Leif Erikson explored Vinland and returned to Iceland for what reason?

• A. He wanted to establish a settlement in Vinland
• B. He could only find materials for wine, so he went back to Iceland
• C. He sailed to Greenland
• D. He became king of Iceland

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is why early Norse explorers turned back after checking out a new land. Leif Erikson’s crew did reach Vinland and found some resources—most notably grapevines that could be used for wine. But the land didn’t provide what a lasting settlement needed, like enough timber, livestock, and reliable food sources to support a colony. Because of that, the prudent move was to return to Iceland to report what they’d found and to plan future efforts with more support and resources. So the reason given—that they could only find materials for wine—captures the idea that, while the land showed some resources, it wasn’t yet suitable for a settlement, prompting a return home.