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.