Thorvald Eriksson, the younger brother of Leif Eriksson, is one of the key figures in the Saga of the Greenlanders. Following Leif’s discovery of Vinland, Thorvald decides to lead his own expedition to explore and claim more of the land. His journey is both ambitious and tragic, marked by successful discoveries but ultimately ending in his untimely death.
Thorvald’s Decision to Explore Vinland
After Leif Eriksson returns to Greenland with news of his discovery of Vinland, Thorvald becomes intrigued by the new land and sees an opportunity for further exploration and potential settlement. He believes that Vinland has more to offer and decides to mount his own expedition.
With Leif’s support, Thorvald gathers a crew, provisions, and a ship, setting sail from Greenland to follow in his brother’s footsteps. His goal is to explore beyond what Leif had seen and to establish a foothold for Norse settlers.
The First Year in Vinland
Thorvald and his crew arrive in Vinland and spend their first winter there, likely in the same settlement that Leif had established—Leifsbúðir. The region is abundant with natural resources, and they find plenty of food and timber. The mild climate and rich environment confirm that Vinland could sustain a Norse colony.
Once spring arrives, Thorvald and his men begin exploring the coastline further. They sail west along the shore, encountering a land of forests, rivers, and fertile meadows. The land is beautiful and promising, but they do not find any signs of human inhabitants.
The Discovery of the Skraelings
After exploring westward, Thorvald turns his attention east, continuing his coastal exploration. One day, the Norsemen come across three small boats made of animal hide, which they recognise as belonging to the indigenous people of the land, referred to in the saga as Skraelings. Inside the boats, they find three native men, whom they kill on sight, possibly fearing an attack. However, one of the Skraelings escapes, disappearing into the wilderness.
Realising that their actions might lead to retaliation, Thorvald and his crew prepare for a potential conflict. They set up defensive positions and remain on high alert.
The Skraelings’ Counterattack
Not long after the killing of the three natives, the Norsemen see a large group of Skraelings approaching in boats. These warriors, armed with bows and arrows, launch an unexpected attack on Thorvald’s crew. The Norsemen manage to defend themselves and drive the attackers away, but the battle has tragic consequences.
During the skirmish, Thorvald Eriksson is struck by an arrow, which pierces his side. Mortally wounded, he realises that he will not survive the injury.
Thorvald’s Death and Burial
As he lies dying, Thorvald expresses a final wish—to be buried in Vinland, the land he had hoped to explore and claim. His men comply, laying him to rest on a headland with a simple wooden cross marking his grave.
Before departing, the Norse name the site “Krossanes” (Cross Point) in his honour. This marks the first recorded burial of a European in North America.
The Return to Greenland
After Thorvald’s death, his surviving crew decides to abandon further exploration. Recognising the dangers of continued conflict with the Skraelings, they return to Greenland, bringing news of Thorvald’s fate. His voyage, though cut short, contributes to the Norse understanding of Vinland and highlights the challenges of establishing a lasting settlement in North America.
Thorvald Eriksson’s expedition ultimately demonstrates the perils of Norse expansion beyond Greenland. His death underscores the tension between the Norse explorers and the indigenous peoples of Vinland, a theme that would continue in later Norse attempts to settle the region.
