Leif Erikson and the vikings

The Vikings were a group of people from Scandinavia who lived in what are now the areas of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Among these Vikings was the son of Erik the Red, Leif Erikson, who was the first known Scandinavian to reach North America around the year 1000 A.D. Erikson was born in Iceland and had family roots in Greenland. Today, many people with Scandinavian heritage celebrate Leif Erickson Day on October 9. Erikson and other Vikings sailed the seas of Europe from 700 to 1000 AD and were also known as Norsemen, or Northmen, because of where they originated from. At home they were farmers, but abroad they were fierce warriors at sea--the term Viking meant pirate. Vikings sailed in longships. These ships were long, double-ended vessels powered by many oars. Manpower was always abundant among the Viking raiders which made robbing and pillaging an easy task. They stole many riches as they conquered lands in Europe. Most Vikings were at sea because of overcrowding in their homelands. Although the Vikings all eventually converted to Christianity, they originally believed in what is now referred to as Norse mythology centered on the Viking heaven, Valhalla. Vikings believed that this was the resting place of all Scandinavian warriors, especially those who died in battle. The leader of Valhalla was the god, Odin. Upon death, a Viking joined Odin’s army. Another popular character from Norse mythology, which has recently been depicted in popular movies, was the Norse god, Thor. Thor was said to have a hammer that only he could carry. History often depicts the Vikings’ attire to include helmets adorned with horns, yet there is no real evidence to support this theory. The celebration of the spirit of discovery, exploration, and bravery of Erikson was made official in The United States on September 2, 1964 when Congress declared October 9 Leif Erikson Day.

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