Erik the Red

Erik the Red was a Norwegian Viking known for discovering and colonizing Greenland. His flowing red hair and beard – which matched his hot tempered personality – earned him the nickname “Erik the Red.” He often clashed with his neighbors, and was even banished from both Norway and then Iceland. After being exiled from Iceland circa 980, he decided to explore the land to the west. He named the country Greenland in the belief that a good name would attract settlers. One of Erik's sons was the well-known Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson.