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Characters in order of appearance:

Askeladd’s Men: *laugh*

  • One of the men pours alcohol from a jar into a cup*

Askeladd’s Men: Hey! Don’t we have any more booze?! Askeladd’s Men: It’s my painkiller!

  • Atli drinks the last of the alcohol from a cup while Togrim stands beside him eating a piece of meat*

Atli: Damn! Torgrim: Aren’t we there yet? The place where they’re supposed to give us the money.

  • Askeladd sits at the end of the warship with a cup in his hand*

Askealadd: Don’t be in such a hurry. We’re almost there.

  • Thorfinn sits on the empty warship being pulled by one of Askeladd’s ships. Thorfinn is shown to be pale and dehydrated, as he looks at a bucket containing seawater. Thorfinn crawls over to the bucket and drinks the water*

Thorfin: *coughs* Damn. *cries* Damn it.

  • Askeladd stands at the front of his warship while his men row it through a river, before stopping at the coast near a forest*

Onscreen Text: ENGLAND VICINITY OF HUMBER RIVER Askeladd’s Men: My whole body hurts. Askeladd’s Men: I want to find me a nice girl.

  • Bjorn and Askeladd stand on the coast as they all begin to depart from the ships*

Bjorn: Who’s going to watch the ships? Askeladd: We’re just here to rest our bones. We’re not going to stay here for long.

  • Thorfinn slowly stands to his feet while in the empty ship. Askeladd, Bjorn, and the rest of the band walk through a forest*

Askeladd: *yawns*

  • Thorfinn walks through a forest before hearing the laughs of Askeladd’s band. Thorfinn runs toward them before slipping on a patch of moss and rolling down a hill and hitting the back of his head on a tree, falling unconscious. Thorfinn awakes at night*

Thorfinn: Huh?

  • Thorfinn tries to quickly get up, but a jolt of pain shoots down his body. Thorfinn notices the sound of running water and runs to it. Thorfinn kneels inside of a river and begins drinking the water from it*

Thorfinn: *laughs*…*stomach growls* Villagers: *scream*

  • Thorfinn turns to see the shadowy silhouette of a village, before several fires appear. Askeladd’s band is shown in the burning village*

Askeladd’s Men: Get up. Askeladd’s Men: Hey. Don’t run away. I’ll kill you if you move.

  • Askeladd walks through the village*

Askeladd: Don’t let anyone get away. We’re going to have trouble if this gets out.

  • Ear, a member of Askeladd’s band with oversized ears, sits on a hill overlooking the village holding his hands behind his ears*

Ear: Two on the right.

  • Two members of Askeladd’s band who stand next to Ear, nock arrows and fire them down at two villagers escaping in the shroud of darkness, hitting them in the head and neck, killing them. One member of Askeladd’s band eats a piece of meat while another drags a woman villager along the ground by her hair, as her daughter hangs on to her waist. The corpse of a villager is shown laying on the ground, while a member of Askeladd’s band is shown laughing while a fire rages in the background. Thorfinn sits at the entrance of the forest watching the carnage, in shock. Later that night, Thorfinn walks through the village while many members of Askeladd’s band sleep next to a fire*

Thorfinn: *cries*

  • Thorfinn passes by a stable where a member of Askeladd’s band sits asleep, while a woman’s naked and motionless legs can be seen. There appears to be bruises on her legs and feet. Thorfinn walks up behind a house and looks out at the other side, where two members of Askeladd’s band talk*

Askeladd’s Men: And then the guy ate it. He didn’t even know what it was. Askeladd’s Men: *laughs*

  • Thorfinn runs past the window of a house, before stopping and looking in it, to find a sleeping Askeladd*

Thorfinn: …!

  • Thorfinn grips the handle of his father’s knife. Thorfinn looks behind him to see a sword laying on the ground next to two sleeping members of Askeladd’s band. Thorfinn walks into the house and approaches the sleeping Askeladd while holding the sword. Thorfinn raises the sword over his shoulder while staring at Askeladd. Thorfinn exits the house. Askeladd lays on the bed, eyes open*

Askeladd: *yawns*

  • The next morning, two villagers are shown hanging by their necks from a tree. A member of Askeladd’s band carries the body of a villager and throws it into a pile of others. Other members of Askeladd’s band sit by cooking bowls over fires*

Askeladd’s Men: My head hurts. I drank too much.

  • Bjorn and Askeladd walk through the village*

Askeladd: *yawns* Bjorn: What happened? Did you have a hard time falling asleep? Askeladd: Huh? There was a noisy little fly in my room. Bjorn: A little fly?

  • Thorfinn stands at the end of the village, before Askeladd and Bjorn, holding a sword*

Askeladd’s Men: Who’s that? A survivor? Askeladd and Bjorn: … Askeladd’s Men: No. It’s the son. The Troll of Jom’s kid. Askeladd’s Men: He’s still alive? Too much trouble for the early morning. Thorfinn: This is revenge for my father! I challenge you to a duel! Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* Impressive, kid. Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* I’m so scared. Thorfin: …! Bjorn: *laughingly* What are you going to do, Askeladd? Askeladd: *sighs* What a pain. Come on. You should have cut off my head while I was asleep. Thorfinn: *gasps*…I’m the son of Thors.

  • Thors is shown raising his sword in front of him*

Thorfinn: I’d never do something so cowardly!

  • Thorfinn swings a sword in front of him*

Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* Wow, I’m so scared. Askeladd: *sighs* Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* Did you hear that, Askeladd? Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* Kill him, kid. Askeladd: So, you think you’re a warrior? All right. Come at me. Thorfinn: *roars*

  • Thorfinn charges at Askeladd before thrusting his sword at him. Askeladd sidesteps the strike at the last moment, as Thorfinn ends stabbing a wooden path behind Askeladd. Thorfinn tries to pull the sword out but is unable to*

Askeladd: Hmph. Askeladd’s Men: *laugh* Someone dig him a grave. Thorfinn: Damn! Damn! Askeladd: You can’t let your sword swing you around like that.

  • Askeladd kicks Thorfinn in the stomach, launching him off his feet as he falls to the ground unconscious*

Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* You’re so brutal. Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* Maybe he’s dead already.

  • Later, two hooded men ride into the village on horseback. Askeladd sits on the deck of a house as the two men approach him*

Hooded Man: We confirmed it. Hooded Man: Here’s your money. Askeladd: Thank you very much. Say thanks to Floki for me.

  • The hooded men look over as two members of Askeladd’s band carry the corpses of two villagers toward a spot where other members of Askeladd’s band are digging a hole*

Askeladd: I can’t get too friendly with the villagers. Hooded Man: Hmph. By the way, I have a message for you. Askeladd: A message? Hooded Man: “How was Thors’s final moment?”

  • Askeladd looks down*

Askeladd: It was nothing special. He just died a normal death.

  • Thorfinn wakes up in the spot he dueled Askeladd. Atli sits around a fire with Torgrim and other members of Askeladd’s band, and takes a bite of a steak*

Atli: Hmm?

  • Atli turns to find Thorfinn standing behind him, staring at the cooking meat*

Atli: What? You’re still alive? Torgrim: You look terrible. Want some?

  • Torgrim throws a bone with a little bit of meat left on it, in front of Thorfinn. Thorfinn stares at it*

Atli: It’s not healthy to deprive yourself. Mm. Torgrim and Askeladd’s Men: *laugh*

  • Thorfinn gets angry and runs away*

Atli: Ah? Torgrim: What’s wrong with him? We were only trying to help.

  • In the forest, a rabbit notices a sound and runs away*

Thorfinn: Ah!

  • Thorfinn is shown crawling through the foliage behind where the rabbit was. Thorfinn walks through the forest*

Thorfinn: Damn.

  • Thorfinn notices something on the ground and rushes to pick it up. In his hand are four nuts*

Thorfinn: Hah!

  • Thorfinn eats the four nuts*

Thorfinn: *coughs*

  • Later that night, as it rains, Thorfinn walks by the fire where the men were eating meat, finding nothing but bones. Thorfinn picks up a bone and begins gnawing on it*

Thorfinn: *cries* Damn it. Damn it all.

  • Scene changes to Iceland. Leif, Ari, Mord, Grim, and Hakon stand before Ylva and Helga, in front of their house. Thors’ chest with his gear and broken sword sits open on the ground*

Leif: He died an honorable death. Thors sacrificed himself for us. Helga and Ylva: … Leif: I’m sorry, Helga. Ylva. My words cannot express how sorry I am. *cries* Ylva: *sighs*

  • Everyone turns to Ylva*

Ylva: He’s already dead. No one can do anything about it now. Crying about it will just make you hungry. Grim, Ari, Leif, Hakon: Uh…? Helga: Uh…? Ylva: Time to get back to work.

  • Ylva turns and heads back inside*

Leif: Helga. Helga: Huh? Leif: Thorfinn…I’m going to find him, no matter what. No matter how many years it takes.

  • Later, throws a bucket attached to a rope into a river, while standing on a bridge over the river beside two village girls*

Ylva: Well, I never thought he’d live a long life anyway. It’s hard having a strange dad like him. Village Girl: Your little brother is missing, too, right? Village Girl: Are you okay, Ylva?

  • Ylva pulls up the bucket, filled with water*

Ylva: I’m so busy, now that the men are all gone.

  • Ylva pours the bucket into a large jug*

Village Girl: Ylva… Ylva: *battle cries*

  • Ylva lifts two large water-filled jugs, both around half her height, attached to a long wooden stick over her shoulder*

Village Girls: …! Village Girl: You’re crazy, Ylva!

  • At her house, Ylva brings a plate of food to Helga*

Ylva: Mother, how are you feeling? Helga: Yes. I feel much better. Sorry to rely so much on you, Ylva…

  • Helga begins to get up*

Ylva: Okay, okay.

  • Ylva pulls a chair up beside Helga*

Ylva: It’s okay. Don’t get up.

  • Ylva places the plate on the chair and adds a block of fuel to the fire in the middle of the house*
Ylva: Oh! Oops, I forgot about the sheep.
  • In the stables, Ylva grabs an armful of hay and places it in the sheep’s feeding trough*

Ylva: Okay, okay, Sorry I’m late.

  • Ylva runs to her house and begins shoveling snow*

Ylva: I must shear the sheep when spring comes too…Huh?

  • Ylva notices the villagers running to the coast with their spears. On a boat, Ylva throws a spear into the sea, hitting a whale*

Ylva: *battle cries* I got the first hit. Villagers: *cheer*

  • Later that night, at her house, Ylva weaves a decorative textile with a loom*

Ylva: I’m so busy. We don’t have enough people to pitch in. Maybe I should get a husband.

  • Helga sits next to Ylva, and places a bowl of soup on a stool*

Helga: Thanks. Let’s go to sleep. Ylva: You can go to sleep first. I’m going to finish this. Helga: But its dark already. You’ll make a mistake. Ylva.

  • Helga grabs Ylva’s hand*

Helga: That’s enough. Get some rest. Ylva: But I’m almost done. I’m okay. I’m not tired.

  • Helga takes the handle of the loom out of Ylva’s hand*

Ylva: Oh?...*cries*…Huh?

  • Ylva wipes her tears and looks at Helga*

Ylva: *chuckles* Helga: … Ylva: *cries*

  • Helga embraces Ylva. Scene changes to Thorfinn in a forest at night, as he practices swinging a sword*

Thorfinn: I’m going to kill him. I’m going to kill him, no matter what.

  • The next morning, Thorfinn sleeps against a tree*

Bjorn: Hey.

  • Thorfinn wakes up to find Bjorn, with a basket, standing in front of him*

Bjorn: You’re working hard. Thorfinn: Y…You!

  • Bjorn bends down and begins picking mushrooms*

Bjorn: How is it? Have you gotten used to using a sword? Thorfinn: *roars*

  • Thorfinn draws the sword from its sheathe*

Thorfinn: You! It’s your fault! You used me as a shield! That’s why my father…! You coward! Bjorn: Your father really was strong. But he was naïve. That’s all there is to it. Thorfinn: Don’t make fun of my father!

  • Thorfinn charges at Bjorn and swings his sword down on him. Bjorn stops the swing of the sword by holding his elbow in front of its hilt. Bjorn swings his arm, pushing Thorfinn over. Bjorn stands to his feet and walks away*

Bjorn: Well. You’re just weak. Thorfinn: *cries*

  • Askeladd sits in a field drinking alcohol from his cup*

Bjorn: Hey.

  • Bjorn walks up behind Askeladd*

Bjorn: I ran into that kid in the forest. Askeladd: What? He’s still alive. Bjorn: The blood of the Troll of Jom runs through his veins. He’s not going to die that easily.

  • Askeladd drinks from his cup*

Askeladd: Hmm.

  • Askeladd swirls the alcohol in his cup*

Askeladd: Like father, like son.

  • At night, Thorfinn sits by a fire eating meat from an animal’s bones. A wolf appears in front of him, on the other side of the fire. The wolf runs towards Thorfinn around the fire, Thorfinn swings his sword in its direction causing it to back away. Thorfinn remembers Askeladd’s words*

Askeladd: You can’t let your sword swing you around like that.

  • Thorfinn puts his sword down and grabs his knife. The wolf charges and jumps at Thorfinn, who pulls out his knife and holds it in front of him, stabbing the wolf in the chest. The wolf yelps and flails before getting free from the knife and running back. The wolf slowly collapses to the ground, dead. Thorfinn stares at the blood covering his knife and hands. The next day, Thorfinn strikes a bucket, hanging off a tree branch by a rope, with his knife. Later, Thorfinn hides in foliage while staring at a rabbit. Thorfinn jumps at the rabbit, attempting to stab it with his knife, but the rabbit jumps away*

Thorfinn: Damn!

  • Thorfinn throws his knife in frustration, embedding it in a nearby tree*

Thorfinn: Oh…?

  • Thorfinn stands and practices throwing a knife at a tree, the blade hits the tree and harmlessly falls to the ground*

Thorfin: Hmm.

  • At night, Thorfinn sleeps by a fire. The next day, Thorfinn cuts the stems of leaves off a small twig from a branch, with his knife. Later, Thorfinn stands and throws his knife with an expression of happiness and surprise on his face. At sunset, Thorfinn excitedly runs through the forest while carrying a dead rabbit. That night, Thorfinn sits by a fire and eats the cooked rabbit meat. At a later day, Askeladd’s band load their cargo onto their warships, preparing for departure*

Askeladd’s Men: We ended up staying here for a long time. Askeladd’s Men: I feel great now. What a comfortable village.

  • Askeladd sits down, while Bjorn stands beside him, and Ear stands in front of him with his hands behind his ears*

Ear: Someone’s coming. Askeladd: Huh?

  • Thorfinn walks toward the departing band*

Askeladd: Oh? Atli and Torgrim: Huh? Thorfinn: I’m Thors’ son, Thorfinn! In the name of Odin, the Almighty…

  • Thorfinn draws his knife and holds it in front of him*

Thorfinn: I challenge you to a duel! Askeladd’s Men: *laugh* Askeladd: Come on. You’re so annoying. Bjorn: *laughs* Atli: You’re pretty brave. Torgrim: Accept the duel, Askeladd. Askeladd: *sighs* Bjorn: It’s decided, then. It’s the leader’s job to meet his men’s expectations.

  • Askeladd stands before Thorfinn with his sword resting on his shoulder*

Askeladd: I, Askeladd, son of Olaf, swear in the name of Odin that I accept your duel, because I have no choice. Thorfinn: *deep breath* Askeladd: Come on. Are you that eager to go meet your father?

  • Askeladd holds his sword in front of him*

Bjorn: … Askeladd: …

  • Thorfinn hesitantly takes a step back, before gripping his knife, and charging at Askeladd*

Thorfinn: *roars*

  • Thorfinn swings at Askeladd’s knees with his knife, Askeladd takes a step back to avoid it. Thorfinn swings up at Askeladd’s knees, who takes a step back to avoid it. Thorfinn swings up at Askeladd’s torso twice, but Askeladd avoids both by taking a step back for each strike. Thorfinn swings at Askeladd ten more times, with Askeladd casually dodging each strike. Thorfinn charges at Askeladd with his sword raised. Askeladd knees Thorfinn in the mid-section, knocking him to the ground*

Thorfinn: Augh! Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* It’s over. Askeladd’s Men: *laughingly* He can’t win.

  • Thorfinn sits up and holds his knife in front of him*

Thorfinn: *roars*

  • Askeladd kicks Thorfinn in the ribs, knocking him away*

Thorfinn: Augh!

  • Askeladd kicks Thorfinn in the back*

Thorfinn: Augh!

  • Askeladd kicks Thorfinn in the stomach*

Thorfinn: Augh! Askeladd: Come on.

  • Askeladd kicks Thorfinn*

Thorfinn: Augh! Askeladd: Have you finished?

  • Askeladd kicks Thorfinn*

Thorfinn: Augh! Askeladd: How boring. Get up.

  • Askeladd kicks Thorfinn in the stomach, knocking him into the air, before he lands on his back several steps away from Askeladd*

Thorfinn: Augh! Askeladd: This is a duel. Bjorn: I think that’s enough. He’s going to die. Askeladd: *chuckles* What’s wrong? You’re the one who told me to kill him.

  • Askeladd turns to Bjorn, as Thorfinn’s eyes suddenly shoot open. Thorfinn throws his knife at Askeladd’s turned head. Askeladd turns around and swings the back of his forearm into the side of the blade, knocking it to the ground*

Askeladd: … Thorfinn: *winces* Askeladd: That’s it. I’ve had enough. Thorfinn: Huh? Askeladd: I don’t enjoy killing kids. Thorfinn: Why? What do you mean? Askeladd: I’m busy too. Thorfinn: Wait! I haven’t lost! Fight! You coward!

  • Askeladd crouches down and picks up Thorfinn’s knife*

Askeladd: You’re persistent, kid. Thorfinn: It’s not over yet! It’s not over until I kill you! I swear, I will kill you!

  • Askeladd throws Thorfinn’s knife into the dirt in front of him*

Askeladd: Try achieving something great on the battlefield. You’re a Viking, right? Then…I’ll reward you with a duel.

  • Thorfinn grabs his knife out of the ground*

Thorfinn: That’s a promise? Askeladd: Right. A promise between warriors.

  • Askeladd turns and walks away*

Thorfinn: I’ll achieve something in no time.

  • Askeladd walks past Bjorn*

Bjorn: … Thorfinn: And then…you’ll die…by my hands.

  • Thorfinn sheathes his knife. Episode ends*

Episode Rating

Story & Pacing (9.5/10) – Dark, Gritty, and Unforgiving

  • ✔ Thorfinn’s descent into despair and survival is masterfully executed.
    • The slow, painful passage of time emphasizes his gradual loss of innocence.
    • His dehydration, starvation, and struggle for survival make his transformation feel earned.
  • ✔ The contrast between Askeladd’s men and Thorfinn is chilling.
    • While they laugh, drink, and enjoy their spoils, Thorfinn suffers in silence.
  • ✔ The village raid is one of the darkest moments in the series so far.
    • The brutality is shown through subtle but horrifying details (the woman’s bruised legs, Ear’s cold tracking of villagers, the hanging bodies).
  • ✔ The episode transitions between two perspectives perfectly:
    • Thorfinn’s struggle and slow development as a warrior.
    • Ylva and Helga’s grief, masked under duty and stoicism.
  • ✔ The duel is perfectly placed as the climax of the episode.
    • It’s not an epic battle, but rather a brutal beatdown that shows how weak and unprepared Thorfinn is compared to Askeladd.
    • Askeladd’s condescending amusement vs. Thorfinn’s blind rage creates a perfect character contrast.
  • ✔ The promise of a future duel gives Thorfinn motivation and seals his fate.
    • It’s not a direct rejection, but rather a challenge that sets Thorfinn on the path of a true warrior.

Character Development (9.7/10) – A Defining Moment for Thorfinn

  • Thorfinn – The Death of Innocence
    • This episode is THE defining moment where Thorfinn truly changes.
      • He goes from a scared, crying boy to a determined and broken child soldier.
      • He is utterly alone, stripped of shelter, food, and any sense of security.
      • His duel with Askeladd is a humiliating experience that teaches him his first lesson in combat.
    • His desperate fight against starvation is one of the most painful and raw survival arcs ever shown in anime.
      • Drinking seawater, gnawing bones, chasing rabbits—it all emphasizes his pure desperation.
      • The moment where he successfully kills the wolf is both tragic and triumphant.
    • Thorfinn’s moral conflict is handled brilliantly.
      • He has multiple chances to kill Askeladd in his sleep, but his father’s honor holds him back.
      • This moment is the last remnant of Thors’ influence before vengeance fully takes over his mind.
  • Askeladd – The Master Manipulator
    • Askeladd’s level of control over Thorfinn’s mind is terrifying.
      • He knows exactly how to break and mold Thorfinn, giving him just enough hope to keep him alive.
      • “Try achieving something great on the battlefield, and I’ll reward you with a duel.”
        • This single line seals Thorfinn’s fate—turning him into a killing machine in hopes of revenge.
    • He is calm, calculating, and fully aware of Thorfinn’s potential.
    • His amusement at Thorfinn’s anger makes him feel like an insurmountable wall.
  • Bjorn – Brutal, Yet Practical
    • Bjorn’s blunt statement about Thors being “naïve” cuts deep.
    • His interaction with Thorfinn is important, because it’s the first time someone outright calls him weak.
      • He doesn’t even take Thorfinn seriously, treating him like a joke.
      • This adds fuel to Thorfinn’s fire, making him even more desperate to prove himself.
  • Ylva – The Mask of Strength
    • Ylva’s stoic attitude is both heartbreaking and impressive.
      • She refuses to cry, burying herself in work.
      • The contrast between her outward strength and her eventual breakdown is powerful.
      • Her quiet sobbing while being held by Helga is one of the most emotionally powerful moments in the series.
  • Helga – The Silent Grief
    • She barely speaks, but her gentle reassurance and embrace of Ylva shows just how deeply she is suffering.
    • Her acceptance of Leif’s vow to find Thorfinn is a quiet moment of hope in an otherwise bleak episode.

Themes & Symbolism (9.5/10) – War, Survival, and the Corruption of Innocence

  • ✔ The Horrors of War – No Glorification
    • The episode shows the brutality of Viking raids without excessive action sequences.
    • The burning village, slaughtered innocents, and despairing survivors create a harrowing atmosphere.
  • ✔ The Thin Line Between Honor and Foolishness
    • Thorfinn’s refusal to kill Askeladd in his sleep is a direct result of his father’s teachings.
    • However, in the real world, this results in him getting beaten and humiliated.
    • Was Thors truly right? Or was he just naive?
  • ✔ The Promise of Strength – A Manipulative Trap
    • Askeladd’s promise to duel Thorfinn if he proves himself is a perfect manipulation tactic.
    • This keeps Thorfinn bound to him, no matter what.

Action & Cinematography (8.9/10) – Small-Scale, But Deeply Impactful

  • The village raid is terrifying in its subtle brutality.
    • The visual storytelling is impeccable—we don’t need to see every horrific act to feel its weight.
  • The duel is incredibly well-directed.
    • Askeladd’s casual dodging and effortless counters make Thorfinn look utterly powerless.
    • The long shots of Thorfinn struggling add to the emotional weight.
  • Thorfinn’s survival training is visually powerful.
    • His constant failures make his final success feel much more meaningful.

Final Verdict: 9.3/10 – A Masterful Episode That Defines Thorfinn’s Path

  • ✔ Strengths:
    • ✅ Thorfinn’s transformation is deeply compelling and painful.
    • ✅ The village raid is hauntingly realistic and subtly brutal.
    • ✅ Askeladd’s manipulation is masterfully executed.
    • ✅ Ylva and Helga’s handling of grief is handled beautifully.
    • ✅ The duel is emotionally crushing and perfectly placed.
    • ✅ Powerful themes of war, survival, and vengeance.
  • ➖ Minor Weaknesses:
    • Not a traditionally “exciting” episode, as it’s more of a psychological and emotional shift.
    • Thorfinn’s slow progression might feel frustrating for those expecting immediate action.

Final Thoughts: This episode is one of the most important in Thorfinn’s character arc, setting him on the path of revenge, survival, and eventual self-discovery. The brutality of war, the loss of innocence, and the manipulation of Askeladd all work together to create an unforgettable chapter in Vinland Saga’s story. Rating: 9.3/10 – A Dark, Emotional, and Brilliantly Executed Episode.

Character Rating

1. Thorfinn

  • Role: Thorfinn undergoes a major transformation in this episode, evolving from a grieving child into a determined warrior seeking revenge. He endures starvation, humiliation, and physical abuse, but instead of breaking, he hardens his resolve. His failed assassination attempt on Askeladd and his first duel challenge signify his growing obsession with revenge. His survival skills also improve, as seen in his encounter with the wolf and his knife-throwing training. By the end, he accepts Askeladd’s challenge to prove himself in battle, setting the stage for his violent coming of age.
  • Impact: 10.0 – Main focus of the episode, undergoes significant character development, and sets up future conflicts.

2. Askeladd

  • Role: Askeladd remains the dominant force in the episode, toying with Thorfinn both physically and psychologically. He knows Thorfinn is no threat to him yet and humors his rage, making a deal to fight him only if he proves himself on the battlefield. Askeladd’s calm, strategic nature contrasts with Thorfinn’s raw emotional fury, showing how much the young boy has to learn. His line, "Like father, like son," hints at his respect for Thors, despite his ruthless actions.
  • Impact: 9.5 – Drives Thorfinn’s development, establishes the power dynamic, and sets the terms of their rivalry.

3. Bjorn

  • Role: Bjorn plays the role of an amused observer in the episode, but his few interactions with Thorfinn are significant. He casually dismisses Thorfinn’s anger and easily overpowers him, showing how much Thorfinn still needs to grow. His statement about Thors being "naïve" further deepens the contrast between honor and brutality in the Viking world. He also seems curious about Thorfinn’s potential, making him one of the few who takes an interest in the boy’s survival.
  • Impact: 7.5 – Provides contrast to Thorfinn’s ideals, reinforces Askeladd’s dominance, and hints at future mentorship.

4. Atli & Torgrim

  • Role: These two members of Askeladd’s band act as the cruel comic relief of the episode. They mock Thorfinn’s suffering but also offer him food, showing that their cruelty is more apathetic than personal. They highlight the brutality and indifference of Viking mercenaries, reinforcing Thorfinn’s need to grow stronger.
  • Impact: 6.5 – Minor antagonists, highlight the contrast between Thorfinn’s suffering and the Vikings' indifference.

5. Ear (Debut)

  • Role: Ear is introduced as a scout with exceptional hearing, playing a background role by spotting villagers attempting to escape. His presence enhances the portrayal of Askeladd’s band as an efficient, brutal group.
  • Impact: 5.5 – Minor, but adds depth to Askeladd’s band.

6. Leif Ericson

  • Role: Leif serves as the only character still searching for Thorfinn, showing that someone still cares for him back home. His guilt over failing Thors motivates his determination to find Thorfinn, setting up a future reunion.
  • Impact: 7.0 – Symbol of hope and a reminder of Thorfinn’s past.

7. Ylva

  • Role: Ylva suppresses her grief over Thors’ death by working relentlessly, refusing to show vulnerability. Her hardened attitude mirrors the Viking culture of endurance, but her eventual breakdown in her mother’s arms shows her true emotions.
  • Impact: 8.0 – Demonstrates emotional repression in Viking culture, provides a tragic contrast to Thorfinn.

8. Helga

  • Role: Helga remains quiet and grieving, but her moment with Ylva shows her role as the emotional anchor of the family. She understands Ylva’s pain and finally allows her to break down, showing a rare tender moment in a harsh world.
  • Impact: 6.5 – Represents silent grief and emotional strength.

9. Thors (Flashback)

  • Role: Though only appearing in a brief flashback, Thors serves as the moral compass that Thorfinn has abandoned. His legacy of honor clashes with Thorfinn’s quest for vengeance, making his memory a constant source of contrast.
  • Impact: 6.5 – Symbol of lost ideals, contrasts with Thorfinn’s descent into revenge.

10. Floki (Mentioned)

  • Role: Floki is indirectly responsible for Thors' death, and his name is mentioned as part of the deal Askeladd made. He remains an offscreen looming threat that will resurface later.
  • Impact: 5.0 – Background presence, foreshadows future conflicts.

11. Magni, Mord, Ari, Grim, Hakon

  • Role: They serve as background characters mourning Thors' death, reinforcing the impact of his loss on the community.
  • Impact: 4.5 – Minor characters, provide context to Thors' death.