Dan Snow's History Hit Who Owns Greenland?
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Jan 15, 2025 In this fascinating discussion, Professor Richard Rix from the University of Copenhagen, an expert on Greenlandic history, delves into the long-standing intrigue surrounding Greenland. He explores the rich tapestry of its past, from early Indigenous Inuit settlements to Norse colonizers. Rix sheds light on Denmark's historical ties to Greenland and the U.S.'s multiple unsuccessful attempts to acquire the territory. The episode also highlights Greenland's current aspirations for independence and the complexities of its economic challenges.
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Erik the Red's Exile and Greenland's Discovery
- Thorvald Asvoldsen was exiled from Norway to Iceland for committing murder.
- His son, Erik the Red, was also exiled, but he discovered Greenland.
Leif Erikson's Accidental Discovery
- Erik the Red's son, Leif Erikson, sailed to Greenland and was blown off course, landing in Canada.
- This "discovery" predates Columbus, but the Norse settlements in Greenland outlasted those in Canada.
Denmark's Claim to Greenland
- The Kalmar Union in 1397 unified Norway, Sweden, and Denmark under Danish rule.
- This led to the transfer of Norway's overseas territories, including Greenland, to Denmark.
