Regardless of which tell is true, the fact remains that Leif came to 'Vinland' (that's what he called it). In the other story, the 'Groenlendinga saga', it is believed that Leif heard about a rich western land from a passing trader and set out in search of it. On the way back, he accidentally sailed off course and eventually arrived at lush and fertile land which overflowed with an abundance of grapes. Olaf then sent Leif back home to Iceland to convert his fellow countrymen. In 1000 AD, he visited Norway, where it is believed that he was converted to Christianity by King Olaf I. According to Icelandic history, there are two stories surrounding his visit to the North American mainland. Following in his father's footsteps, Leif the Lucky set out in search of new and exciting places.

His father, well-known explorer (and sometimes outlaw) Erik the Red, had already begun to colonize Greenland. Leif Ericson was a Norse explorer, and he was is officially the first European to set foot on North American soil.

After all, he was here 500 years before Columbus (who wasn't even here at all, but.). If you're not quite sure who Leif is, well, he's the reason Americans celebrate Columbus Day.er.at least he should be. The song was dedicated to Icelander, Leif Ericson aka 'Leif the Lucky'. Robert Plant wrote the song to reflect the travelling perspective of the Vikings. It is this inspiration that concerns us today. Six days after that memorable concert, the song was written, inspired by that trip to Iceland. Zeppelin wasn't very well received by the working class, and the event was almost cancelled, but the local university made a way for them to play and Zep was blown away by remarkable response they received from the kids. Long story short, the Icelandic government was on a bit of a cultural diversity kick. It was inspired by a concert tour of Led Zeppelin's that kicked off in Reykjavik, Iceland. 'Immigrant Song' wasn't actually written around any particular historic event, really. While that opening hook may have you hooked on Tahiti, the rest of the song has nothing to do with any island paradise and everything in common with Ohio (where I live) in January.ice, cold, snow, and brrrrr! I come from the land of the ice and snow to tell you all about how Led Zeppelin adds their two cents worth to the annals of history, beginning with Robert Plant famously wailing what sounds awfully familiar as the song 'Bali Ha'i' from the Rogers & Hammerstein musical 'South Pacific', but don't get too cozy just yet.

Immigrant song