October 8 - Erik the Red Day

Erik the Red is probably most known for being the father of Leif Erikson, but there is a lot more to this man than that.

What was so special about Erik?

Besides the passing on of exceptionally fine genes to his sons, he roared through Scandinavia with deeds destined to make his saga a wash of colour and drama. Exiled from land to land for his volatile temper, he had a way of making his neighbours uneasy. This didn't do much for community calm, but it did lead to the settlement of Greenland by the Vikings - and thus set the stage for Leif's spectacular voyage.

Erik was a dedicated follower of Thor. He stayed loyal to his blustery God even when his wife converted to Christianity and wouldn't sleep with him anymore. I don't imagine Erik went without a bedmate - and his wife got a little chapel, built right over the hill where her heathen husband wouldn't have to see it when he looked out of the house.

Let us remember Erik the Red on this day.

Hail Erikr Thorvaldsson! May the wind stay at your back and your blade ever sharp!