Leif Eriksson - The First European in North America
Viking Cruises
Learn more at: http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/river-cruising/first-time-river-cruiser/index.html
Thanks to a rhyme learned in grade school, many people believe that Columbus discovered America in 1492. But this Viking Cruises® video chronicles how, nearly 500 years before the Italian explorer sailed the ocean blue, a 25-year-old Norse navigator named Leif Eriksson and a crew of 35 men set sail to explore the seas west of Greenland. When Eriksson arrived on the shores of what he called “Vinland,” he became the first European to set foot in North America. Narrated by Viking Cruises Sr. Vice President Karine Hagen, this short film traces Eriksson’s history and his voyage into immortality.
The son of intrepid Viking explorer Erik the Red, Eriksson led the historic journey from Greenland to North America through uncharted waters without a compass. Although the discovery was celebrated for centuries in Norse legend and stories, many doubted the accuracy of those accounts. Doubts about Eriksson’s discovery were finally dispelled in 1960, when modern-day explorers Helge and Anne Ingstad identified a Norse settlement located at the northern tip of Newfoundland that dates back to the exact time of Eriksson’s voyage. In the United States, the achievement of the Viking explorer with adventure and exploration in his blood is commemorated every year on October 9th. At Viking Cruises, we cherish our Viking heritage and connection to seafaring visionaries like Leif Eriksson.
Karine Hagen of Viking River Cruises is your host.
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One interesting difference between Christopher Columbus and Leif Erikson was that Erikson was a Heathen (Odinist, Asatruar, etc.). The Vikings were the last great European Pagan Nation. I use the term "pagan" loosely, as it was only used in this manner centuries later when "native believers" were relegated to the countryside. Leif Erikson, the Viking colony of Vinland (or Vinnland), and the symbolic but fictional flag of Vinland could all have a folk-religious type of meaning... beyond a Scandinavian ethno-cultural meaning. I suppose we can explicitly state that Leif Erikson is a Heathen/Pagan hero. There have been some interesting Leif Erikson Day festivals on the east coast of the U.S. and Canada in recent years. In a strange way, he is still very much an overlooked figure. He was present here in North America a thousand years ago.
I didn't want to turn this posting into a why Columbus is hated and Erikson is praised discussion. Naturally we have historical ties to Columbus' Genoese roots, and he sailed under the flag of SPAIN. Why aren't social justice warriors and La Raza people mad at Spain? I guess it's pretty obvious why that would never work. It's hard to discuss Columbus at all without acknowledging his new Emanuel Goldberg-status. Columbus served at the pleasure of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. He couldn't set policy without their approval. Spain discovered America for the West and Christianity.
Full Moon: October Full Hunter Moon
Old Farmer's Almanac
Each month, we will explain the traditional names of the full Moon along with some fascinating Moon facts. This month, learn about the ancient quarter day holiday for commemorating the harvest, and how often you can expect a full Moon on Halloween night.
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Full Hunter's Moon - October 16
See above link for your exact date and time. It will be October 15 at 9:25 PM on the west coast. This full Moon is also called the “Travel Moon” and the “Dying Grass Moon.”
Alaska Day is a legal holiday in the U.S. state of Alaska, observed on October 18. It is the anniversary of the formal transfer of the Territory of Alaska from Russia to the United States, which occurred on Friday, October 18, 1867.
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Alaska reminds me of what a Heathen dreamland in its pristine state would be like. This is mainly because it's so large, and unlike far northern places like Greenland.. it's often so sunny, wooded, and green. There's an uplifting spirit to it.
I tried to celebrate a New Moon once, and I felt very depressed. I thought that this poem was appropriate. I am aware how they can be useful as well.
New Moon
A new moon
Hiding away from sight
We know its there
We cannot forget her presence
But it cannot be seen
Depression is like that
An illness, on the inside
When you have it, you never forget
A moments respite
Is never available to you
-- Daniel Kenneth
History Channel The Real Story of Halloween Full 720p HDTV
It's Okaay
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Halloween - October 31
I was at Michaels: The Arts and Crafts Store a few days ago and I never saw Halloween seasonal decor like that before. Beautiful items and displays... orange, black, purple...
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