Product description
Erik Thorvaldsson (950 – c. 1003), better known as Erik the Red, was a Viking from Norway. He is most famous for founding the first Norse settlement in Greenland, a key moment in Viking exploration. According to Icelandic traditions, he was born in the Jæren region of Rogaland, Norway, to Þorvald Ásvaldsson, and thus his full name was Erik Thorvaldsson. The nickname "the Red" likely refers to the color of his hair and beard.
Erik's father was exiled from Norway after being convicted of manslaughter. Erik and his family then sailed westward, settling in Hornstrandir in northwestern Iceland. After marrying Thjodhild, Erik later moved to Haukadal, where he established a farm, and eventually to the island of Öxney in Iceland.
While Erik the Red is often credited as the first person to discover Greenland, it was actually Galti who led the first Norse attempt to colonize Greenland, though it ended in failure. Erik was the first to successfully establish a permanent settlement.
When Erik returned to Iceland after completing his exile, he reportedly told tales of a land called "Greenland" to encourage settlers to join him. He deliberately chose an appealing name, hoping to attract more people to the land.
In 985, Erik returned to Greenland with many colonists and founded two colonies on the southwest coast. The settlement prospered, eventually growing to around 5,000 inhabitants spread across the area along Eriksfjord and nearby fjords.
According to medieval Icelandic tradition, Erik and his wife Thjodhildr had four children, including three sons and a daughter. Unlike his son Leif, who converted to Christianity, Erik remained loyal to Norse paganism. After Leif was baptized by King Olaf Tryggvason, he brought Christianity to Greenland, even building the first church there. However, Erik disliked Christianity and continued to worship the Norse gods.
Before his son Leif set off on his journey to explore Vinland (part of North America), Erik fell from his horse, which he interpreted as an ill omen. He chose not to join his son on the expedition. Erik passed away the winter after Leif's departure.
Details:
Overall length approx. 95.5cm
Blade length approx. 75.5cm
Length of the guard approx. 10,5cm
Edge: Semi-Sharp (1mm) (Decorative Use Only)
Blade width at the guard approx. 52mm
Blade thickness approx. 5mm
Weight approx. 1890 g
Bronze plated hilt, cast from Zamac (zinc alloy).
Blade: AISI 440 Tempered Stainless Steel, etched
Based on a historical original
Shipment weight (g): 2000 *
We do not sell this product to customers under the age of 18. Click here for more information on the European arms acts.
This item is produced in limited quantities only. This means that every piece is unique. Sizes & finish may vary lightly from piece to piece.
Prevent rust and corrosion by oiling your weapons regularly. Remove rust easily with black sandpaper. Remove burrs with a whetstone. Make sure you have removed all burrs before using a battle-ready weapon, as they can cause wounds.
Tip: How to adjust the finish of your armour and weaponry
Luxurious (polished)- polish the steel with metal polish or toothpaste. You can even give the item a mirror-like polish. Test on a small surface first!
Handmade (matte)- soak the steel in cola for 40 minutes to 20 hours. Check regularly and treat with black sandpaper.
Antique (patinated) leave the steel to rust for some time in a damp environment, preferably outside. Remove the red layer of rust, to reveal the corroded top layer.
Please note. After finishing the product yourself, the warranty and return right expire. Celtic WebMerchant is not responsible for the obtained result."
When packaging this item, we exclusively use 100% recycled plastic and recycled paper/cardboard from FSC certified forests. We reuse a large part of the material directly without the intervention of a recycling process.
Recycle the material by separating your waste:
1. Cardboard: separate or reuse your paper.
2. Plastic cushions, clothing bags and plastic tape: separate or reuse your plastic. If possible, pierce the cushions with a volume reduction needle.
3. Paper packaging for jewelry and small items: these have a plastic inner layer. Remove these, then separate your paper and plastic.
Read here about how we are committed to sustainability.
