This is the story and adventures of a man born in Norway in the 9th century who crosses the Western ocean in search of land and riches. His boat is wrecked and all the crew are killed by hostile natives who resent intruders in their land. He alone survives, eventually being adopted by a different tribe and embraces their culture and finds a happiness living amongst that he never thought possible. He never returns to his homeland even though an opportunity arises much later in his life.