So, I will tell you a tale of the Norsemen and their impact on civilization. Many of you will know that the Vikings travelled to
the Mediterrannean, via the rivers of what is now Russia.

This passage is now known as the Varangian Highway. The people who plied it were indeed Nordic folk, of a tribe called the Russ, whence Russia. Like your Eric, there was another Eric who pioneered this route, but died in his hasty first trip through unfamiliar teritory, going down in history as, of course, Eric the Dead. Sven the Foolish tried it next, and also died. Then Lars the Lost tried it and, well, you can guess what happened. Eventually some of decendants succeeded, and settled many cities along the route, but not before spawning the saying, Fools, Russ kin, where wise men fear to tread.