Anime > Vinland Saga

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Introduction

Vinland Saga is more than just an anime about Vikings – it is a deep story about revenge, self-discovery, and the true cost of war. Based on the award-winning manga by Makoto Yukimura, Vinland Saga follows the journey of young warrior Thorfinn, who was born into a brutal world where power is the only law.

While the anime initially seems like a classic revenge story, it quickly develops into a complex work exploring the psychological effects of violence, the search for peace, and the question of what true strength really means.

Plot & Setting

The story takes place in the 11th century and follows Thorfinn, the son of the honorable warrior Thors. After his father is betrayed and murdered by the ruthless mercenary leader Askeladd, Thorfinn swears revenge and joins Askeladd’s band, waiting for the day he can kill him in an honorable duel.

But Askeladd is no typical antagonist – he recognizes Thorfinn’s talent, uses him for his own purposes, and constantly puts the boy to the test with moral dilemmas.

While the first 24 episodes focus on Thorfinn’s revenge and the political intrigues of England and Denmark, Season 2 shifts the story to Jutland, where Thorfinn becomes a slave on a farm and begins to seek inner peace after years of hatred.

Historical Depth & Accuracy: The setting is incredibly well-researched, from real historical events such as the Danish conquest of England to the Viking way of life and their weapons.

Characters

Thorfinn – From Warrior to Pacifist
At the beginning, Thorfinn is consumed by anger and hatred. His only purpose in life is to kill Askeladd. However, over time, he realizes that revenge does not fulfill him, and he doesn’t know how to live without his rage. In Season 2, his real development begins: He loses everything, becomes a slave, and confronts his inner demons. This transformation is one of the most impressive character developments in anime history.

Askeladd – A Legendary Antagonist
Askeladd is one of the most fascinating characters in Vinland Saga. He is not just a brutal mercenary but also a brilliant tactician involved in political intrigues. His actions are often ruthless, yet his motives are far more complex than they first appear.

King Canute – From Weak Prince to Ruler
Canute undergoes an incredible transformation. Initially shy and weak, he is manipulated by Askeladd into becoming a feared and ruthless ruler. His evolution is as fascinating as it is terrifying.

Storytelling & Pacing

The first season of Vinland Saga begins as an intense action drama but quickly transforms into a complex political thriller. Historical events are intertwined with fictional characters, keeping the story both realistic and captivating.

Season 2 takes on a slower pace, focusing on Thorfinn’s inner journey. While some fans find the second season less exciting, it is incredibly deep and thought-provoking, dealing with themes of trauma, guilt, and redemption.

Animation & Art Style

Studio Wit (Season 1) and MAPPA (Season 2) have done an outstanding job. The fights in the first season are raw, brutal, and realistic, with battle scenes showcasing swords, axes, and shields with impressive choreography.

The second season is visually calmer, but the facial animations and environmental details are top-notch.

Soundtrack & Voice Acting

The soundtrack by Yutaka Yamada perfectly suits the Viking setting. The opening “MUKANJYO” by Survive Said The Prophet is a real earworm, capturing the raw power of the series and becoming one of the most streamed anime openings of 2019 on Spotify.

The first ending “Torches” by Aimer, on the other hand, is calm and melancholic – a strong contrast to the action-heavy storytelling of the first season.

The voice acting is excellent in both Japanese and German, with different dubs for Netflix and Crunchyroll. Particularly, Naoya Uchida as Askeladd stands out – his voice perfectly conveys the complexity of the character.

Anime Episodes

My Personal Opinion

Personally, I consider Vinland Saga to be one of the best historical anime of all time. While Season 1 impresses with epic battles and political intrigue, Season 2 takes things even further by showcasing the psychological journey of a man who seeks peace after years of bloodshed.

However, I must admit that I wasn't entirely satisfied with Thorfinn's character development. While his transformation is certainly realistic and well-written, I actually found him more interesting as a ruthless warrior in Season 1. His relentless, almost antagonistic nature, his drive for revenge, and his complete indifference toward others had a unique fascination. In Season 2, he loses that edge, which makes sense for the story, but I personally preferred his earlier, more fearsome persona.

Of course, I understand that this is the core of Vinland Saga – a story about breaking the cycle of violence. Still, I would have liked Thorfinn's transformation to be slightly less extreme, finding a middle ground between warrior and pacifist.

Conclusion

Vinland Saga is not a typical action anime. It is a story about the cycle of violence, about humanity, and about what it truly means to be free.

PROS:

✅ Outstanding character development
✅ Impressive historical accuracy
✅ Realistic and brutal fight scenes
✅ Strong political and philosophical themes
✅ High-quality soundtrack and animation

CONS:
❌ Season 2 is significantly slower than Season 1 (which may not appeal to everyone)
❌ Less action in the second half
❌ The historical genre is not for everyone

Overall Rating: 9/10