Eiríkr, often referred to as Eiríkr the Red, was a Norse explorer and the founder of the first Norse settlement in Greenland. He was born in Norway around 950 AD and later moved to Iceland due to conflicts. Eiríkr earned his nickname after his hair color and his fiery temperament. Eiríkr's most notable achievement was his voyage to Greenland around 982 AD, where he established a colony. His explorations contributed to the Norse understanding of the North Atlantic and paved the way for future explorers, including his son, Leif Erikson, who is credited with reaching North America.