The Season 2 video is finished! I hope you guys enjoy it! th-cam.com/video/BYKXH_JESeM/w-d-xo.html Since TH-cam is a lot stricter on violence in videos now, I had to censor a lot of the video. If you want to see the uncensored version and help out the channel it's on Patreon for Nobles and up. www.patreon.com/FeebleKing21 The comments will have some spoilers for season 1, so only look if you have finished it. And please don't comment any spoilers for season 2 or future arcs.
I agree, except for the keeping emotions in check part. I think Thorfin needed to be consumed by rage to force himself to actially try to kill him. Yes, their relationship is messed up, but he's essentially Thorfin's only parent figure after Thors' death. He was a weak whiny orphan brat that Askelad kept around and trained, even with his own life at risk.
@@rsprsp6613 he was anything but weak, and came at no cost to askeladd. He was killing full grown adult warriors from his first battle onwards, which by itself is a massive profit. Then continued to kill a mountain of people till you see his insane ptsd in season 2. Askeladd made a killing off thorfinn, rather than lose a warrior for each kill, he now has a wood chipper he can freely throw enemies into with no losses on his side. Thorfinn is one in trillions, untrained child pretty much maiming the strongest giant warrior with no permanent injury.
@@Kburn1985 he WAS weak, and Askelad took advantage of that to kill Thors. There's literally a dagger on his throat when Thors surrendered. The only thing Askelad was banking on was Thorfin's potential resolve and the respect he has for Thors' character, ability, and blood.
@@rsprsp6613 He's weak compared to Askeladd and his dad, but as a child, he was one in a trillion. He posed no cost no risk to Askeladd, and was a massive asset from the very get go. Weak and dumb enough not to kill you, strong enough to kill everyone else, self-sustaining and can act independently. Pretty much the perfect soldier to have in your army from day 1. Askeladd did no training at all, he let the battlefield train him. Didn't even feed or shelter him.
@@Kburn1985 You may be mixing things up. They're warriors/fighters who are always either in battle or on their way to battle. In that context, children's strength (much less their participation) is out of the question. We are not talking about Thorfin's capabilities as a child, but as a warrior/fighter. Regarding the risk on Askelad's side, he even discussed it with the shroom guy. He argued that helping (training) someone whose main goal is to kill him could would only give him even bigger problems in the long run, that killing Thorfin early on is the safest course to take. This makes more sense when Askelad's backstory was explored-- his goals and motivations, and his relationship with shroom guy. Thorfin's merits later on is undoubted, but none of that happened yet at the time Askelad let him tag along. We can even argue that none of that could have happened if Askelad didn't let so.
I think Thorfinn never really hated Askeladd. He hated himself for getting is father killed and he viewed Askeladd as a means for redemption. The problem is that after years of traveling with Askeladd, he grew a sense of admiration for him. That and the fact that Askeladd was always there and always leading the way gave Thorfinn’s life stability and purpose. When Askeladd died was when Thorfinn realized this and he didn’t know how to process it, so he just loses it.
I think u're onto something. You especially have a point since, SPOILERS, just before going to Vinland, Thorfinn has a flashback with the merchant guy (forgor his name) thors and Askeladd, symbolizing them as his father figures.
I don't think Thorfin loved Askelade in any form. As a viewer, I would like it to be so, but from the perspective of an anime, I simply cannot find a scene that would somehow reflect this. It was pure hatred beyond which he could see nothing.
@@tryasken I agree, i see it more like a kind of admiration and dependency because defeating Askeladd in a fair duel was Thorfinns sole life propouse to prove himself that now he is strong enough to avenge his father, later in the manga Thorfinn still uses things he learned from Askeladd and he understands everything he said in the 3rd Duel, such an amazing manga
Oh he despised Askeladd lmfao the fuck. He broke down when Askeladd dies because Thorfinn only killed and did what he did to get revenge. He lost his reason to live. Thorfinn also didn't get Thors killed. Askeladd and his "pirates" fought dirty and thats why he wanted an honorable duel because Thors was cheated. Thorfinn felt bad but he 100% hated Askeladd
The relationship between Askeladd and thorfin is amazing.. he has the same look in eyes when askeladd dies as he did when Thors died. Brilliantly written and animated. Loved this show. Really emotional scenes at times
@@TheBBCSlurpeeThe way Thorfinn's gaze stays at Askeladd's body as he's dragged away, and how he struggles so desperately to get back to him... It freaking kills me every time 😭
Important distinction, the village where Askeladd kills the inhabitants is not in Wales, he hears from the Welsh princes that they are facing more raids from the anglo-saxon mercians than from the danes recently. Upon hearing this, Askeladd leaves Wales to march through Mercia. He did kill those people to steal their food, but it was also revenge for the anglo-saxon raids on Wales, and the anglo-saxon conquests of the land that used to belong to the now Welsh people. Lest we forget, the anglo-saxons were also raiders from across the sea in denmark and northern germany.
Thanks for letting me know! I always thought it was odd that Askeladd kills Welsh people because he loves Wales, so it makes sense that they aren't actually Welsh since that fits his character more.
@@feebleking21 I always interpreted that scene as Askeladd not WANTING to kill anyone in the village but being FORCED to by the conditions. Having marauding madmen in his entourage who NEED to be fed while in a snowstorm (otherwise his whole plan would fail) and knowing that if he let anyone live they might tell Thorkell about his whereabouts. He always looked kind of sad and despondent to me in that scene. Like he was doing something he really didn't want to do.
One Correction on 1:50 : The reason why Floki hired Askeladd was because Thors was loved and respected by the leader of the Jom Vikings. He knew that if Thors came back that there would be no punishment- or alteast a less severe one. This got proven (in my opinion) when Thorkel said to Thors that Sigvaldi considers making him the next leader. He also permitted him to marry his daughter- which means that Thors children are the same blood as the leader of the Jom Vikings. And you also have to consider that he was Thorkels best friend. Thorkel was back then already considered a living legend - earning the trust and respect of all his fellow soldiers. An Assassination was the only way to allow Floki to kill Thors without facing consequences from the Jom Vikings , Sigvaldi , the King or Thorkel.
floki just didnt want thors to be the leader of jom vikings spolier alert: in the manga floki wants to kill thorfinn too bcz he knows thorfinn is a threat to his own grandson to become the leader
This is not a correction - this is your own opinion. Which is fine and just as valid as anybody else's opinion, but it should just be called what it is.
@@V2rdictthat doesn't explain why he hired askeladd. He hired askeladd so he wouldn't face repurcussions for killing thors, he had thors killed for power.
I don’t think Askeladd hated all Danes. When Bjorn asked Askeladd if he was his friend and Askeladd said yes. I believe he wasn’t just giving a dying Bjorn comfort because he was visibly distraught during his duel with Thorfinn which caused him to beat Thorfinn a lot more than ending it quickly like the other duels.
He has aspd, he can very well still hate them because of his personality disorder, but his true self probably doesnt. It's just like people that show their hate towards a group once they are upset.
@@predatorysage1 As someone with ASPD, that's not ASPD. Askeladd shows potential signs of what used to be called sociopathy, but in reality he exercises way too much empathy towards others.
It makes me cry because of how beautiful it was. Vinland Saga is one of the best stories ever told. I can't believe I am lucky enough to be alive in the time I can experience it.
@@dreambiscuitsmakes it even better that it’s historically accurate in terms of the kings and what they did. Obviously some things like the poisonings and how king svien are made up for the story, but battles, and even thorkall are real people of history
Canute and Thorfinn are both idealists, they are utopians who want to make the world a better place. That’s why Thorfinn is able to get through to him at the end of the second arc, and it makes him totally change his political strategy and become less of a tyrant. Canute does monstrous things, it’s true, but is he a monster?
Like him or hate him, Askeladd became a 2nd father for Thorfinn. His original father was heroic, honest, and full of integrity. You would think those characteristics would be great, but in the world they live in- they are a weakness. With Askeladd, he is the exact opposite!!!! Askeladd is a survivor, he will lie, cheat and steal in order to survive. But deep down, there is some sentimentality between Thorfinn and Askeladd. You can see that there is a bond between the two of them, Askeladd could've killed Thorfinn anytime, but he kept him alive!
Slight correction, Thorfinn fought Askaladd way more than 4 times, its implied that during the timeskip they repeatedly fought and Thorfinn lost every single time. I think that’s important to note because for the majority of thorfinn’s life (by the time Askaladd dies), thorfinn had repeatedly been knocked down every single time he tried to achieve his only goal, which made his failure to kill Askaladd in the end all the more painful for him, because his goal was taken from him after over 10 years of failing to achieve it over and over again
No joke, I saw the title of your video when it first came out, and it was enough to convince me to binge the whole first season of Vinland over this last week! It was VERY much worth the watch!! A friend had recommended the show to me a while ago, but seeing Feeble King make a video about it convinced me to finally give it a shot!
Askeladd is not much more villain than any other character, the meaning of this anime is not to portray things as black/villain and white/hero, but seeing each character has a inner conflict with what they strife for and their own need to survive. Askeladd wanting to save his original homeland from the vikings, and Thorfinn wanting to risk his life to kill Askeladd in a dual. One of them actually managing to reach their goal, which in turn means the other never can achieve his goal. Askeladd didnt just kill his "father" he killed the man who raped his mother and basically worked her to her death as a slave.
@@HydroK9.. 1st season was interisting not because of action only, it was askeladd with his mindgames through all the season, we watched all his plans, 2nd season doesn't bring any of interesting things, it's monotony, boring, and full of absolute unrememberable characters like eirin or how it, arnheiz etc, they are all are nobody, just a fillers
Askeladd is without a doubt my favorite character in all of fiction. In my subjective opinion, i love his design, alias, real name, perdonality, and actions. From an objective standpoint. He is a feat in literature. Narratively, he is the singlemost perfect thing ever concieved. The amount of parallels that can be drawn between him and other characters is immense. He is the centerpiece of the prologue, but even after his death, the gravity of his life continues to shape the world of Vinland Saga. A vile piece of shit, a great father, and a hero. Lucius Artorius Castus is someone I will never forget.
Great vid. That knife drop right before Thorfin was carted away became my favorite scene in all of anime/manga/cinema ever and probably will be until the day that I die. Thorfin's entire character arc was reflected in those few seconds and I instinctually went through the whole season of the show in my mind. Similar to how Thorfin lost who he was over the years, it was hard for the viewer to remember that some 20 episodes ago, Thorfin was this bright, adorable, and cheery kid with a loving family in a distant land, probably wondering what became of him and if he'll ever return home. The scenes immediately following the knife drop, juxtaposed the previous scene's feelings of loss and despair and replaced them with feelings of promise and hope. At that moment, not only did you find yourself craving for the seasons to come but you immediately felt vindicated for taking the chance on this anime. I, for one, never thought a historical drama about Vikings, made by the Japanese could be so good and never did I think the show would explore as many themes as it did, rather than just over indulging in action. I'm caught up on season 2 right now and obviously the Manga is much further ahead but I can confidently say that season 1 of Vinland Saga is the closet that I've ever seen an anime come to reaching perfection.
I agree with this so much like the general vibe and at the end him reaching for Askeladd is something out of this world this anime will definetly be something that I wont forget
It's crazy how Askelaad stopped Thorfinn in his tracks just by posing him the question of what he plans to do with the rest of his life when he's finally killed him. Truly shows you how far gone Thorfinn was at that point.
When Askeladd sat down and shared his story with Thorfinn and Canute, I jumped up "that's the main fucking character!" Hated Askeladd then I loved him then he was killed, what a journey!
Dependence based on absolute hate is indistinguishable from that which comes from absolute love. When someone else becomes the reason for your existence, losing them will break you, whether you loved or hated them, all the same.
Regarding the most emotion I've ever felt during a tv show or anime, it has to be eclipse in Berserk to me, hands down. This is still top 5 for me though, Vinland Saga kicks ass.
@feebleking21 idk if I would call the Eclipse great. I mean, it is really well-made and imaginative, but scarring would be the right word haha Just seems like the wrong emotion to have about the Eclipse if you know what happens in it...
I’ve never been a fan of anime, but a friend told me to put that aside and give this a chance. So glad I did damn it’s good. I binge watched it in like 3 days.
Having also read PLANETES, I must confess that Makoto Yukimura is a rare type of storyteller. The themes he tackles are so complex, but he crafts the characters and situations so delicately and imaginatively that it just works. He truly understands people and the human condition in a way very few writers in any medium do. He’s a master.
Wow I am speechless. You put into words how I felt about this story so well. This will help so many others come to give an unorthodox anime a chance because it is that GOOD. It is one of the best Manga's I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Who would have thought, during this period of large saturation of vikings shows, an anime about the viking invasions would be the best one of them all. To me, this show is on par the The Last Kingdom, if not better
If i recall correctly. When they were raiding the villages i never saw Askeladd murdering them with his men. I always saw him give the comman and made his men do the dirty work. Not saying this to redeem him since giving the command is almost the same as doing it but it only enforces that he didn't actually like being a Viking.
As a life time Anime watcher, an anime this good comes only maybe once every 10 years. There've been many excellent and amazing anime no doubt (Death Note, Chainsaw Man, Laputa Island, Nausicaa - Valley of the Wind, Akira, Bubblegum Crisis, Captain Future, etc). Vinland Saga is in a league by itself. There's isn't a single frame in the ENTIRE anime that's wasted. When the characters are hurt, YOU FEEL FOR THEM!!!
@@SAIYANPRINCE777Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, Fullmetal Alchemist, Berserk (1997), Ghost in the Shell. Are what I can think of off the top of my head as the GOAT anime. Definitely look them up.
To me now the best scene is with Thorfinn and a certain someone in the latest chapters. Absolutely heartbreaking to see him like this but so happy at the same time. You can't get scenes like these without great characters.
This video is one of the many reasons why I still depend on TH-cam for content. Great job on the analysis and connecting with the content. Really glad the algorithm recommended this. All the best!
12:30 Important detail : here askeladd was in english territories, and he persecuted the saxons, not the welsh, this was shown very intentionally in the anime, when askeladd suddenly decided to turn to England instead of Wales and chose the rounder route, since the cold weather, askeladd knew he would be forced to pillage villages for food and he didn't want to pillage Welsh ones.
Askeladd when he asked Thors to be their leader, I knew this character is deeper then it seems, and it was settled. I'm amazed by the philosophical depth of this anime, i mean in very very secular way, no magic but yet very magical. I agree, writers of this show are clever and much creative how all these characters are developed. Askeladd is the king-joker-magician. This show has dragged me through so many levels of emotions, common in anime genre, yes, but this has been my favorite yet so far.
Is it very common for anime to be this emotional? This is my first real attempt at watching anime and I binged all of season one in one day.. I couldn't stop it was that good.
@@voidcheque7019 From opening music to ending this is well done, ofc it is personal opinion. I think it truly is one of anime fundamental part, and if it hits it hits. It's all Pokemon without pokemons, all about how well viewer invest itself to characters or/and whole story/world. This applies to any genre, but how anime does it, is just all over the place at once. When animators and writers really collide well with emotion and motion it's close to magic. Good luck with Hayao Miyazaki productions and forever on-going TV shows and abstract/obscure world of ANIME. *Helmet on, it's gona be wild ride. (I regret nothing!.. Except One Piece, but just a little bit.)
@@voidcheque7019there are many different genres of anime just like there are many different genres of movies or series ir books. Vinland Saga is what you'd call a "seinen" which is made specifically for adult viewers and themes. If you like stories with emotional content I would recommend the animes Violet Evergarden, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and the anime movie Your Name. Start with Your Name because it's one movie and see how it makes you feel. Anime is a broad artform and there are many amazing stories that touch the soul.
It's a story replete with moments that make you stop and ponder what you're doing with your life. Another powerful sequence of events, the girl that wanted a ring. I had read it already but when I watched it adapted in the anime I sat there in silence, deeply moved by what I had just seen.
This was perfection. You did such a good job, you deserve every bit of the the success this video got. I can feel your passion in this man. I sent this to all my mates. We all went on Amazon and got that first blue ray. Thats how you pay homage to your favorite art forms. You get a whole new generation behind its support. I would have never bought this without watching this. Well done 👏
Thorfinn tried to kill Askelad while he' was asleep just like Askelad did with his father, but Thorfinn wanted a fair fight. He for sure won his respect at this moment.
Respect ? No, Askelad explain him at the last duel. Thorfinn is stupid. Honor doesnt exist in this world. He killed his own father when he sleep and say this is the only good choice.
I watched this finale 2 days ago! Watching Thorfinn lose his second father almost brought tears to my eyes. And the message Asklaad left him with was so powerful. I can’t wait to see how that changes thorfinn. Wonderful video 🙌🏾
23:00 I don't think love is the right word. I think the only reason Thorfinn couldn't defeat Askeladd was because of his rage, Thorfinn isn't as strategic as Askeladd and was very stubborn in wanting an "honourable dual". I do think Thorfinn looks up to Askeladd as a mentor, but not at all as a father figure. The only reason he was mad when Askeladd got killed by Canute was because all that time he spent with Askeladd was for nothing, he wanted to kill Askeladd himself for revenge but in the end completely wasted 11 years and him screaming is him coming to that realisation.
When Askeladd explains to Thorfinn his life's story it's not to highlight how they are similar, it's to highlight the opposite. "I will tell you how to properly kill a man you despise." What is the lesson? That you backstab him. That you don't give him the chance to fight back. When Askeladd first reaches Britain with Thorfinn he presents the boy with a chance to do what he did, he let's Thorfinn have a clean shot at killing him in his "sleep", but Thorfinn doesn't do it. Thorfinn can't despise Askeladd because something of Thors lives inside his own heart. Askeladd always knew that Thorfinn would never kill him. He doesn't lose his cool because he hates Askeladd, he loses his cool because he doesn't know how to feel about himself when fighting Askeladd.
It kinda pisses me off this gets less views, especially when the content was so great... I hope this doesn't discourage you from another anime video, because this was genuinely awesome.
What a great breakdown of the first season. Sometimes all the episodes feel like seperate pieces that don't make sense, but you've clarified their intricate connection, thanks man! I'll be watching more.
Another great part of that final scene is Askeladd asking Thorfinn what he wants to do after he's killed him. He says something like, "Have you ever thought about it? Even once?" and the look on Thorfinn's face betrays that he obviously hasn't, not even once, thought of his future beyond his revenge.. And it's so heartbreakingly sad. But god that scene, the music as the knife is falling, Thorfinn's voice actor screaming like a wild beast as he's dragged away.. It's really peak anime. The direction throughout all of season one is singularly phenomenal. My other favorite scene of this season is Canute's "awakening" where he sees Ragnar's ghost and has that conversation with the priest. What, really, truly, is love? Fuck dude, I'm tearing up just thinking about it.
I remember the first time I watched an emotionally charged anime. It was mind blowing. I spent the next year searching for all of what are considered the best of the best for different genres. Now that I’ve finished most of the greats it’s very sad. But boy it was a journey.
Askelad is the only villain who made me cry at his last act. Even though he committed so many atrocities over the course of anime, still, I can't help but mourn his loss. Even in season 2 askelad appears as a father figure to thorfin more times than his own dad.
In English class, we had to break down stories into parts and explain them. This was always done in such a way that made me feel like the essence of the story was ruined. This video essay is what I think all those teachers were trying to teach. You didn't just break it down and lay out the bones. You actually enhanced one of my favorite stories. This was some solid work. You should be proud of this.
This video could be applied nearly 1 to 1 for the Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter x Hunter. Thorfinn is Gon and Askeladd is Meruem. I love these kind of stories where the Protagonist and Anagonist are on the same path facing in opposite directions.
Now THAT'S my pick for greatest scene in anime (not Gon being a weirdo and abusing plot armor, that's one of the worst; I'm talking about any scene with King and Komugi)
it’s a shame this video didn’t gain as much traction as your video game videos. i’d understand if you don’t make more but at the same time i’d love to hear your opinions on other forms of media. you are a very thoughtful and intelligent person
The ending is brilliant, but the other parts of the story are genius as well when it comes to Askeladd. You know he is a horrible person, but you can't help liking him. You grow really fond of him as the story progesses even though you shouldn't. It's genius because those conflicting feeling you have about Askeladd mirror Thorfinns. You understand Thorfinns emotional struggle, because you have the same first hand experience with Askeladd. When you watch them duel, you don't want Thorfinn to win. And at the very end you don't want Askeladd to die. Deep down, Thorfinn doesn't want to kill Askeladd. No one needs to say it out loud or even hint at it. You know it because you are feeling it yourself. It's perfection in terms of writing and storytelling. Askeladd is objectively a perfect character.
You nailed it. He doesn’t want to kill Askeladd at all. When he came into the hall, his first instinct was to help Askeladd escape. He just can’t process his emotions properly so he reaches out to the first one: rage. But beneath that, there’s so much more and it confuses him too. Funny thing is, Askeladd knows all of this. He tells Thorfinn “If you really wanted to kill me, you’ll have killed me long ago”. Askeladd desperately wanted Thorfinn to move on. He felt a lot of compassion for him.
The love that Askeladd offered Thorfinn, the tough love, was the only type of love that Thorfinn was susceptible to at the time. Thorfinn could not receive nor understand the love his father Thors gave him; not understanding what his father had been through and thus not understanding the answer Thors had found ("no one is your enemy"). The most beautiful thing in this show, in my opinion, is when Thorfinn actually start to come to the same conclusion and philosophy as his father did; all thanks to Askeladd's love and guidance.
Askedad was a perfect character, this was so amazing I don't think season 2 topped this, it's great for different reasons but this was such an important and fundamental moment for the story and for Thorfinn.
Contrary to what some people are saying in the comments, I don't think it's about Thorfinn's love or admiration for Askeladd, but rather about the fact that his hatred and the purpose of his revenge are a way for him to go on living, because he never thought or wanted to think beyond that about what would happen next, it's the only reason to live he could find for all his years (it's the only way of life he knows and envisions, and giving it up is harder than he imagines), and if Askeladd died, he'd lose that reason to live (of course, there's the whole story of his own redemption from his father's death, and how he unconsciously used his revenge to redeem himself). In some ways Thorfinn could have respected him, of course, but I don't think it's really a question of attachment to Askeladd. Well, it's not a question of whether Thorfinn hated her or not, he hated Askeladd, but it's obvious that he hates himself just as much or even more, one of the many reasons that justify everything I said earlier.
i feel relieved that i watched the same anime as you did ! What i mean is that all you say, i've been thinking about it and you just say it properly. Thanks man !
I gotta say. I like how both you and the show understand something very critical to enjoying this show, and understanding life in general. Where in the modern day we are blessed enough to pretend that violence doesn’t exist or that aggressive pacifism solves all problems, that’s not the world we live in. The show understands that what askalad did was horrible, and it was, it was for a much greater purpose. Sometimes people will get caught up in the village he destroyed, forgetting the numerous villages he will (hypothetically) save for doing it. Sometimes you just have to break a couple eggs. In the end it’s war. It’s bloody, ruthless and disgusting. The show simultaneously shows multiple perspectives on the issue, look no forward then to Einar for that, while also admitting that sometimes violence is what’s needed to save the things you love. It’s so much more grounded then the marvel style, “bad man bad because reasons. Good man good because he’s the protagonist” god I love this show
The first part of Vinland Saga is really Askeladd's journey to his own revenge which ended in his death. He was the main character not Thorfinn as the story revolved around him not on the latter. Season 2 is where Thorfinn becomes relevantly at the center of the story as the events happened for him to drop his revenge altogether. While season 2 is equally interesting, there is an apparent lack of profound characters which to me didn't have the same impact as season 1. Thors got me interested in the show, but I didn't mind his death if it gave us Askeladd. There's no one like that in season 2 and it's almost impossible to introduce another character who can get at least half of Askeladd's charisma. But Vinland Saga in itself has an interesting concept that still stands at the top.
The scene the really floored me was the conversation between Prince Canute and the Priest , regarding the reality of Love. No live film or tv show has ever opened my eyes like that scence did.
The Season 2 video is finished! I hope you guys enjoy it! th-cam.com/video/BYKXH_JESeM/w-d-xo.html
Since TH-cam is a lot stricter on violence in videos now, I had to censor a lot of the video. If you want to see the uncensored version and help out the channel it's on Patreon for Nobles and up.
www.patreon.com/FeebleKing21
The comments will have some spoilers for season 1, so only look if you have finished it. And please don't comment any spoilers for season 2 or future arcs.
SEASON 2
ok with a title like that im gona make sure to get back to watching this.
❤
Please do some Season 2 analysis. I have watched every episode so far with my sons and I love this anime. So far it’s second only to AOT.
F*ck censorship this is what happens when the media is controlled by gay liberals who can’t handle anything they deem offensive.
The funny thing is Thorfin has been stronger than Askalad for a long time by the end. He just can't keep his emotions in check.
I agree, except for the keeping emotions in check part. I think Thorfin needed to be consumed by rage to force himself to actially try to kill him. Yes, their relationship is messed up, but he's essentially Thorfin's only parent figure after Thors' death. He was a weak whiny orphan brat that Askelad kept around and trained, even with his own life at risk.
@@rsprsp6613 he was anything but weak, and came at no cost to askeladd. He was killing full grown adult warriors from his first battle onwards, which by itself is a massive profit. Then continued to kill a mountain of people till you see his insane ptsd in season 2. Askeladd made a killing off thorfinn, rather than lose a warrior for each kill, he now has a wood chipper he can freely throw enemies into with no losses on his side.
Thorfinn is one in trillions, untrained child pretty much maiming the strongest giant warrior with no permanent injury.
@@Kburn1985 he WAS weak, and Askelad took advantage of that to kill Thors. There's literally a dagger on his throat when Thors surrendered. The only thing Askelad was banking on was Thorfin's potential resolve and the respect he has for Thors' character, ability, and blood.
@@rsprsp6613 He's weak compared to Askeladd and his dad, but as a child, he was one in a trillion. He posed no cost no risk to Askeladd, and was a massive asset from the very get go. Weak and dumb enough not to kill you, strong enough to kill everyone else, self-sustaining and can act independently. Pretty much the perfect soldier to have in your army from day 1. Askeladd did no training at all, he let the battlefield train him. Didn't even feed or shelter him.
@@Kburn1985 You may be mixing things up. They're warriors/fighters who are always either in battle or on their way to battle. In that context, children's strength (much less their participation) is out of the question. We are not talking about Thorfin's capabilities as a child, but as a warrior/fighter.
Regarding the risk on Askelad's side, he even discussed it with the shroom guy. He argued that helping (training) someone whose main goal is to kill him could would only give him even bigger problems in the long run, that killing Thorfin early on is the safest course to take. This makes more sense when Askelad's backstory was explored-- his goals and motivations, and his relationship with shroom guy.
Thorfin's merits later on is undoubted, but none of that happened yet at the time Askelad let him tag along. We can even argue that none of that could have happened if Askelad didn't let so.
I think Thorfinn never really hated Askeladd. He hated himself for getting is father killed and he viewed Askeladd as a means for redemption. The problem is that after years of traveling with Askeladd, he grew a sense of admiration for him. That and the fact that Askeladd was always there and always leading the way gave Thorfinn’s life stability and purpose. When Askeladd died was when Thorfinn realized this and he didn’t know how to process it, so he just loses it.
I think u're onto something. You especially have a point since, SPOILERS, just before going to Vinland, Thorfinn has a flashback with the merchant guy (forgor his name) thors and Askeladd, symbolizing them as his father figures.
I don't think Thorfin loved Askelade in any form. As a viewer, I would like it to be so, but from the perspective of an anime, I simply cannot find a scene that would somehow reflect this. It was pure hatred beyond which he could see nothing.
@@tryasken I agree, i see it more like a kind of admiration and dependency because defeating Askeladd in a fair duel was Thorfinns sole life propouse to prove himself that now he is strong enough to avenge his father, later in the manga Thorfinn still uses things he learned from Askeladd and he understands everything he said in the 3rd Duel, such an amazing manga
Oh he despised Askeladd lmfao the fuck. He broke down when Askeladd dies because Thorfinn only killed and did what he did to get revenge. He lost his reason to live. Thorfinn also didn't get Thors killed. Askeladd and his "pirates" fought dirty and thats why he wanted an honorable duel because Thors was cheated. Thorfinn felt bad but he 100% hated Askeladd
No, Thorfinn says in season 2 that he straight up just hated him lmao
The relationship between Askeladd and thorfin is amazing.. he has the same look in eyes when askeladd dies as he did when Thors died. Brilliantly written and animated. Loved this show. Really emotional scenes at times
Watch the 2nd season
@@henrykk852 enjoyed it👍
Also I love the small detail that even after he drops the dagger he still reaches for askeladd. Shows how complicated his feelings must have been
@@TheBBCSlurpeeThe way Thorfinn's gaze stays at Askeladd's body as he's dragged away, and how he struggles so desperately to get back to him... It freaking kills me every time 😭
Found yo @ss, fellow Punjabi weeb
Important distinction, the village where Askeladd kills the inhabitants is not in Wales, he hears from the Welsh princes that they are facing more raids from the anglo-saxon mercians than from the danes recently. Upon hearing this, Askeladd leaves Wales to march through Mercia. He did kill those people to steal their food, but it was also revenge for the anglo-saxon raids on Wales, and the anglo-saxon conquests of the land that used to belong to the now Welsh people. Lest we forget, the anglo-saxons were also raiders from across the sea in denmark and northern germany.
Thanks for letting me know! I always thought it was odd that Askeladd kills Welsh people because he loves Wales, so it makes sense that they aren't actually Welsh since that fits his character more.
This one of the reasons why I love this show. It pays enough attention to politics and history to do these kinds of things.
I was just about to leave this comment!
@@feebleking21 I always interpreted that scene as Askeladd not WANTING to kill anyone in the village but being FORCED to by the conditions. Having marauding madmen in his entourage who NEED to be fed while in a snowstorm (otherwise his whole plan would fail) and knowing that if he let anyone live they might tell Thorkell about his whereabouts.
He always looked kind of sad and despondent to me in that scene. Like he was doing something he really didn't want to do.
@@DrunkenCoward1This is the same thing I got from it. At that point, Askeladd could sense the mutiny coming.
Askeladd is simply the 🐐
Do you mean Lucius Artorius Castus?
@@testosteroneoverdose *Lucius Artorius Chadius
Fax he became one of my favorite characters of all time
askechad
@@testosteroneoverdose cactus not castus😢
One Correction on 1:50 :
The reason why Floki hired Askeladd was because Thors was loved and respected by the leader of the Jom Vikings. He knew that if Thors came back that there would be no punishment- or alteast a less severe one. This got proven (in my opinion) when Thorkel said to Thors that Sigvaldi considers making him the next leader. He also permitted him to marry his daughter- which means that Thors children are the same blood as the leader of the Jom Vikings. And you also have to consider that he was Thorkels best friend. Thorkel was back then already considered a living legend - earning the trust and respect of all his fellow soldiers.
An Assassination was the only way to allow Floki to kill Thors without facing consequences from the Jom Vikings , Sigvaldi , the King or Thorkel.
floki just didnt want thors to be the leader of jom vikings
spolier alert:
in the manga floki wants to kill thorfinn too bcz he knows thorfinn is a threat to his own grandson to become the leader
That’s wrong, the reason why Floki hired Askeladd is because he wanted power. He knew Thors would’ve been the runner up so he couldn’t allow this
This is not a correction - this is your own opinion. Which is fine and just as valid as anybody else's opinion, but it should just be called what it is.
I thought it was because Thors would take Flokis place as General of the Jomsvikings.
@@V2rdictthat doesn't explain why he hired askeladd. He hired askeladd so he wouldn't face repurcussions for killing thors, he had thors killed for power.
I don’t think Askeladd hated all Danes. When Bjorn asked Askeladd if he was his friend and Askeladd said yes. I believe he wasn’t just giving a dying Bjorn comfort because he was visibly distraught during his duel with Thorfinn which caused him to beat Thorfinn a lot more than ending it quickly like the other duels.
It’s more like he hated the Danish condition: the Viking love of war and violence. He hated it in himself too.
@@emmanuela7528very perceptive of you, I think you’re right. He hates this characteristic in his men too.
@@emmanuela7528nicely put
He has aspd, he can very well still hate them because of his personality disorder, but his true self probably doesnt. It's just like people that show their hate towards a group once they are upset.
@@predatorysage1 As someone with ASPD, that's not ASPD.
Askeladd shows potential signs of what used to be called sociopathy, but in reality he exercises way too much empathy towards others.
The falling knife reflection sequence is possibly one of the greatest cinematic moments I've ever seen.
For reallll!!!
It makes me cry because of how beautiful it was. Vinland Saga is one of the best stories ever told. I can't believe I am lucky enough to be alive in the time I can experience it.
@@dreambiscuitsmakes it even better that it’s historically accurate in terms of the kings and what they did. Obviously some things like the poisonings and how king svien are made up for the story, but battles, and even thorkall are real people of history
It was truly beautiful, a masterpiece on it's own
@@dreambiscuits bullshit, go outside and touch some grass. think about what you just typed kid.
I love the dynamic between Thorfinn and Canute. We watch Thorfinn become more human while Canute becomes a monster
Exactly season 2 is chefs kiss
Canute's moment of enlightenment during the big battle in the snow in season 1 was also chef's kiss
Canute and Thorfinn are both idealists, they are utopians who want to make the world a better place. That’s why Thorfinn is able to get through to him at the end of the second arc, and it makes him totally change his political strategy and become less of a tyrant. Canute does monstrous things, it’s true, but is he a monster?
@ameliabrittain3689 it took the monster he once knew to bring him back to humanity.
The scene with the knife drop always gives me chills. Such a beautiful way to end a story, not just visually but symbolically
Like him or hate him, Askeladd became a 2nd father for Thorfinn. His original father was heroic, honest, and full of integrity. You would think those characteristics would be great, but in the world they live in- they are a weakness. With Askeladd, he is the exact opposite!!!! Askeladd is a survivor, he will lie, cheat and steal in order to survive. But deep down, there is some sentimentality between Thorfinn and Askeladd. You can see that there is a bond between the two of them, Askeladd could've killed Thorfinn anytime, but he kept him alive!
Slight correction, Thorfinn fought Askaladd way more than 4 times, its implied that during the timeskip they repeatedly fought and Thorfinn lost every single time. I think that’s important to note because for the majority of thorfinn’s life (by the time Askaladd dies), thorfinn had repeatedly been knocked down every single time he tried to achieve his only goal, which made his failure to kill Askaladd in the end all the more painful for him, because his goal was taken from him after over 10 years of failing to achieve it over and over again
Askeladd was like the anime father i hated, but loved and couldnt let go of
Blud thinks he’s thorfin😭💀
+++
Couldn’t agree more
@@souzaaznos Ahhh corny ahh thorfin comment
No joke, I saw the title of your video when it first came out, and it was enough to convince me to binge the whole first season of Vinland over this last week! It was VERY much worth the watch!! A friend had recommended the show to me a while ago, but seeing Feeble King make a video about it convinced me to finally give it a shot!
I'm happy that you enjoyed it! Vinland Saga is definitely a top 5 anime for me.
are you enjoying s2?
@@hplus1 you’re comment made me laugh 😂👌
Did you like season 2 ? 😅
Askeladd is not much more villain than any other character, the meaning of this anime is not to portray things as black/villain and white/hero, but seeing each character has a inner conflict with what they strife for and their own need to survive.
Askeladd wanting to save his original homeland from the vikings, and Thorfinn wanting to risk his life to kill Askeladd in a dual.
One of them actually managing to reach their goal, which in turn means the other never can achieve his goal.
Askeladd didnt just kill his "father" he killed the man who raped his mother and basically worked her to her death as a slave.
Most character pretty much black with a tiny hint of white
@@Aryan-qv5qkyeah it’s mainly the main characters that are a bit more complex. I think askeladd was the most interesting one
The season 2 is so well written. What an anime!
Ye, farmland saga about uninteresting background characters and 1% about thorfinn
@@newvikturus go back to naruto
manga is crazy but season 2 is trash
@@newvikturus i can tell you don't enjoy character development and just craves for action. Go watch some bloody shonen if you care that much.
@@HydroK9.. 1st season was interisting not because of action only, it was askeladd with his mindgames through all the season, we watched all his plans, 2nd season doesn't bring any of interesting things, it's monotony, boring, and full of absolute unrememberable characters like eirin or how it, arnheiz etc, they are all are nobody, just a fillers
Askeladd is without a doubt my favorite character in all of fiction.
In my subjective opinion, i love his design, alias, real name, perdonality, and actions.
From an objective standpoint. He is a feat in literature. Narratively, he is the singlemost perfect thing ever concieved. The amount of parallels that can be drawn between him and other characters is immense. He is the centerpiece of the prologue, but even after his death, the gravity of his life continues to shape the world of Vinland Saga.
A vile piece of shit, a great father, and a hero. Lucius Artorius Castus is someone I will never forget.
Most based comment
Great vid. That knife drop right before Thorfin was carted away became my favorite scene in all of anime/manga/cinema ever and probably will be until the day that I die. Thorfin's entire character arc was reflected in those few seconds and I instinctually went through the whole season of the show in my mind. Similar to how Thorfin lost who he was over the years, it was hard for the viewer to remember that some 20 episodes ago, Thorfin was this bright, adorable, and cheery kid with a loving family in a distant land, probably wondering what became of him and if he'll ever return home. The scenes immediately following the knife drop, juxtaposed the previous scene's feelings of loss and despair and replaced them with feelings of promise and hope.
At that moment, not only did you find yourself craving for the seasons to come but you immediately felt vindicated for taking the chance on this anime. I, for one, never thought a historical drama about Vikings, made by the Japanese could be so good and never did I think the show would explore as many themes as it did, rather than just over indulging in action. I'm caught up on season 2 right now and obviously the Manga is much further ahead but I can confidently say that season 1 of Vinland Saga is the closet that I've ever seen an anime come to reaching perfection.
Season 2 is pretty damn good, too.
I agree with this so much like the general vibe and at the end him reaching for Askeladd is something out of this world this anime will definetly be something that I wont forget
It's crazy how Askelaad stopped Thorfinn in his tracks just by posing him the question of what he plans to do with the rest of his life when he's finally killed him.
Truly shows you how far gone Thorfinn was at that point.
When Askeladd sat down and shared his story with Thorfinn and Canute, I jumped up "that's the main fucking character!" Hated Askeladd then I loved him then he was killed, what a journey!
Dependence based on absolute hate is indistinguishable from that which comes from absolute love. When someone else becomes the reason for your existence, losing them will break you, whether you loved or hated them, all the same.
Feeble King always delivers quality content 🐐
Its always pleasant to see someone who actually understands the complexity of this series
The audacity of author Makoto Yukimura to name Askeladd's final chapter as "54: End of the Prologue" was incredible on his part.
Regarding the most emotion I've ever felt during a tv show or anime, it has to be eclipse in Berserk to me, hands down. This is still top 5 for me though, Vinland Saga kicks ass.
That's another great scene too!
@feebleking21 idk if I would call the Eclipse great. I mean, it is really well-made and imaginative, but scarring would be the right word haha
Just seems like the wrong emotion to have about the Eclipse if you know what happens in it...
Askeladd is one of my favorite characters, something I never thought I would say after Vinland Saga's first episodes
SAME.
I’ve never been a fan of anime, but a friend told me to put that aside and give this a chance. So glad I did damn it’s good. I binge watched it in like 3 days.
Absolutely great video man, keep this shit up! And I'm feeling very good about Season 2, I think it's gonna be wonderful
Farmland Arc Hype!
This was a good recap for S2
Perfect timing to release it. I’m so hyped for S2
Vinland saga needs more respect, like if you agree
I thought it already did? From what I have seen it has tons of respect
Having also read PLANETES, I must confess that Makoto Yukimura is a rare type of storyteller. The themes he tackles are so complex, but he crafts the characters and situations so delicately and imaginatively that it just works. He truly understands people and the human condition in a way very few writers in any medium do. He’s a master.
Wow I am speechless. You put into words how I felt about this story so well. This will help so many others come to give an unorthodox anime a chance because it is that GOOD. It is one of the best Manga's I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Who would have thought, during this period of large saturation of vikings shows, an anime about the viking invasions would be the best one of them all. To me, this show is on par the The Last Kingdom, if not better
If i recall correctly. When they were raiding the villages i never saw Askeladd murdering them with his men. I always saw him give the comman and made his men do the dirty work. Not saying this to redeem him since giving the command is almost the same as doing it but it only enforces that he didn't actually like being a Viking.
As a life time Anime watcher, an anime this good comes only maybe once every 10 years. There've been many excellent and amazing anime no doubt (Death Note, Chainsaw Man, Laputa Island, Nausicaa - Valley of the Wind, Akira, Bubblegum Crisis, Captain Future, etc). Vinland Saga is in a league by itself. There's isn't a single frame in the ENTIRE anime that's wasted. When the characters are hurt, YOU FEEL FOR THEM!!!
My guy can you plz name few more anime, i wanna watch more like this one and your experience of lifetime would be good help.
@@SAIYANPRINCE777Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, Fullmetal Alchemist, Berserk (1997), Ghost in the Shell. Are what I can think of off the top of my head as the GOAT anime. Definitely look them up.
I mean spending an ENTIRE EPISODE on a conversation where nothing pushes the story forward at all happens is a massive waste of 24 mins
Thank you for the great list! I’m new to anime!! If you have anymore anyone please tell me!
@@possummagic3571Naruto is goat anime
he really was the main charecter. it was just told from Thorfinn's eyes
very epic video Feeble King what could we do without you
To me now the best scene is with Thorfinn and a certain someone in the latest chapters. Absolutely heartbreaking to see him like this but so happy at the same time. You can't get scenes like these without great characters.
The 'I forgive you, thorfinn' scene?
@@Arduino_Projects-u6j or might it be the "i have no enemies" scene?
Leif?
@@erlouwer it’s not that scene bro, did you read the comment ? he’s talking abt manga latest chapter no enemies happened in like episode 2 of anime
@@zave_02 nah, i mean the other "no enemies" scene. The one were Thorfinn is the one saying the line, one of the most iconic moments in this show
realizing that the whole arc was just the prologue was such a mind fuck
This video is one of the many reasons why I still depend on TH-cam for content. Great job on the analysis and connecting with the content. Really glad the algorithm recommended this. All the best!
I love how this story is finally getting more and more of the praise it deserves, whether it be anime or manga
12:30 Important detail : here askeladd was in english territories, and he persecuted the saxons, not the welsh, this was shown very intentionally in the anime, when askeladd suddenly decided to turn to England instead of Wales and chose the rounder route, since the cold weather, askeladd knew he would be forced to pillage villages for food and he didn't want to pillage Welsh ones.
Askeladd when he asked Thors to be their leader, I knew this character is deeper then it seems, and it was settled. I'm amazed by the philosophical depth of this anime, i mean in very very secular way, no magic but yet very magical. I agree, writers of this show are clever and much creative how all these characters are developed. Askeladd is the king-joker-magician. This show has dragged me through so many levels of emotions, common in anime genre, yes, but this has been my favorite yet so far.
Is it very common for anime to be this emotional? This is my first real attempt at watching anime and I binged all of season one in one day.. I couldn't stop it was that good.
@@voidcheque7019 From opening music to ending this is well done, ofc it is personal opinion. I think it truly is one of anime fundamental part, and if it hits it hits. It's all Pokemon without pokemons, all about how well viewer invest itself to characters or/and whole story/world. This applies to any genre, but how anime does it, is just all over the place at once. When animators and writers really collide well with emotion and motion it's close to magic. Good luck with Hayao Miyazaki productions and forever on-going TV shows and abstract/obscure world of ANIME. *Helmet on, it's gona be wild ride. (I regret nothing!.. Except One Piece, but just a little bit.)
@@voidcheque7019there are many different genres of anime just like there are many different genres of movies or series ir books. Vinland Saga is what you'd call a "seinen" which is made specifically for adult viewers and themes. If you like stories with emotional content I would recommend the animes Violet Evergarden, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and the anime movie Your Name. Start with Your Name because it's one movie and see how it makes you feel. Anime is a broad artform and there are many amazing stories that touch the soul.
I thought the show couldn’t get better but then the character development of season 2 hit deep
The dagger dropping is one of my favourite panels in manga and one of my favourite moments in fiction
It's a story replete with moments that make you stop and ponder what you're doing with your life.
Another powerful sequence of events, the girl that wanted a ring. I had read it already but when I watched it adapted in the anime I sat there in silence, deeply moved by what I had just seen.
didnt expect to se this video on your channel but its still cool to see since season 2 just started
This was perfection. You did such a good job, you deserve every bit of the the success this video got. I can feel your passion in this man. I sent this to all my mates. We all went on Amazon and got that first blue ray. Thats how you pay homage to your favorite art forms. You get a whole new generation behind its support. I would have never bought this without watching this. Well done 👏
Just rewatched this episode to prepare for season 2
Thorfinn tried to kill Askelad while he' was asleep just like Askelad did with his father, but Thorfinn wanted a fair fight. He for sure won his respect at this moment.
Respect ?
No, Askelad explain him at the last duel. Thorfinn is stupid. Honor doesnt exist in this world. He killed his own father when he sleep and say this is the only good choice.
@@KS-sy9cc bht for sure he has his own morals and honor. Like when he said he will spare all of thors men... Which he did.
Everyone has their own moral !
I watched this finale 2 days ago! Watching Thorfinn lose his second father almost brought tears to my eyes. And the message Asklaad left him with was so powerful. I can’t wait to see how that changes thorfinn.
Wonderful video 🙌🏾
This was a wonderfully made video to convey a beautiful message. Thank you very much for this gem!
Askeladds death is my favourite moment in fiction
This scene rocks. I absolutely loved how it all played out.
23:00 I don't think love is the right word. I think the only reason Thorfinn couldn't defeat Askeladd was because of his rage, Thorfinn isn't as strategic as Askeladd and was very stubborn in wanting an "honourable dual". I do think Thorfinn looks up to Askeladd as a mentor, but not at all as a father figure. The only reason he was mad when Askeladd got killed by Canute was because all that time he spent with Askeladd was for nothing, he wanted to kill Askeladd himself for revenge but in the end completely wasted 11 years and him screaming is him coming to that realisation.
When Askeladd explains to Thorfinn his life's story it's not to highlight how they are similar, it's to highlight the opposite.
"I will tell you how to properly kill a man you despise." What is the lesson? That you backstab him. That you don't give him the chance to fight back.
When Askeladd first reaches Britain with Thorfinn he presents the boy with a chance to do what he did, he let's Thorfinn have a clean shot at killing him in his "sleep", but Thorfinn doesn't do it. Thorfinn can't despise Askeladd because something of Thors lives inside his own heart.
Askeladd always knew that Thorfinn would never kill him. He doesn't lose his cool because he hates Askeladd, he loses his cool because he doesn't know how to feel about himself when fighting Askeladd.
It kinda pisses me off this gets less views, especially when the content was so great... I hope this doesn't discourage you from another anime video, because this was genuinely awesome.
I couldn’t agree more
Did you post this when it still had super low views :O?
Look at the vid now
@@MetalRaimon dude holy God, it had 2k views when i posted this
god has corrected the world 😇
What you talking about lol this is his most viewed video and it has like 500k views
@@skateplays8880read my reply above
remember reading vinland saga like ages ago was so glad they made anime adaptation
This makes me love Season 2 even more, Thorfinn finally becomes the main character he was meant to be
What a great breakdown of the first season. Sometimes all the episodes feel like seperate pieces that don't make sense, but you've clarified their intricate connection, thanks man! I'll be watching more.
Another great part of that final scene is Askeladd asking Thorfinn what he wants to do after he's killed him. He says something like, "Have you ever thought about it? Even once?" and the look on Thorfinn's face betrays that he obviously hasn't, not even once, thought of his future beyond his revenge.. And it's so heartbreakingly sad. But god that scene, the music as the knife is falling, Thorfinn's voice actor screaming like a wild beast as he's dragged away.. It's really peak anime. The direction throughout all of season one is singularly phenomenal.
My other favorite scene of this season is Canute's "awakening" where he sees Ragnar's ghost and has that conversation with the priest. What, really, truly, is love? Fuck dude, I'm tearing up just thinking about it.
I remember the first time I watched an emotionally charged anime. It was mind blowing. I spent the next year searching for all of what are considered the best of the best for different genres. Now that I’ve finished most of the greats it’s very sad. But boy it was a journey.
Which ones did you watch? ☺️
Names pls😭
He gatekeeping😭
i love your videos so much man, u deserve more
It's only a matter of time, the content is way too good
@@JuliusCaesar103 yep
Askelad is the only villain who made me cry at his last act.
Even though he committed so many atrocities over the course of anime, still, I can't help but mourn his loss.
Even in season 2 askelad appears as a father figure to thorfin more times than his own dad.
MAN these videos just reminds me of some of the greatest memories of the animes
seeing askeladd finally showing he cared for thorfinn in the end by telling him to become a great warrior brought a chill for me when i was watching.
In English class, we had to break down stories into parts and explain them. This was always done in such a way that made me feel like the essence of the story was ruined.
This video essay is what I think all those teachers were trying to teach. You didn't just break it down and lay out the bones. You actually enhanced one of my favorite stories.
This was some solid work. You should be proud of this.
Askeladd is not my favorite character but what he did in that scene was one of my favorite scenes ever in any show.
The fact that hollow knight music is running in background is great at least and phenomenal at best
After watching this a time ago, I had no idea about these things. I appreciate the clarity you have brought. This show is much deeper than I expected.
This video could be applied nearly 1 to 1 for the Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter x Hunter. Thorfinn is Gon and Askeladd is Meruem. I love these kind of stories where the Protagonist and Anagonist are on the same path facing in opposite directions.
Now THAT'S my pick for greatest scene in anime (not Gon being a weirdo and abusing plot armor, that's one of the worst; I'm talking about any scene with King and Komugi)
Goatland saga
it’s a shame this video didn’t gain as much traction as your video game videos. i’d understand if you don’t make more but at the same time i’d love to hear your opinions on other forms of media. you are a very thoughtful and intelligent person
Lol now it’s his most popular video
This is why I say people who say s2 was boring didn't understand s1 and didn't understand the immense depth of that final scene.
Can’t go wrong with Hollow Knight as the background track, always adds the right vibe
i was very confused about the story, thanks for explaining it in an easy to understand way, and good music choices
Greatest scene in Anime is where White Beard says „The One Piece, the One Piece is Real!“
Vineland saga + hollow knight soundtrack's= absolute joy
ngl hollow knight ost goes hard
Askechadd.
This is the best video essay on Vinland Saga season one! You have a new subscriber.
Great video!!
17:31 is why we all here
The ending is brilliant, but the other parts of the story are genius as well when it comes to Askeladd.
You know he is a horrible person, but you can't help liking him. You grow really fond of him as the story progesses even though you shouldn't.
It's genius because those conflicting feeling you have about Askeladd mirror Thorfinns.
You understand Thorfinns emotional struggle, because you have the same first hand experience with Askeladd. When you watch them duel, you don't want Thorfinn to win. And at the very end you don't want Askeladd to die.
Deep down, Thorfinn doesn't want to kill Askeladd. No one needs to say it out loud or even hint at it. You know it because you are feeling it yourself. It's perfection in terms of writing and storytelling. Askeladd is objectively a perfect character.
You nailed it. He doesn’t want to kill Askeladd at all. When he came into the hall, his first instinct was to help Askeladd escape. He just can’t process his emotions properly so he reaches out to the first one: rage. But beneath that, there’s so much more and it confuses him too.
Funny thing is, Askeladd knows all of this. He tells Thorfinn “If you really wanted to kill me, you’ll have killed me long ago”. Askeladd desperately wanted Thorfinn to move on. He felt a lot of compassion for him.
The love that Askeladd offered Thorfinn, the tough love, was the only type of love that Thorfinn was susceptible to at the time. Thorfinn could not receive nor understand the love his father Thors gave him; not understanding what his father had been through and thus not understanding the answer Thors had found ("no one is your enemy"). The most beautiful thing in this show, in my opinion, is when Thorfinn actually start to come to the same conclusion and philosophy as his father did; all thanks to Askeladd's love and guidance.
Wait until a certain Woman speaks certain words to a certain person and then we talk about "the greatest scene" again ;)
Askedad was a perfect character, this was so amazing I don't think season 2 topped this, it's great for different reasons but this was such an important and fundamental moment for the story and for Thorfinn.
For me, you can't watch Vinland Saga and treat it like some ordinary animes. Treat it like you watch some great tv shows. Absolute masterpiece.
Love you making a video on a seinen titan like Vinland. Fits very well with the soulslike content
Meanwhile:
Dbz fans: is he stronger than goku tho
Contrary to what some people are saying in the comments, I don't think it's about Thorfinn's love or admiration for Askeladd, but rather about the fact that his hatred and the purpose of his revenge are a way for him to go on living, because he never thought or wanted to think beyond that about what would happen next, it's the only reason to live he could find for all his years (it's the only way of life he knows and envisions, and giving it up is harder than he imagines), and if Askeladd died, he'd lose that reason to live (of course, there's the whole story of his own redemption from his father's death, and how he unconsciously used his revenge to redeem himself). In some ways Thorfinn could have respected him, of course, but I don't think it's really a question of attachment to Askeladd. Well, it's not a question of whether Thorfinn hated her or not, he hated Askeladd, but it's obvious that he hates himself just as much or even more, one of the many reasons that justify everything I said earlier.
Please make one on season 2 this was amazing
i feel relieved that i watched the same anime as you did ! What i mean is that all you say, i've been thinking about it and you just say it properly. Thanks man !
If you haven't seen Vinland saga you are doing yourself a disservice.
The hollow knight music makes this video amazing
One of the few tales that moved me in wanting to be a better man/son/father.
Only after 2nd season
I gotta say. I like how both you and the show understand something very critical to enjoying this show, and understanding life in general.
Where in the modern day we are blessed enough to pretend that violence doesn’t exist or that aggressive pacifism solves all problems, that’s not the world we live in. The show understands that what askalad did was horrible, and it was, it was for a much greater purpose. Sometimes people will get caught up in the village he destroyed, forgetting the numerous villages he will (hypothetically) save for doing it. Sometimes you just have to break a couple eggs.
In the end it’s war. It’s bloody, ruthless and disgusting. The show simultaneously shows multiple perspectives on the issue, look no forward then to Einar for that, while also admitting that sometimes violence is what’s needed to save the things you love. It’s so much more grounded then the marvel style, “bad man bad because reasons. Good man good because he’s the protagonist” god I love this show
The first part of Vinland Saga is really Askeladd's journey to his own revenge which ended in his death. He was the main character not Thorfinn as the story revolved around him not on the latter. Season 2 is where Thorfinn becomes relevantly at the center of the story as the events happened for him to drop his revenge altogether. While season 2 is equally interesting, there is an apparent lack of profound characters which to me didn't have the same impact as season 1. Thors got me interested in the show, but I didn't mind his death if it gave us Askeladd. There's no one like that in season 2 and it's almost impossible to introduce another character who can get at least half of Askeladd's charisma. But Vinland Saga in itself has an interesting concept that still stands at the top.
The scene the really floored me was the conversation between Prince Canute and the Priest , regarding the reality of Love.
No live film or tv show has ever opened my eyes like that scence did.
Definitely make more videos on quality anime
Anything you say Sean Bateman!
that was so well written and put together awesome fkin video man
I love your channel and am new to youtube creation. Do you still make money off vids even though you use music from shows and games?
yeah
@@feebleking21 incredible