Vinland Saga, Episode 1: Somewhere Not Here
Synopsis
Ylva, the daughter of Thors and Helga, is portrayed as a responsible yet outspoken young woman who plays a vital role in managing household duties. She is first introduced in Thors’ dream as an infant held by Helga, symbolizing Thors’ longing for a peaceful family life. In the present, Ylva is seen helping with daily chores, such as weaving textiles and assisting with livestock, displaying her hardworking nature. However, she is also frustrated by the burden of responsibility and expresses her desire for the family to own a slave to ease the workload, a request Thors firmly rejects, demonstrating their ideological contrast.
Ylva is also present when Thors rescues a runaway slave from the snow. Unlike her father and mother, she is hesitant about helping him, fearing the repercussions of harboring a fugitive. She voices practical concerns, noting his severe injuries and the potential trouble from Halfdan, his owner. Despite her skepticism, she follows her father’s instructions, helping to tend to the slave and keeping the fire going.
Her more materialistic side is displayed after Thors successfully negotiates for the slave’s freedom, trading eight sheep for him. When the slave dies shortly afterward, Ylva is visibly upset—not just at the loss of life but also at the costly trade, lamenting that they gave away valuable livestock for nothing. Her emotional reaction contrasts with Thors’ composed acceptance, showing her as someone who, while compassionate, still struggles to fully understand her father’s deeper philosophy.
Throughout the episode, Ylva serves as a grounded, pragmatic contrast to Thors’ idealism and Thorfinn’s curiosity. While she exhibits care for her family and responsibilities, she is also vocal and opinionated, reflecting a mix of youthful innocence and practical realism. Her interactions highlight the moral dilemmas within their household, particularly regarding slavery, survival, and sacrifice.
Vinland Saga, Episode 2: Sword
Synopsis
Ylva plays a supporting but emotionally significant role in the episode, mainly interacting with Thorfinn and their family. Her presence highlights her personality as a responsible and practical older sister while also emphasizing Thorfinn’s growing determination and frustration.
Ylva first appears at home, observing the conversation between Floki and Thors from a distance. When Floki mentions Thors being a deserter, Ylva is visibly surprised, indicating that she, like the other villagers, was unaware of her father’s past as a warrior.
Later, she has a direct interaction with Thorfinn after he storms into their house in frustration. When Thorfinn throws down his wooden sword and shield in anger, Ylva scolds him for making a mess and warns him that she will throw them away if he doesn’t pick them up. This moment showcases her no-nonsense attitude and her role as an older sibling trying to maintain order.
When Thorfinn searches the storage room for real weapons, Ylva confronts him, questioning what he is doing. She immediately realizes his intentions and firmly tells him that a little kid like him has no chance of joining their father’s journey. Her words, though harsh, reflect her concern for her younger brother’s safety and an understanding of reality that Thorfinn does not yet grasp.
Ylva also indirectly witnesses the pivotal moment when Thors stops Thorfinn from wielding a real weapon. As Thors grabs the knife by its blade, Ylva watches from a distance before walking away, leaving Helga to deal with the situation. This small but telling action suggests that she understands Thors’ lesson about violence but chooses not to involve herself.
Overall, Ylva’s role in this episode establishes her as a strong-willed, responsible figure in Thorfinn’s life, acting as a counterbalance to his impulsiveness. Her practical nature contrasts with Thorfinn’s idealistic and emotional reactions, reinforcing the episode’s themes of war, responsibility, and family.