Vinlandia
The story of a friendship that changed history
My dear children, sit closer. I can feel my days growing short, and before I go where there is no return, I want to tell you the story of our ancestors. A story that must not be forgotten.
The Vikings are coming
It was a long time ago, back when our ancestors first landed on the rocky shores of the new world. It was spring, the ice in the seas was loosening and the waves were once again welcoming ships onto their backs. In those days, when the sun sailed low over the horizon and the air was laced with salt and resin, the Vikings arrived at the island we now know as Newfoundland. Brave men and women, bearing the legacy of the Norse gods, founded the settlement we now call L'Anse aux Meadows. The land was untamed, storms swept over the coast and dark forests held secrets. But they didn't give up.
Among those who dared to cross the ocean was a young girl named Astrid. Her heart was full of curiosity and a desire to explore. One day, as she ventured deep into the woods alone among the rustling leaves and whispering trees, she came across another girl - a native Dorset girl named Nuna. They were two girls from different worlds, two souls who were meant for each other. At first they just exchanged glances, wary but full of curiosity. But in time, their fear dissipated like the morning mist over the sea, and a friendship sprouted between them, stronger than the roots of the old oak trees.
Winter and the Dorsets
Then winter came. Cruel and merciless. The cold penetrated the bones and the days became a struggle for survival. Many of the Vikings fell ill, their bodies weakened, their breath shortened and hope lost in the freezing wind. The medicines they had brought from their old homeland were dwindling and death crept among the huts like a hungry wolf. But Astrid knew Nuna had answers. With tears in her eyes, she went to her friend and begged for help.
The Dorsets knew the secrets of this land. They knew which tree bark healed, which herbs restored strength, and how to make healing potions from the berries. Nuna and her people came to the Viking settlement and taught them everything they knew. Thanks to this help, the settlers managed to survive and by spring they were stronger than ever. Out of gratitude, a friendship grew between them that turned into something greater - unity.
Gradually, the Vikings were absorbed into the Dorset people. They brought with them not only the knowledge of seafaring, but also the art of blacksmithing and shipbuilding. Together they grew, spread and eventually dominated the continent. And then, when the first European conquistadors arrived on the coast, what awaited them was not scattered tribes, but a single, strong nation - our nation, Vinlandia.
The Conquistadors are coming
The Europeans, blinded by the desire for gold and new territories, arrived with iron and gunpowder and wanted to conquer this land. But they didn't expect to encounter a people who would not be deterred. The Vikings lived in us, their blood, their anger, their stubbornness. They taught us to fight, while our native ancestors gave us a deep connection to the land. When they came, we were ready.
The first clashes were fierce. Our warriors used their knowledge of seamanship to make swift attacks on enemy ships, while hunters and trackers led the fight in dense forests where no stranger knew the way. Europe was not prepared for such endurance. Months turned into years and their armies grew weaker. Every battle won made us stronger and made them weaker. Finally, with only a few ships left in their once powerful fleet and their soldiers dying of starvation and disease, they were forced to make peace.
A peace treaty between Vinland and the European kings was signed in 1543. It was agreed that the Europeans would relinquish their claims to our land and in exchange would have the right to trade. And so we remained free, unbroken, proud.
And that is how we, the children of two worlds, have kept ourselves on this earth. Not as subjects of a foreign crown, but as masters of our own destiny. And now, my dears, when someone asks you who you are, tell them, "We are the children of Vinland, a nation born of the friendship and strength of two great people. And no power in the world will ever overcome us."
