Bjarni Herjólfsson
First European known to sight the American mainland.
Bjarni Herjólfsson was an Icelandic explorer of the 10th century who is believed to be the first known European to sight the mainland of the Americas. In 986, while sailing to Greenland, he was blown off course and saw a coastline covered with trees and mountains, which he did not explore. His reports later inspired Leif Erikson's voyage that led to the Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows.
- born
- Iceland
- died
- Unknown
- field
- Exploration
- nationality
- Icelandic
- known_for
- First known European to sight the mainland of the Americas (986)
Lore & Background
Bjarni Herjólfsson was born in Iceland to Herjólfr, son of Bárdi Herjólfsson, and Thorgerdr. In adulthood, he became a merchant captain based in Norway, but visited his father in Iceland every summer. According to the Grœnlendinga saga, one year he sailed to Iceland only to find his father had gone with Erik the Red to Greenland. Bjarni set off to find him, but in the summer of 986, without a map or compass, he was blown off course by a storm. He sighted a land that was not Greenland, covered with trees and mountains. Despite his crew's pleas, he refused to stop and explore, as he was eager to reach Greenland and his parents. He eventually arrived in Greenland and settled with his father at Herjolfsnes. He reported his findings, but no one showed much interest until after his father's death, when Bjarni returned to Norway.
Reader's Guide
Bjarni Herjólfsson's significance lies in his accidental sighting of the North American coastline, which predates Leif Erikson's more famous voyage. Although he did not land or investigate, his reports of wooded lands created intrigue in the Nordic world, particularly among Greenlanders who lacked timber. Professor Tryggvi J. Oleson suggested that the three lands Bjarni saw were likely Newfoundland, Labrador, and Baffin Island. Leif Erikson later bought Bjarni's ship, hired a crew of 35, and retraced the journey, leading to the first known European settlement attempt in the Americas at L'Anse aux Meadows. Bjarni was both celebrated for his discoveries and criticized—famously by Earl Eric—for not exploring further. His legacy endures as the first European to see the American mainland, even if he did not set foot on it.
Did You Know?
- Bjarni Herjólfsson sighted the American mainland in 986 while trying to reach Greenland.
- He refused to stop and explore the new land despite his crew's requests.
- Leif Erikson later bought the ship Bjarni used for his voyage.
- Professor Tryggvi J. Oleson argued the lands Bjarni saw were Newfoundland, Labrador, and Baffin Island.
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