Who founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland around 985 AD?

Who founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland around 985 AD? Erik the Red founded the first successful permanent Norse settlement in Greenland around 985 AD.

After being exiled from Iceland for three years following a violent feud, Erik explored Greenland’s southwestern coast. He returned to Iceland and promoted the island as “Greenland,” reportedly believing that an attractive name would encourage colonists to follow him.

The sagas say that 25 ships sailed with Erik in 985, but only 14 reached Greenland. The settlers established communities along the southwestern fjords, including the Eastern Settlement, where Erik built his estate at Brattahlíð. These communities depended on farming, livestock, hunting, and trade in products such as walrus ivory.

Erik was not necessarily the first Norse person to see Greenland. Gunnbjörn Ulfsson was traditionally credited with sighting land in the region, and Snæbjörn galti reportedly made an earlier, unsuccessful settlement attempt. Erik is credited specifically with establishing the first enduring Norse colony.