Erik Thorvaldsson (; 950 – c. 1003), known as
Erik the Red (), is remembered in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first
Norse settlement in
Greenland. The Icelandic tradition indicates that he was born in the
Jæren district of
Rogaland,
Norway, as the son of
Þorvald Ásvaldsson, he therefore also appears,
patronymically, as Erik Thorvaldsson (
Eiríkr Þorvaldsson). The appellation "the Red" most likely refers to his hair color and the color of his beard.
Leif Erikson, the famous
Icelandic explorer, was Erik's son.