Product description
Erik Thorvaldsson (950 – c. 1003), better known as Erik the Red, was a Viking from Norway. He is most famous for founding the first Norse settlement in Greenland, a key moment in Viking exploration. According to Icelandic traditions, he was born in the Jæren region of Rogaland, Norway, to Þorvald Ásvaldsson, and thus his full name was Erik Thorvaldsson. The nickname "the Red" likely refers to the color of his hair and beard.Erik's father was exiled from Norway after being convicted of manslaughter. Erik and his family then sailed westward, settling in Hornstrandir in northwestern Iceland. After marrying Thjodhild, Erik later moved to Haukadal, where he established a farm, and eventually to the island of Öxney in Iceland.
While Erik the Red is often credited as the first person to discover Greenland, it was actually Galti who led the first Norse attempt to colonize Greenland, though it ended in failure. Erik was the first to successfully establish a permanent settlement.
When Erik returned to Iceland after completing his exile, he reportedly told tales of a land called "Greenland" to encourage settlers to join him. He deliberately chose an appealing name, hoping to attract more people to the land.
In 985, Erik returned to Greenland with many colonists and founded two colonies on the southwest coast. The settlement prospered, eventually growing to around 5,000 inhabitants spread across the area along Eriksfjord and nearby fjords.
According to medieval Icelandic tradition, Erik and his wife Thjodhildr had four children, including three sons and a daughter. Unlike his son Leif, who converted to Christianity, Erik remained loyal to Norse paganism. After Leif was baptized by King Olaf Tryggvason, he brought Christianity to Greenland, even building the first church there. However, Erik disliked Christianity and continued to worship the Norse gods.
Before his son Leif set off on his journey to explore Vinland (part of North America), Erik fell from his horse, which he interpreted as an ill omen. He chose not to join his son on the expedition. Erik passed away the winter after Leif's departure.
Product details
Product details:
Total length approx. 95.5 cm
Blade length approx. 75.5 cm
Guard length approx. 10.5 cm
Edge: semi-sharp (1 mm) (for decorative use only)
Blade width at the crossguard approx. 52 mm
Blade thickness approx. 5 mm
Weight approx. 1890 g
Grip with bronze finish, cast from Zamac (zinc alloy)
Blade: 420 stainless steel, 48-52 HRC, etched
Based on a historic original
Shipment weight (grams): 2000
