This article, “who is Leif Erikson” contains spoilers regarding Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla season 1.
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Who is Leif Erikson in Vikings: Valhalla season 1?
According to Netflix, Leif is a Greenlander from the outer fringes of the known world. He comes from a tightly-knit family steeped in pagan beliefs. An intrepid sailor and physically tough, Leif is thoughtful and often quiet. And new to the Viking world, which is in the throes of violent change.
Leif Erikson was a Norse explorer and the son of Erik the Red, a father whose violent past Leif wants to move on from. Whilst Vikings: Valhalla shows his close relationship with his sister Freydis, he also has two brothers, Thorsteinn and Thorvaldr.
At least in the first season of Vikings: Vahalla, Leif is a family man and will go to the extreme for his family. Examples include how he helped his sister gain vengeance against her rapist, and how he pledged service to the Vikings cause to save the lives of himself and Freydis.
What does Leif Erikson do?
Although Leif hears about the bloodbath that happened on Saint Brice’s Day, he is more concerned about helping Freydis gain revenge on the Christian Viking that raped and branded her. Once she successfully gains her revenge, Leif prevents them from being killed by giving his services to the Vikings against the upcoming battle in England.
His brains, willpower, and strength help ensure the Vikings win the battle. Shortly afterward, King Canute declares that Leif and Freydis’s debts are paid. In the aftermath of the win, Leif gains a strong reputation. Although he gains high importance within the Vikings, the deadly battles mean that of the original Greenlanders crew, only he, Freydis, and his lover Liv remain.
Due to the overwhelming danger of Kare, and Olaf’s scheming, a battle takes place in the final episode. Tragically for Leif, Liv is murdered by Olaf during the fight. After she dies in his arms, Leif violently attacks and kills several men that attempt to rape one of the women. Covered in blood, and roaring in anger, Leif gets found by one of King Sweyn’s grandchildren.
