Leif

(Note he has red hair in the books!)

“You would of course perceive the additional significance of the tree from Saxon lore, the tree representing Wotan.  Just because we are Vikings and follow Christ... or the other Norse gods, does not mean that we won’t look for a little helping hand from other deities.”

Background

Leif is rather different to the other characters, being almost as un-Viking as Gorran, of course Viking society is stereotyped by the big, burly chaps with a very large axe and a grudge against the world, but then who were the brains behind all this brawn?

The Norse were gifted with the ability to be highly adaptable and pragmatic, and it is this element of their psyche which Leif represents. He is a learned man, with a different upbringing to his younger brother Thorvald. Thorvald spent his youth raiding in the best Viking tradition, Leif spent time with other Jarls and Chieftains, and even some kings as part of his training as heir to Erik.

It was in these foreign courts that Leif picked up most of his knowledge and character, and developed his interest in books and reading. Unfortunately for Erik Leif has shown far more interest in the theories of leadership rather than their execution, which has disrupted Erik's plans for his heir. Since the discovery of Vinland however, the adventurer in the blood of Erik’s progeny has awoken, and the book is as much about the maturing of a famous leader as it is about the discovery of a new world.

Leif is also one of the few Christians in the Greenlander settlements, and must also come to terms with the challenges that presents. Of course he follows the peculiar brand of faith that most Vikings adopted, namely of worshiping everything and everyone just in case...

Leif's attitudes to religion are a developing theme in the Vinland story, and will have a strong influence in the later chapters.

Traits

Leif has the same gifts as the others in his family. All of them are very quick to learn new skills and very quick to put new thoughts and ideas to good use, Leif perhaps more so than others. One example of this is at the start of the story, where Thorvald soundly thrashes his brother in a training match. As a result Adalwolf teaches Leif the use of the spear to compensate for his shorter stature, a weapon to which he quickly adapts.

Leif is not a natural leader like Thorvald, neither does he have the magnetic charisma of his father, however he develops that quiet confidence that follows those who are highly intelligent and know well what they are talking about.

Loves and hates

Leif loves anything to do with the acquisition of knowledge. This puts him in some interesting situations with other learned men, though this thirst can be for both good and ill for Leif. Some might realise what he is after, and use this enthusiasm to manipulate him, but this is all part of his maturing. Some people are simply not what them seem to be, everyone has multiple layers, and it takes him a while to realise this.

(Image licensed to G L B Kay, all rights reserved)