Vinland Saga (spoilers)
By Rimsha Imtiaz
I remember watching this series with the same intent as others—cool Vikings, themes of revenge, intense fight scenes, and graphic elements led me to believe it might be just another typical shonen series. So, I thought, why not give it a try? However, the story of Vinland saga is far more complex than I thought. The storytelling of this manga is one of the most well-developed and sympathetic stories ever. The first arc has some of the most profound messages seen across with deeply written characters and dynamics. I only came to find out that the first arc of the manga is only the prologue. The actual story follows after.
Overview
Vinland Saga is an ongoing manga series with an anime adaptation, both written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. The narrative centers around a young Viking boy named Thorfinn, who happens to be the son of a noble warrior, Thors. Tragically, Thors meets his demise at the hands of Askeladd, the leader of a band of Viking mercenaries. Witnessing his father's death, Thorfinn solemnly vows to avenge him and dreams of one day defeating Askeladd in a duel. As we get to present day, Thorfinn has become the epitome of a rageful character with all traces of contentment leaving him. The only emotions he expresses are resentment and disgust. The prologue not only delves into Thorfinn's quest for revenge but also explores the backgrounds of other characters, with a particular focus on Askeladd.
Askeladd
In the beginning, Askeladd is a one-dimensional character, a man only seen as the antagonist. However, the more we watch, the more his character is fleshed out. Askeladd is a humorous but powerful man as he continues to entertain Thorfinn. The moment I fell in love with this series was because of Askeladd and Thorfinn’s dynamic. Their relationship is by far one of the most complex and well-written relationships I’ve seen. As the story evolves, they begin to develop a father-son relationship where, of course, it wasn’t the father-son relationship you would expect. Still, Askeladd grew to care for Thorfinn towards the end and only wanted the best for him. Thorfinn began to respect Askeladd and follow his demands. Towards the end, he gives Thorfinn good advice on how to be strong like his father and to seek the best out of life. It also turns out that Askeladd and Thorfinn are remarkably similar in that they were both raised in environments of violence and injustice. Their dynamic's beauty blurs the wall between protagonist and antagonist.
In the end of the prologue, Askeladd is killed by someone other than Thorfinn. Thorfinn becomes consumed with rage and confusion, someone else having taken the life of the man he dedicated his entire existence to. As Askeladd utters his dying words, he implores Thorfinn to forge a life beyond this point and to become a true warrior like his father. This leaves Thorfinn conflicted and empty, concluding the prologue. From the prologue, it becomes evident that this isn’t a story where the hero triumphs; instead, it's a narrative where the villain prevails, and the hero faces with the consequences, ultimately learning and growing.
After Prologue
After a few years following the prologue, we learn that Thorfinn was sold into slavery. From this point on, the manga explores his character growth. We see him set out on a path of self-awareness and reconciliation. With the help of his father, Thorfinn sets out to locate the land of Vinland, where there are no slaves, only freedmen.
“I have no enemies”
There is a particular moment in this series that lingers with me and many viewers. Young Thorfinn, eager to confront his father's enemies, sets out to find a knife. His father intervenes, halting him with the words, "You have no enemies." This quote encapsulates one of the major themes of the show—that we are born into this world without enemies. Enemies are created by mankind. Violence begets violence. So you can either fall into the hands of it or rise above, choosing the path of forgiveness and maturity.
Rating
Overall Vinland Saga is a 10/10. One of the reasons why I thoroughly enjoyed this ongoing series is because of its character journeys. Words can hardly describe the amount of thought and consideration Yukimura put into Thorfinn's character, as well as the others that surround him. In the prologue, the story is centered just as much around Askeladd as it is around Thorfinn. As I delved deeper into Thorfinn's character development, I distinctly remember grinning from ear to ear when I witnessed Thorfinn laugh genuinely for the first time. Yukimura does an exceptional job in making each moment Thorfinn goes through feel like a rewarding experience. The series tells a beautiful story about human redemption and the corruptive effects of war and revenge. From the prologue to the present time, Thorfinn grows into a powerful, honorable man, dedicating his entire life to atoning for his sins and rectifying the wrongs in his life. Beyond just character writing, the series is enriched with captivating action sequences, historical elements, and stunning animation and imagery. This series is truly one of a kind. I highly recommend watching it, you won't regret it!