Greenland appears very early in Frankenstein in Walton's first letter to Mrs. Saville in the first volume. He writes "Twice I actually hired myself as an under-mate in a Greenland whaler, and acquitted myself to admiration" (Volume I Letter I). Walton is trying to show here how far he is willing to go when he sets his mind to something. Greenland's environment is cold and dangerous which prepared him for his Arctic Voyage. This proves just how much the continuous act of discovery means to him. 

Immediately I was interested in finding out more about what he means by "whaler" in this case. According to the Science and Media Museum in the early 18th and 19th centuries massive ships in large fleets would venture out to hunt whales for oil, food, tools and other uses. This made Greenland and surrounding countries well known for whaling. I think that Shelley's readers during this time would have understood that Walton's job is very risky making his character relatable to those who are in the line of dangerous work. I think this also in a way mirrors Victor's reckless pursuit of scientific discovery and the 'do whatever it takes' attitude of them both. 

"Greenland Whale" found on Bing Creative Commons

“A History of Whaling.” Science and Media Museum, Science and Media Museum, 6 Mar. 2019, www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/history-whaling.