Erik the Red

“Burn them. They were cowards and liars, they will never see the doors of Valhalla. Place their heads on pikes at the harbour entrance as a reminder of who rules here.”- Erik the Red

Historical Background;

Erik is an interesting figure, there is much that is known about him, but there is also a lot that is pure conjecture. The “the Red” appellation, for instance, some believe it to refer to his bright red hair, while others think it is due to his infamous bad temper, while others attribute it to the blood on his hands. Erik is himself a Norwegian, but was exiled from that country for “killings” (murder), and then moved to Iceland, from whence he was again exiled. This time he went to the rumoured lands west of Iceland.

Erik spent the three years of his exile there, exploring the land and setting out a place for a settlement. Once his exile time was up, he headed back to Iceland and began to recruit colonists to accompany him back to “Greenland”. The name was created by Erik himself in an attempt to make the country appear more fertile and fruitful and so attract more people.

Skipping ahead about 25 years, to the discovery of America, his son Leif tried to persuade him to accompany him to Vinland. At first Erik was reluctant but gave in eventually. However on the way to the ships, he fell from his horse and took this to be a sign from the gods, and the final nail in the coffin for his doubts, and decided to leave this new phase of exploration to the younger generation and so decided that ultimately he would not go.

Two years later he died while Leif was still in America.

Traits

Erik is a force to be reckoned with. He is one of the most powerful personalities on Greenland, not just because of his position as foremost chieftain but also because of his actual character. Erik hides a deep intellect, and is a good judge of men. He knows he has a harsh reputation, and he has no problem building this aspect of his legend up, in fact he actively encourages it.

His temper is renowned and everyone steps carefully, both friends and foes. It is partially the randomness that this gives his character which makes him such a success, he is simply impossible to second guess.

However he is very protective of his family, and will struggle against the gods themselves to ensure their continued prosperity.

He is angry, charismatic, and a skilful warrior. As such he makes the quintessential Viking.

Loves

Mead!  It just wouldn’t be my book if someone didn’t have a good relationship with alcohol.

Hates

Cowards. Unlike many Vikings, Erik pays the concept of “fate” lip service only. He strongly believes that each person is out to make their own destiny, and those who do not grasp this with both hands are simply sub-human.

(Image courtesy of  The Kozy Shack)