Askeladd serves as a key character in *Vinland Saga*, prominently featured as the antagonist during the initial season. Curiously, he also takes on the role of mentor to the main character, Thorfinn. Their relationship is marked by complicated animosity, often finding the two fighting alongside each other against mutual enemies. Thorfinn, driven by the desire for revenge, aims to become powerful enough to slay Askeladd, while Askeladd is fascinated by the young warrior’s potential.
Even with sporadic displays of courage and honor, such as bravery, Askeladd predominantly presents as a detached and monstrous figure. His lack of empathy for others and pursuit of personal gain make him quite similar to Thorfinn, allowing them to grasp each other’s motivations. The decisions Askeladd makes distinctly set him apart from more noble characters, as evidenced throughout the first season.
8 Lived Life as a Mercenary
Killed for Profit
- Throughout Season 1
Askeladd is introduced as a self-serving character from the outset of the anime, depicted as a ruthless killer who engages in plunder and slaughter purely for profit. His career as a mercenary involves numerous tasks from various clients, many of which include morally questionable assignments, like murder, to which he shows no remorse or hesitation.
This lifestyle defined much of Askeladd’s existence, establishing his notoriety as a cold-blooded killer and bandit. His actions reveal a conspicuous absence of moral judgement, as he would undertake any job for coin, regardless of whom he was battling or whom he was working for, making him an unpredictable element amid conflict.
7 Possessed Limited Values
Did Not Let Morality Limit Him
- Throughout Season 1
As one might expect, Askeladd’s lifestyle left little room for values or honor. Although he is not entirely devoid of compassion, it hardly takes precedence in his life. Most of the time, he demonstrates an alarming emotional detachment toward both his allies and enemies, enhancing his danger as an antagonist.
His various crimes include orchestrating coups, mass killings of innocent people and soldiers alike, even betraying some of his own. Askeladd shows no sign of regret or inclination to amend his ways throughout these actions, reinforcing his image as a particularly sinister and remorseless villain.
6 Executed the King
Orchestrated a Coup for Canute
- Episode 24
Askeladd’s final act is both chaotic and villainous, yet it carries a certain tragic admiration. He assassinates King Sweyn, whom he whimsically refers to as the legendary King Artorius, seemingly in a moment of madness. After eliminating the tyrannical king, he spurs Canute on to rise and ultimately avenge him.
Despite the grim nature of Sweyn’s reign, and his lack of concern for those around him, Askeladd’s motives are hardly pure. Believing that his actions would enable Canute’s ascension to the throne, he nonetheless commits treason by orchestrating a coup and rejecting the king’s hospitality, branding him a traitorous conspirator.
5 Exploited Thorfinn
Utilized a Lost Child for His Benefits
- Throughout Season 1
The dynamic between Thorfinn and Askeladd is one of the most captivating elements in the series. While Askeladd appears to harbor genuine admiration, if not compassion, for Thorfinn, he takes no steps to divert the young warrior from a self-destructive path. In fact, he actively encourages this behavior.
Askeladd eagerly manipulates Thorfinn, using him as a tool against his foes. He seduces Thorfinn with the promise of duel after duel, provided he completes further tasks, compelling Thorfinn to commit numerous atrocities and join in the conflict, occasionally dragging him into the deaths of innocents, further pushing Thorfinn towards insanity.
4 Degraded Thorfinn
Stripped Him of His Sole Purpose
- Episode 22
Years of manipulation culminate in a single moment of profound humiliation for Thorfinn. During their duel, Askeladd triumphs, shattering Thorfinn’s spirit and making him realize that his long-standing aspirations were futile, leaving him with nothing but despair and paving the way for Askeladd’s schemes.
Despite dedicating years to honing his skills for this decisive battle, Askeladd utilizes each encounter to study Thorfinn’s techniques and counter them, which only strengthens his own abilities and leaves Thorfinn with no chance of winning—this marks a significant turning point for the young warrior.
3 Murdered Thors
Left a Child Fatherless
- Episode 4
Askeladd’s most defining act comes early in the series when he slays Thors, Thorfinn’s father. Thors was a former warrior who sought to escape conflict and lead a tranquil life for his children. Although he managed to achieve peace for some time, it was ultimately shattered by Askeladd.
As a hired mercenary tasked with eliminating Thors, Askeladd confronts him in battle. Despite Thors fighting valiantly, he is ultimately overpowered and slain by Askeladd and his men, irrevocably impacting Thorfinn and leaving lasting scars on his childhood.
2 Disregarded His Own Soldiers
Sacrificed His Own Men
- Episode 17
Despite initially being held in high esteem by his soldiers, Askeladd eventually faces rebellion following several of his misjudgments. His former men, although unwilling to harm him, express a desire for a peaceful resolution, provided he agrees to step down. Instead, it is Askeladd who chooses to lash out.
He derides his own men, openly expressing disdain for them and wishing to rid himself of their presence.
1 Massacred Innocents
Exhibited Ruthless Raider Behavior
- Episode 6
While Askeladd displays eagerness in facing soldiers in battle, nothing compares to the atrocities committed against defenseless civilians under his command. One stark instance occurs early in season one when he expresses readiness to kill Thors despite having had a lengthy absence from conflict.
In a particularly heinous act, he leads an assault on a vulnerable village after receiving Thorfinn’s signal; it’s one of the cruelest acts he has committed. Askeladd’s complete lack of hesitation in destroying innocent lives and plundering their homes confirms his portrayal as a morally bankrupt and heartless individual.
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