Erik Thorvaldsson was born in southwestern Norway. He earned the nickname 'the Red' from his red hair and beard. His family were farmers in a society where violence was common.

Erik's father Thorvald Asvaldsson was exiled from Norway for committing manslaughter. The family sailed to Iceland, settling in the northwestern part where farmland was still available.

Erik married Thjodhild Jörundsdóttir, daughter of a prominent Icelandic family. They had several children, including Leif Erikson who would later become the first European to reach North America.

Erik established his own farm at Haukadalr in Iceland. He became known as a skilled farmer and capable leader, but also developed a reputation for his fierce temper.

Erik became involved in a violent feud with his neighbors, killing two of them in disputes over property. He was banished from his home region and moved to another part of Iceland.

After further killings in disputes over borrowed property, the Althing sentenced Erik to three years of exile. With nowhere else to go, he decided to explore lands rumored to lie to the west.

Erik sailed west and discovered Greenland. He spent three years exploring the southwestern coast, identifying the best sites for settlement in the protected fjords.

Erik strategically named the island 'Greenland' to make it sound appealing to potential settlers. He returned to Iceland and promoted the new land to gather colonists.

Erik led a fleet of 25 ships carrying colonists to Greenland. Only 14 ships arrived safely while others were lost or turned back. This began Norse settlement lasting 500 years.

Erik established his farm at Brattahlíð in the Eastern Settlement. As discoverer and leader of the colony, he became the paramount chieftain of Greenland.

Erik's son Leif returned from Norway as a Christian with missionaries. Erik's wife Thjodhild converted and built a church, but Erik refused to abandon the Norse gods.

Leif Erikson sailed west and discovered Vinland (North America). Erik had planned to join the voyage but was injured falling from his horse, which he took as a bad omen.

Erik continued as the leading figure in Greenland despite failing health. The colony grew to several hundred people across two main settlements with farms and trading connections.

Erik supported expeditions to Vinland led by Thorfinn Karlsefni. These attempted to establish permanent settlements in North America but failed due to conflicts with native peoples.

Erik the Red died at Brattahlíð during an epidemic. He left behind the most successful Norse colony outside Iceland, which would endure until the 15th century.