Bjarne

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Bjarne

“In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” This phrase, which most children are taught in elementary education, helps them learn about Christopher Columbus. Most Americans grow up to believe that Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover the “new world”. However, historical documentation has shown that the Spanish were not the first Europeans to discover North America. The Norsemen, led by Bjarne Sigvatson, claimed the new world for the King Magnus several centuries earlier.

In the tenth and eleventh century, several Vikings reported to have seen a land to the far west of Greenland while on voyages (what kind of voyages?). King Magnus, ruler of the Norse, wanted to learn more about the land and claim it as his own. He sent out some of the finest seaman and crew to go find and settle this new land. Bjarne Sigvatson was chosen to lead an expedition to the new world. The three Viking ships carried families, cattle and food to set up the new colony in this land.

The ships sailed into the St. Lawrence Seaway and into Newfoundland, Canada where they immediately made camp. Native Indians were found near the settlement and peace was soon made between the two cultures. The Norse traded with the Indians and learned how to harvest the land from them. Everything was going as hoped for the Norse. Their livestock and crops were plentiful during the summer months, and when winter came the colony was prepared to last through it.

After nine months in the new land, Bjarne wanted to know how far the land stretched. He decided to take fifty men and set out to explore and claim the land to King Magnus. The men left on a four-week expedition that eventually lasted three months. They traveled south through ...

... middle of paper ...

...one to change the history books permanently. Also, too many people’s perceptual sets still believe in Columbus and unless there is absolute solid evidence no one will change the history books. It is too imbedded into the American culture that Christopher Columbus is a national icon. I believe that the Vikings have substantial evidence to support their discovery of North America and instead of celebrating Columbus Day, my calendar declares the celebration of the new Viking holiday, Bjarne Sigvatson Day, in honor of the true discoverer of America!

Bibliography:

Bibliography

Blegen, Theodore. Rune Stones: Old Light on an Old Riddle. Thomas Nelson Publishing 1992. Pgs. 54-55

Hall, Robert. The Genuine Settlers of America. Pinnacle Inc. 1989. Pgs. 81-93

Kaiser, Marty. Messages From the Ancient Vikings. Random House Inc. Pgs. 29-31, 33, 39-52.

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