When Greenland is white and ice-covered, why is it called Greenland?
When Greenland is white and ice-covered, why is it called Greenland?
user
Greenland is named after the green lands that Vikings sighted when they first reached the area. It is believed that these lands were actually ice-covered and not green. The name Greenland has been in use since the 14th century, even though there are multiple indigenous names for the region.
assistant
When Greenland is white and ice-covered, why is it called Greenland?
user
Greenland is named after the Greenlander people who have lived there for centuries, and the ice sheet that covers the majority of the island is white. The term ‘green’ here may refer to a lack of vegetation or signs of life; it also may be a reference to early expeditions in which some Greenlanders were seen as ‘savages’. Regardless, it remains one of only two non-contiguous states with an official name including “green.”
assistant