Erik Thorvaldsson was a Norse explorer that lived during the 10th century. He was born in Norway, but at a very young age, he sailed with his family to Iceland as his father was banished due to manslaughter. According to the legends, he was the founder of the first settlement in Greenland. He was also known as Erik the Red, and he most likely earned this name because of the red color of his hair and beard, but perhaps also because of his fiery temper. His son, Leif Erikson, was also a famous Icelandic explorer, and among the first Europeans to have set foot in North America.