Vikings Voyage to America.

Vikings voyage to America has been a controversial topic. We were taught that Christopher Columbus discovered America in 13th century. However, history of vikings movement to Greenland and Newfoundland in 11th century is also an interesting topic. Basically there were four voyages to North America which summarised as follows:

1) Bjarni Herjolfsson

Bjarni Herjolfsson's voyage to North America was not planned. He intended to spend the winter with his father, Herjulf Bardarson in Iceland. However, Herjulf departed for Greenland and Bjarni made a decision to follow his father. It was the time Bjarni sighted a low hills and well forested land. Bjarni knew it was not Greenland. Therefore he sailed north and the land he encountered was still flat and well forested. Continue sailing to the north, he finally met his father in Greenland.

2) Leif Eriksson

Leif Eriksson wanted to explore the new land. He bought Bjarni's ship, recruited some of the crews and sailed Bjarni's course in reverse. He identified three areas which are Helluland (south of Baffin Island), Markland (Labrador) and Vinland (Newfoundland). Leif spent a winter at Leifsbudir, Vinland. 

3) Thorvald Eriksson

Thorvald Eriksson was Leif's brother who explored the land further. He arrived Leifsbudir and sent his men to survey the west coast of Vinland. He sailed back to North to explore a big inlet leading to west. A cape was named Kjalarnes, Keel Ness because his keel was damaged there. Here the crews met the natives and Thorvald was killed by an Indian arrow.   

4) Thorfinn Karlsefni

Thorfinn Karlsefni attempts to colonise the new land. His men took all kinds of livestock and even took their wives along with them. They followed the same route as Leif and Thorvald and stayed at Leifsbudir. Another saying is Karlsefni settled in two areas named Straumfjord and Hóp. Karlsefni left after three winters due to hostilities between Skrᴂlings and Norsemen. 

Hope this summary provides you an idea of vikings voyage to America.

Reference:
Jones, Gwyn (1968). A History of the Vikings. Oxford University. 

• ISBN-13: 978-0192801340

Point in the picture indicates Vinland (Newfoundland).

Olaf Tryggvason (c.950 - 1000) Captured by Pirates Before Became King of Norway. My view.

Olaf Tyrggvason was a king of Norway from 995 to 1000 and he was the great grandson of Harald Fairhair. Olaf was captured by pirates from Esthonia and sold to slavery during his young age. His uncle Sigurd found him in a marketplace and ransomed him. Then, he became King of Norway from 995 to 1000.

His early life was miserable.

His father, Tryggvi Olafsson was killed by the sons of Eirik. Luckily his mother, Astrid escaped the massacre. After he was born, he travelled various places for hiding until he was three years old. Imagined a toddle without protection from a father and he was hiding to save his life. He might be witnessing combat and killing during these journeys. Perhaps he developed skills for his viking career.  

Then, he was captured by pirates from Esthonia. The pirates could have beaten him before locked him up. As a boy, he must be mentally strong to learn that his foster-father was killed by the pirates. The foster-father could be one of the person close to him. Then, the pirates sold him to slavery. He might not had any knowledge about luxury before this, however, it was tough for a kid to be a slave. He spent six years as a slave before Sigurd found him in Esthonia. Sigurd took him back to Novgorod and he was protected under Valdemar.

His viking career began at the age of 18.

He attacked the island of Bornholm and met Geira in Wendland, who married him. Geira died three years later of a sickness. Then, he went back to viking. He became King of Norway from 995 to 1000.

If he were sold to slavery after he had enjoyed the luxury as a prince, he might not make it. He might not able to handle with the harsh life as slave. Persistence is the key no matter how hard is our life. The beauty in life is you are smiling even though you are having a bad day.

Reference:
Jones, Gwyn (1968). A History of the Vikings. Oxford University. 

• ISBN-13: 978-0192801340
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