Ericsstadir, Iceland about 970-980. He grew up in Greenland helping farm but not with his family. When he was eight he moved in with a guy named Thyrker. Thyrker was from Germany where Eric the Red captured him. He taught Leif every thing he needed to know, from weapons to reading and writing. Leif found many small islands that are inhabited on by many people today, but the biggest discovery was America. Many people think Christopher Columbus discovered America, but Leif Eriksson actually discovered it 500 years before Columbus did. Some believe that he discovered it when he was blown off course on a voyage to Norway. Others say he was searching for it. He named it Vineland because there was a surplus of grapes which were good to make wine. On his voyage to North America in the year 1000, he also discovered many small islands which are habited by people today. Eriksson also helped in the spread of Christianity. Leif Eriksson was one of the greatest sea voyagers ever.
Leif Eriksson's family
Eric the Red (Eirik Thorvaldsson)
Eric the Red, Leif's father, was exiled from Iceland because he got into a brawl with his neighbor. He killed the man and was exiled to 3 years exile (from Iceland.) If he dared to return before the 3 years he would be killed. Eric the Red took only his vital possessions and set sail on the sea. After many grueling days, he finally reached new land. He named it Greenland, thinking that if it had a good name people might want to go there. Eric the Red was a great voyager, and the father of Leif Eriksson.
Thjohilde
Thjohilde was Eric the Red's wife and Leif's mother. She is believed to have built the first Christian church in Greenland. This sewed as the beginning of a religion that today is practiced in most of the world. Her son was also big in Christianity. He took a priest every where he went.
Thorvald
Thorvald, Leif's brother, continued to voyage to the new world after the his brother Leif discovered it. He was killed by natives during the winter of 1004-5 in America.
Thorgunna
She was the mother of Leif's only child. She studied witchcraft. She was the daughter of the lord of an island that Leif had to stop at when he was traveling to Norway.
Thorgils
Thorgils was Leif's only child and he was a boy. He rarely got to see his father, and hardly knew him.
http://www.greenland-guide.gl/
http://www.greenland-guide.gl/leif2000/default.htm
Created by: Aaron H. Jeremy R.
Mr. Sams class Spring 2003 Harrison Jr. School