As others explore, we decide to stay

We made it. We are on an large island that was named by a Norwegian sailor called Snowland. There are many people here already but yet it seems very organized and civil. All 68 people from the ships that came over here made it. In fact, 69 total made it. I had the baby while journeying here. It was an extremely traumatic experience but I managed to give birth to a healthy young boy we named Bjorn, after Leif's heroic uncle who saved his entire household during an attack. Not only did Leif and I manage to find a substantial piece of fertile land located in the southwestern part of the island, not too far away form Thingvelir; the place where the annual Althing takes place. With Leif's notoriety from his early Viking years, he is hoping to get involved in the Parliament system here in addition to establishing a small farm and raising livestock.

I am extremely satisfied to be living here. After all the times we have moved, attempted to settle, and moved once again, I feel as though we are finally going to stay put for awhile. Many are concerned that Snowland or Thule is getting too crowded. There are even explorers who are going further west to explore new lands. I guess they have found two new lands; one known as Greenland and the other known as Vinland. There is a man, named Eirik who was banished from our island and as a result, resided in Greenland. When he returned, he encouraged many to move and settle to this fertile, unpopulated, island. Neither Leif nor I were interested seeing that this man was technically a criminal. We weren't about to fall for it. However, some did and we have yet to here back about the how they are managing. I have a feeling as though many were lost during the journey seeing that it was extremely long and dangerous. Also, many in Snowland are talking about this Vinland land that has white beaches, wild grapes, and rolling green hills. However, many are hesitant to journey there because there is word that the natives are extremely dangerous and the journey itself is too long.

Although many people are still interested in exploration, Leif and I are completely satisfied to stay here in Snowland and finally raise a family. Leif and I separated from our families and our ancestors and I, many times, question that decision. I don't think I realized the severity of my decision to join Leif to his expedition with the Great Heathen Army. I miss them and to be honest, don't even know where they are. It is one of Leif and I's goals to determine if we have family here on this island and if so, reconnect. Family is the most important part of our lives and as of now, we only have one another and Bjorn. It once again, is a new beginning. I hope this new beginning lasts.

We are moving.....again.

After trying to settle in Novgorod and feeling as though we have not made any progress, Leif and I have decided to join close friends and journey westward in search of a place with many names such as Thule, Snowland, and Gardarsholm. Word is that some Norse seamen set sail westward in search of new land, new opportunity, and a new beginning. I also think they probably were fleeing from the power grip of King Harald Finehair. The land there is supposedly green, arable, and plentiful. When Leif asked if I would be capable of journeying once more, seeing that I am 6 months pregnant, I said yes. I do not want my child to be born a Rus child. Leif and I have already left our ancestors, homeland, and family. It is yet again, an opportunity to start anew; with Norse friends and maybe even family. I am not sure where my family is or what their plans are. However, I know that many Norse men and women who have been trying to settle in the British Isles as well as Norway are making the attempt. We are ready to settle in a land that still has vast amounts of fertile farmland. We are ready to settle in a place where we can make the decisions, laws, and rules. We are ready to live our lives rather than following in the shadows of others.

In order to make the journey westward, we have prepared, planned, and organized. Our friend, Olaf Eyjolfsson, has a cargo ship that he proudly prepared to use for the journey. There will be four cargo ships leaving from Novgorod tomorrow. The total count of people planning on going is 68. This includes men, women, children, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, and grandfathers. Two families have decided to have their youngest sons stay in Novgorod and maintain their ancestors’ graves. Although the sons are saddened to see their immediate family leave, they are excited for the opportunity to maintain their families land and make a name for themselves. We, meaning the women, have made extra clothing for the journey, dried plenty of meat for food, and determined what important family objects to bring. The men have sacrificed numerous of the larger animals for meat, gathered many of our longhouse oak pillars for our houses when we arrive, and mapped out our course. Apparently there are some islands along the way that are supposedly covered with sheep and as green as the grass in Viksfjord during the summertime. Once we pass those, we are supposed to begin a northwestward course once we hit land. I sure hope we get there. I am tired of moving however, I am excited for a new beginning….once again.

My family is journeying too.....

So, as Leif and I are still settling in Novgorod, I began to worry about my family. Something in me wanted so badly to know if they were still in Viksfjord or if they had along with many, moved and settled in another area. After a few weeks, Leif had finally received word from a fellow Norse trader that indeed, my brother and Snotra had sailed to a place called Jarlshof. The Norse, particularly men and women from my land took over the ruling class and many of the natives left. However, many remained there and now there is a mixing between Norse people and the people known as the Picts. I am still unclear why my brother and Snotra took their family there. I guess there is great opportunity for trade and profit. I can’t think of any other reason. However, based on the news Leif received, many of the names of places on this particular island are coming from Norse meaning. It is as if many of our people are spreading out and settling in many different forms. I just hope my family is safe. I guess this place they went to, for who knows how long, is walled in and is located on the tip of the island. The houses there are long houses and have thatch rooftops. For some reason that comforted me to hear. Just knowing my brother and Snotra might be safe and protected gives me great comfort. Maybe my brother went over there to try initiating in trading of his incredible artwork. Although he always helped my Father with the farm, his metalwork ability is amazing. He never had the opportunity to practice that in Kaupaung. However, maybe there is an opportunity there for him to practice and make great amounts of profit. My guess is that he decided to journey in search of opportunity. Just as I have. I sure hope he is safe.

Trying to Settle In

Trying to assimilate into a completely different culture is so difficult. Before, we were all together in a foreign place. But now, we are apart, amongst the foreigners and at times, it can be so tense. More than ever, I feel like we are "starting over." I really can't tell what the locals here think about us. Leif says that it will get better especially as we begin to initiate in trading and establish our farm. With some of the merchandise Leif acquired, we purchased some land and have begun "settling" in as best as we can. One day, as Leif went into town, I was thinking about my family. I wished so badly that my brother and sister in law were here. I often times wonder where my family is and if they are okay. Last I heard, my Father, Mother, LjúfR, and Snotra are still in Viksfjord but apparently some of my cousins and uncles have journeyed across the ocean to a place called York. Apparently, Leif received word that there are vikings there who have been given a huge amount of land due to a treaty made by King Alfred and King Guthrum. I guess many of these vikings are no longer pagan but Christians yet still have been raiding occasionally in the East and North. I didn't believe this at first, but then Leif handed me a coin that he had acquired during one of his trading efforts. The coin had St. peter on it but then had Thor's hammer and a Viking sword on it! I couldnt' believe it. Apparently, there are other vikings trying to assimilate into other cultures as well! I found myself wondering how much those vikings in the West are fitting in. Are they going to the point of burying their own dead in Christian graveyards? Are they keeping their traditional names or even giving non-Norse places Viking names? Are Viking women still wearing Norse garments or are they, like me, dressing more like our local neighbors to try to fit in. I don't know. It is such a different time now and days. I have even begun wondering if my child will be a true Norse baby if he is born in Novgorod. I guess we will just have to see.

Yet Another Journey. But This Time....East-bound.

So, a lot has happened since I last wrote. Leif's cheiftain, Ivar, was killed during a local feud between him and another chieftain, Igor. As result of this, Leif has been named the official "cheiftain" of the crew that originally left Viksfjord. After a few months of determining the direction the crew would be taking, Leif finally decided to take the crew and me, East-bound towards a settlement named Staraja Ladoga being run by people calling themselves the "Rus". Word is that fellow Norse-men have been settling there. It was previously established as a small craftworking and trading settlement and is currently, the gateway to the Baltic and other eastern powers. Leif has decided that as a crew, we need to enhance our trading relationships with eastern powers as opposed to continuing to rely on raiding for our prosperity in the west. Times have become somewhat difficult as numerous viking crews have been defeated by various sea-borne attacks and we are being forced to extend our power in other areas. Plus, vikings have already been establishing numerous settlements in the East. Leif thinks that we can grab a piece of the stew if we utilize our force and intelligence of trading.

Another big occurrence took place right before we left for our journey. The day before we packed up, I discovered that I was pregnant. I have yet to tell Leif. I am just too terrified of our circumstances. I will just be waiting, I guess.

After our arduous journey eastward, we decided to pass by Ladoga, taking the River Volkhov and stopping in a town named the "New Town." Here, Leif was instantly confronted by various leaders within the town. With his poise, he ensured them that we were here only to initiate trade rather than raid. After his discussions with various Norse men, we were soon welcomed into the small, fortified, hill top settlement. I have no idea what to expect here. We are definitely being watched upon with careful eyes. The first thing I noticed was that there are so many different types of people here. I noticed fellow Norse people but their dress seems so different than what I am used to. Also, there are people of different colored skin and dark hair. I just hope this will be a safe place to have my baby.

We have been here too long.

Hi There.

So, the last I wrote was before I joined Leif and his crew to a wintering location called Repton. Well, I have been here for awhile now and I am tired, ready to go home, and wishing I didn't come. My spirits are extremely low. There has been tension between some of the crews here and due to differing loyalties to different chieftains, some of the Vikings have parted ways. There is even two distinct places where we bury our lost ones due to the separation within the army. It's hard living at the wintersetl. Things are tight quarters and I have been revealed to the true lifestyle of the men. There are even women here whom the men took from their families and forced to become their slaves. I am ready to leave.

Word has spread that other vikings have been traveling to different places and founding longphorts. Apparently there has even been some places where we are more welcomed, rather more tolerated, than here. We are hated here. People look at us, especially the women, as beasts. I am ready to move to somewhere where it feels more like home.

Leif has mentioned that his cheiftain, Ivar, is interested in following the most recent fleet's journey last year, 859, that followed the coastline southwards and then ventured easterly to a place named Camargue in Frankia. Ivar thinks there is much more wealth to be found along the way. Leif thinks otherwise. He thinks the journey would be way too dangerous and we should either return home or head to a place with a name that means, "the black pool." After our recent defeat by King Alfred's fleet on the ocean, Leif has become concerned for our safety as a crew. We have already lost so many and not too long ago, an entire fleet that left from River Loire was defeated by a another ocean fleet from the East. The risk is just too high. I don't know what we are going to do but I am beginning to feel as though we, the Norse, are needing to either settle in or go home. I wonder what home is like. I wonder how Snotra's baby is. I wonder if I will ever become a mother.

Things are going to be very different

After Leif returned, things quickly began to change. To begin, Kaupang villagers and Viksfjord residents began to call him not just “Leif” but “Leif the Warrior.” I guess his accomplishments on his journey were extraordinary and thanks to him, our good friends Gisli and Eirik, survived during an island raid. Not only did he help bring home his fellow crew members safe and sound, he acquired incredible amounts of silver, animal furs, and even a couple ancient relics from a monastery on an island. He gave my father many furs for him to trade as a display of his gratitude towards my family for taking care of my while he was away.

It was after I heard of all his triumphs that I realized what I might be getting myself into. After talking with my father for a couple hours regarding the wintersetl plans, my father gave his blessing to us. Leif ensured my family that he would always remain truthful to the Honor Code and promised to place the family first. Meaning, that if the journey took a turn for the worse, that Leif would do all he could to influence the chieftain to return home. Leif discussed the incredible opportunity for our family. It was then that my emotions began to overwhelm me. I was saddened to leave but ecstatic to see the outside world. This was not only an opportunity for Leif but for myself.

It is 873 and we will be one of the first official groups of Norse men and women to settle over the winter. Leif emphasized that our crew won’t be alone. We will be accompanied by numerous crews from all over the region during the journey and wintering. He even called it an “army” of Vikings. I feel lucky and honored that I will be accompanying my husband. I will be one of two women going on the ship. I guess Leif told the chieftain that he wouldn’t return to sea without me. Seeing that Leif is the chieftain’s top warrior, the chieftain agreed to Leif’s request. The Cheiftain even said my presence would help distract his own wife from bugging him during the journey to the wintersetl location.

I have no idea what to expect except that things will be very different. I will not know anyone over there and don’t even know where we are going. Apparently it is the location of another monastery patronized by Mercian Kings and will prove suitable for our wintering. I guess we will just see. It is like a new sunrise in my life; a new beginning.