Greenland, the world’s largest island, is known for its massive ice sheets, Arctic climate, and indigenous Inuit culture. However, one of the most intriguing questions about this icy land is: Why is Greenland called Greenland? Given that nearly 80% of Greenland is covered in ice, its name seems misleading.
The origins of Greenland’s name trace back more than 1,000 years to Norse explorers, particularly the Viking known as Erik the Red. The name is believed to have been a marketing strategy to attract settlers, but there are also possible geographical and historical explanations.
For a detailed analysis of Greenland’s name, history, and status, check out this comprehensive article.
The Viking Origins: Erik the Red’s Role in Naming Greenland
The most widely accepted theory about why Greenland is called Greenland comes from Erik the Red, a Norse explorer exiled from Iceland in the late 10th century. According to the Saga of Erik the Red, after being banished from Iceland for manslaughter, Erik sailed west and discovered a vast, ice-covered landmass.
Upon returning to Iceland, he named the land “Grœnland” (Old Norse for “Green Land”) in an effort to make it sound appealing to potential settlers. The saga states:
“In the summer, Erik left to settle in the country he had found, which he called Greenland, as he said people would be attracted there if it had a favorable name.”
By choosing a positive and inviting name, Erik hoped to encourage Norse settlers to join him in establishing colonies. This early form of “branding” was crucial for recruiting adventurers, farmers, and traders to an otherwise harsh environment.
For more historical insights, visit this in-depth exploration.
Was Greenland Ever Green? The Climate Theory
Although Greenland is mostly covered in ice today, some historians and scientists believe that parts of Greenland were greener around the time of Erik the Red’s arrival.
Medieval Warm Period (900–1300 AD)
During the Medieval Warm Period, temperatures in the North Atlantic region were higher than they are today. This could have resulted in:
- Lush coastal areas with grass and small shrubs.
- Milder summers, allowing for limited farming.
- Temporary hospitable conditions for Norse settlements.
This warming period may have made some areas of Greenland genuinely green, supporting Erik’s choice of name. However, when the Little Ice Age (1300–1850 AD) began, Greenland’s climate became much colder, leading to the decline of Norse settlements.
Even today, some coastal regions in southern Greenland experience short summers with patches of green vegetation, mainly due to global warming and seasonal ice melt.
Greenland vs. Iceland: The Irony of Their Names
Another theory suggests that the names Greenland and Iceland were intentionally misleading to confuse potential invaders.
- Iceland is greener than Greenland and has more habitable land.
- Greenland, despite its name, is mostly ice-covered.
Some believe that early Norse settlers named Iceland to discourage settlers and named Greenland to attract them. While this theory is debated, it adds an interesting historical irony.
Greenland’s Status Today: A Land of Ice and Autonomy
Who Controls Greenland?
Today, Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Although it geographically belongs to North America, its political and cultural ties are European.
- 1721 – Denmark colonized Greenland.
- 1953 – Greenland became an official part of the Danish Kingdom.
- 1979 – Greenland was granted Home Rule, allowing it to govern domestic affairs.
- 2009 – Greenland gained further self-governance, though Denmark still controls foreign policy and defense.
While Greenland is not independent, discussions about full sovereignty continue.
For more on Greenland’s political status, visit this detailed guide.
What Do Greenlanders Call Their Land?
Although Greenland is the official English name, the island’s indigenous Inuit population calls it “Kalaallit Nunaat”, which means “Land of the Greenlanders”. This name reflects the deep cultural and historical ties of the Inuit people, who have lived in Greenland for over 4,500 years.
Unlike Erik the Red’s Norse settlements, which eventually disappeared, the Inuit adapted to the harsh Arctic environment and continue to thrive in modern Greenland.
Does Greenland Live Up to Its Name?
Despite its misleading name, Greenland does have some green areas in the summer months, especially in southern regions where sheep farming and small-scale agriculture are possible. However, over 80% of Greenland is covered by the world’s second-largest ice sheet, making it predominantly white, not green.
Greenland in the Age of Climate Change
As global temperatures rise, Greenland’s ice sheet is melting at an accelerated rate. Some scientists predict that, in the future, Greenland may become greener in certain regions due to climate change. However, this also poses serious environmental risks, such as rising sea levels.
Final Thoughts: Why Is Greenland Called Greenland?
So, why is Greenland called Greenland? The answer is a mix of Viking marketing, historical climate variations, and irony:
- Erik the Red named it “Greenland” to attract settlers.
- Some coastal areas may have been greener during the Medieval Warm Period.
- It contrasts with Iceland, which is actually greener.
- It remains a historically significant name, despite being mostly covered in ice.
Though the name “Greenland” may not reflect its true landscape, the island remains one of the most unique and historically rich places on Earth.
For a deeper dive into Greenland’s name and history, check out this fascinating article.