Leif Erikson
"Eirik had a wife who was named Thjodhild, and two sons; the one was named Thorstein, and the other Leif. These sons of Eirik were both promising men. Thorstein was then at home with his father; and there was at that time no man in Greenland who was thought so highly of as he. Leif had sailed to Norway, and was there with King Olaf Tryggvason."
-The Saga of Erik the Red
Leif was a very different man than his father. Whilst Erik was hot headed, arrogant, and belligerent, Leif was mild, humble and kind. He was not unlike the Boy Scout stereotype that is so commonly portrayed today, and as this was the case it is fitting that he converted all of Greenland to Christianity and then discovered North America
"Once upon a time the king entered into conversation with Leif, and asked him, "Dost thou purpose sailing to Greenland in summer?" Leif answered, "I should wish so to do, if it is your will." The king replied, "I think it may well be so; thou shalt go my errand, and preach Christianity in Greenland.""
-The Saga of Erik the Red
Upon Leif's return to Greenland, he encountered a ship wrecked crew. Needless to say that he rescued them, at the expense of his and his crew's personal comfort. When they arrived with the sailors, they were greeted with open arms. This complemented Leif's already heroic image, which he used to practically convert all of Greenland to Christianity over night, except for his father, Erik.
"Leif reached land in Eiriksfjordr, and proceeded home to Brattahlid. The people received him gladly. He soon after preached Christianity and catholic truth throughout the land, making known to the people the message of King Olaf Tryggvason; and declaring how many renowned deeds and what great glory accompanied this faith. Eirik took coldly to the proposal to forsake his religion, but his wife, Thjodhild, promptly yielded, and caused a church to be built not very near the houses. The building was called Thjodhild's Church; in that spot she offered her prayers, and so did those men who received Christ, and they were many. After she accepted the faith, Thjodhild would have no intercourse with Eirik, and this was a great trial to his temper."
-The Saga of Erik the Red