Bibliophilia: The Farfarers by Farley Mowat

The Farfarers: Before the Norse – Farley Mowat
Mowat posits the theory that Iceland, Greenland and Canada were discovered long before the Norse. The Albans, a culture who predate the Celts or the Picts, driven ever further north by successive waves of invasions, up into the islands off Scotland. When Viking raids begin striking at the British Isles they have nowhere left to flee. Being seafarers who had been chasing “valuta” or ivory for centuries they were already well aware of Iceland and Greenland as rich hunting grounds. Fleeing there, they settled Iceland. When the Vikings found them they of course did what they were wont to do - murder, pillage, rape and enslave. So they fled West again, this time to Greenland. When the Vikings found them there, they fled West once again, this time to Canada.

It is all very speculative of course, and many “proper” historians scoff at his notions. He stretches the evidence further than he likely should, and his work includes passages of overt fiction. But I have to say I found it a very engrossing narrative. History is written by the victors as they say, so it is not entirely inconceivable that it is different than it has been written.

Fascinating read if you have any interest in British history, seafaring, exploration and alternative views of history.