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When did Leif Erikson lead an expedition to Iceland?
Born in Iceland around A.D. 970, Erikson sailed to Norway around A.D. 1000, where King Olaf I converted him to Christianity. According to one school of thought, Erikson sailed off course on his way back to Greenland and landed on the North American continent, where he explored a region he called Vinland.
Was Leif Erikson Norwegian or Icelandic?
| Leif Erikson | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Norse: Icelandic |
| Occupation | Explorer |
| Known for | First European in Vinland (part of North America; probably Newfoundland) |
| Partner(s) | Thorgunna (c. 999) |
Who is Leif Eriksson?
Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. Leif Eriksson (Old Norse Leifr Eiríksson, a.k.a. Leifr hinn heppni, Leif the Lucky), explorer, chieftain (born in the 970s CE in Iceland; died between 1018 and 1025 in Greenland).
Is Leif Erikson’s story in the Icelandic sagas?
1. LEIF ERIKSON’S STORY IS CHRONICLED IN THE ICELANDIC SAGAS. Written in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Icelandic Sagas were a set of around 40 historical narratives about the bygone Age of Vikings.
Why is there a statue of Leifur Eiríksson in Iceland?
The statue of Leifur Eiríksson (who is known in English as Leif Eriksson) was a gift from the United States to Iceland to commemorate the 1000 year anniversary of Alþingi, the parliament of Iceland. Alþingi was first convened at Þingvellir in the year 930 AD.
When did Leif Eriksson explore Canada?
Around 1000 CE, Leif Eriksson purchased a ship from a fellow Norseman, gathered a crew of 35 men, and set sail for the new lands. Much of what they first explored is believed to be part of present day northern Canada, although it is not known for sure.3 They first landed in an area that was flat and covered in rocks and glaciers.