Vinland Saga: Thorfinn and Askeladd’s History, Explained

Nearly four years ago, Vinland Saga‘s first season introduces the story of Thorfinn and his grudge against Askeladd, the leader of a band of mercenary Vikings. The story, on the surface, is quite simple, with the main protagonist (Thorfinn) swearing vengeance against the story’s antagonist (Askeladd) for killing his father. Thorfinn finds himself in a juxtaposition as he understands that to claim his revenge, he must work alongside Askeladd. A six-year-old boy with no battle experience takes to the seas with Vikings for the next ten years, learning their ways of war and gaining the ability to kill, all while doing this under the rule of his father’s murderer.