Essential Insights
- Disregarded his father’s advice and joined him in combat.
- Dedicated his existence to retribution, fixated on Askeladd.
- Transformed into a primal being, fell into despair, and perpetuated cycles of violence.
Thorfinn serves as the central character of Vinland Saga, embodying a deeply flawed and tragic figure. Once a carefree boy raised in the peaceful lands of Iceland, his life was upended when his father was brutally slain by the mercenary Askeladd. This pivotal moment initiated Thorfinn’s perilous odyssey, leading to significant personal growth and transformation.
Nevertheless, this evolution was not always constructive. Thorfinn committed numerous mistakes, some of which proved almost impossible to rectify. His fixation on revenge and deep-seated hatred rendered him morally ambiguous, creating a protagonist who, while intriguing, bore the heavy burden of his past misdeeds. Even with the dramatic shift in his character during season 2, the implications of his past choices and actions will continue to haunt Thorfinn.
7 Disregarded His Father’s Guidance
Joined The Battle
In the beginning of his tale, Thorfinn was an innocent and playful child. Although his actions were grounded not in malice, they inadvertently set off a chain of events leading to immense suffering and despair. This also brought trauma to his mother and sister, who believed that they had lost both male figures in their family on that fateful day, all due to Thorfinn’s impulsive decisions.
When his father, Thors, embarked on a battle, Thorfinn was meant to stay safe at home but secretly stowed away in a small barrel to join him, landing himself in grave danger. This reckless act culminated in witnessing his father’s death first-hand, inflicting deep psychological scars and propelling him towards a path filled with violence.
6 Committed Himself To Vengeance
Fixated On Killing Askeladd
Throughout Season 1, Thorfinn’s singular aspiration was revenge. The trauma of witnessing his father’s murder at the hands of Askeladd set him on an irreversible path. He attempted to confront Askeladd time and again but faced defeat repeatedly, a cycle he would perpetuate for years, placing the quest for vengeance above every other aspect of his life.
This desire for retribution became increasingly self-serving, causing Thorfinn to neglect his familial bonds and surrender to his role as a vengeful warrior. This path led to profound damage, exposing him to the brutality of war and violence, leaving him deeply scarred and continually in search of healing.
5 Adopted A Heartless And Vacuous Persona
Transformed Into A Beast
Thorfinn’s relentless quest altered him significantly. Initially portrayed as a joyful and vivacious child, his personality morphed drastically in the chase of vengeance. He became emotionally distant, cold, and volatile, prone to explosive fits of anger.
This radical change rendered him a challenging individual to associate with, transforming him into a violent recluse who harbored deep mistrust towards those around him. Throughout the first season of Vinland Saga, viewers witness this compelling yet sorrowful evolution unfold.
4 Continuously Challenged Askeladd
Perpetuated The Cycle Of Suffering
Throughout his time as a fighter, Thorfinn’s pursuit centered on violence and bloodshed. He trained by battling countless foes, yet his ultimate target remained Askeladd. Thorfinn would routinely challenge him to duels, which Askeladd welcomed as long as Thorfinn complied with his directives.
Predictably, each encounter resulted in Thorfinn’s defeat and humiliation in front of Askeladd’s band of mercenaries. This not only deepened Thorfinn’s trauma but also cast him deeper into despair while fueling his relentless drive to train and grow stronger in hopes of achieving his vengeance.
3 Surrendered To His Despair
Transformed Into A Savage
This relentless cycle eventually drove Thorfinn to his breaking point. After yet another defeat at the hands of Askeladd, he recognized that despite honing his skills, Askeladd was always one step ahead. This realization gave him little hope of reaching his goal.
The final straw came when Thorfinn witnessed Askeladd’s death at the hands of Canute. This incident triggered a volatile rage within him, causing him to lash out indiscriminately and embody a primal force, illustrating the depths to which vengeance can descend.
2 Became Askeladd’s Follower
Became A Tool
Thorfinn’s extensive journey was plagued by bloodshed and brutality. Askeladd made a living through mercenary work and engaging in conflicts where his group would align with whoever had the deepest pockets; the highest bidder secured their allegiance.
In his quest for vengeance, Thorfinn became part of Askeladd’s crew, participating in numerous atrocities they carried out. With his growing prowess, Askeladd often utilized Thorfinn as a lethal instrument without considering the ethical implications of such actions. Initially, Thorfinn was reluctant to accept this role, but it took considerable time before he felt remorse for his actions.
1 Assisted In The Massacre Of A Village
Engaged In Atrocities
One of Thorfinn’s most heinous acts was aiding Askeladd in the slaughter of innocent villagers. Shortly after integrating into the mercenary band, Thorfinn had been injured during a battle and was taken in by a mother and daughter living in an English village, who cared for him despite the tremendous risk involved.
Instead of expressing gratitude, Thorfinn signaled Askeladd with a fire, allowing the mercenaries to invade the village. This resulted in a merciless massacre of its innocent residents, marking Thorfinn as a direct participant in this horror. Even as he grapples with the guilt later in his life, this grave sin will perpetually shadow him.
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