Erik the Red, born Erik Thorvaldsson around 950 AD in Norway, was a fierce Viking explorer known for his bright red hair and beard. After violent fights, he was kicked out of Norway and Iceland. In 982 AD, he sailed west from Iceland after being exiled for murder. He discovered a remote, uninhabited land with fjords, rocky shores, and fertile valleys. This land became Greenland. Erik spent years exploring Greenland to find good places for settlement. To attract people, he named it "Greenland," hoping the friendly name would draw settlers despite the cold climate. The southern coastal areas were fertile in summer, allowing farming and livestock grazing. In 985 AD, he returned to Iceland and convinced families to move to Greenland. Out of 25 ships, only 14 reached Greenland safely. He founded two main settlements: the Eastern Settlement near modern Qaqortoq and the Western Settlement near Nuuk. Brattahlid, now called Qassiarsuk, became his main base and the social and political center of Norse Greenland. Norse settlers farmed, raised cattle, hunted local animals, and traded walrus ivory and furs with Europe. Though Greenland was isolated, communication with Iceland and Norway remained. At their peak, a few thousand people lived along the coast in these communities. They survived harsh conditions through smart farming and flexible trade. The Norse Greenland society eventually faded due to climate changes, economic issues, and isolation from Europe. Still, Erik the Red’s settlements were key Norse centers for hundreds of years. His son, Leif Eriksson, famously sailed west to North America around 1000 AD, long before other Europeans. Today, Erik the Red is remembered as the bold explorer who established the first lasting European settlements in Greenland. His choice to name the island "Greenland" helped create a new Norse society there. The name remains a tribute to his vision, marking the lasting impact of Viking exploration on history and geography.