Leif

**Leif Eriksson**

Leif Eriksson is the son of the great chief Erik the Red, the founder of Greenland. Erik the Red, founder of the Greenland colony, and his son Leif, who sailed to 'Vinland' or present day North America. Leif is an important character in the book as he is the brother of Freydis, the woman who leads the Viking Ship when they capture Hekja. Freydis really was the daughter of Erik the Red, but there is some conflicting information regarding whether she was Leif’s full sister or half-sister. Leif was born c. 970s in Icelandic Commonwealth and died c. 1019 to 1025 in Greenland. Continue on reading to know more about Leif and his adventures.

**DESCRIPTION**

The son of Erik the Red, Leif grew up in a family with a strong tradition of exploration and adventure. The book follows his journey from Iceland to Greenland and finally to the coast of North America. The character of Leif Eriksson is portrayed as someone with a deep curiosity and a desire to discover new lands beyond the known world. He leads a group of Vikings on a journey, sailing seas and facing various challenges. Leif has long blondish hair and a beard. He wears a helmet through out the whole book. Leif is brave and well respected as he is the son of the great chief and brother of Freydis.

**BIOGRAPHY**

Leif Erikson, was born around the year 970 CE. The exact date of his birth is not known, as historical records from that time are limited. He died sometime around 1020 or 1025 CE. Like many aspects of his life, the details surrounding his death are also hidden in historical mystery and uncertainty. Leif grew up in a family that loved adventure and exploration. His mother was Thjodhild, and he had two brothers, Thorvald and Thorstein, both explorers. Leif Eriksson's family played a key role in Norse exploration of the North Atlantic region and left a lasting impact on the history of exploration and discovery.

**PERSONALITY**

Leif Eriksson is often portrayed as a brave and adventurous person driven by a spirit of exploration and discovery. He is said to be courageous, resourceful, and having strong leadership skills. Leif's willingness to venture into uncharted territory and his ability to navigate dangerous waters demonstrate his determination and resilience. His encounters with new cultures and people demonstrate his openness to new experiences and his curiosity for worlds beyond his own. His adventurous spirit is evident from an early age when he accompanies his father, Erik the Red, on a perilous expedition to settle Greenland. As the story progresses, Lief's curiosity and thirst for knowledge become prominent aspects of his personality. He is depicted as an avid observer eager to learn about the countries he visits and the cultures he encounters. Leif shows a remarkable sense of strategic thinking in the face of challenges, making him a respected leader among his fellow Norsemen.

**SPEECH**

Leif Erikson's speech is depicted as reflective of his Norse heritage, featuring a straightforward and strong tone befitting a seasoned explorer. He is portrayed as a man of few words, preferring to let his actions and decisions speak for themselves. His speech embodies a sense of wisdom acquired through his experiences, showing a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented during his daring voyages. Additionally, as a leader among his crew, Leif's speech inspires confidence and instill a sense of camaraderie among his fellow Vikings, urging them to push the boundaries of exploration and embrace the unknown with courage and determination.

**ACTIONS**

Throughout the book, Leif is known for his remarkable adventurous exploits as a Norse explorer. He plays a pivotal role in the exploration of new worlds. Especially when he leads an expedition to North America around 1000 AD, long before the famous voyages of later explorers began. In Came Aboard a Viking Ship, Jackie French describes Leif's feat as a brave and courageous man who ventures into uncharted territory, navigates dangerous waters, and confronts the unknown with courage and resilience. Overall, Leif Eriksson's actions in the book probably paint him as a heroic and influential figure in the history of Viking studies.

**APPEARANCE**

Leif Eriksson's appearance in literature often coincides with typical Nordic features. He is generally portrayed as a tall, powerful, and brawny man with fair skin and light hair, usually as blond or red-haired. As a Viking, he probably wore traditional Norse clothing, including clothing made of natural materials such as wool and linen, adorned with decorative designs and runes. His appearance reflects the harsh environments encountered during its expeditions, demonstrating its resilience and adaptability in the face of difficult conditions.

**INTERACTION WITH OTHERS**

Leif Erikson is often depicted as a skilled diplomat and a leader who was respectful and open-minded when dealing with others. In the context of Viking exploration, he interacted with his fellow crew members during their voyages, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among the Vikings. Additionally, during his travels to North America, Leif likely encountered indigenous peoples, and his interactions with them might be portrayed as ones of curiosity, respect, and an eagerness to learn from their cultures and ways of life.

**CONCLUSION**

Regarding Leif Erikson, this book deals with his adventurous spirit, great travel, and encounters with different cultures. It highlights his leadership skills, diplomatic abilities, and ability to bridge the divide between different races. Through Leif Eriksson's story, the book emphasizes the spirit of discovery, the courage to venture into the unknown, and the power of cultural exchange. Overall, "They Came On Viking Ships" provides an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate Leif Erikson's enduring legacy as a pioneer in Viking history making it an exceptionally interesting book to read.