Thorfinn (Vinland Saga)
A Viking warrior who seeks peace after a revenge quest.
Thorfinn, also called Thorfinn Karlsefni and Thorfinn Thordarson, is a fictional character and the protagonist of the manga series Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura. Introduced as a teenage Viking warrior, he seeks to kill his commander Askeladd for slaying his father Thors. Over time, the adult Thorfinn questions his violent past and dreams of a land without violence.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Vinland Saga
- First
- Vinland Saga chapter 1: "Normanni" (2005)
- Creator
- Makoto Yukimura
Facts from the source article.
Creation
Yukimura conceived Thorfinn as a protagonist fated to do violence, intending to create a violent character who grows to love peace after a major conflict ends the revenge quest typical of traditional storytelling. A major influence was Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star; Yukimura had mixed feelings about how Kenshiro tried to help others, which gave him ideas for Thorfinn's heroism. Thorfinn is loosely based on the historical explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni, whose story attracted Yukimura when reading a book. The limited information about the real Thorfinn gave Yukimura freedom in developing the fictional character. When fans asked about Thorfinn's birthday, Yukimura noted the real Thorfinn's birth date is unknown but gave his fictional Thorfinn's birthday as February 3. Yukimura's editor opposed the original idea of Thorfinn being a slave, so the character became a Viking; the author agreed, wanting Thorfinn to understand the tragedy he causes as a Viking later in the narrative. Yukimura believes Thorfinn's growth with Askeladd was well executed. Most characters exist to serve Thorfinn's needs, with Askeladd being a rare exception as both mentor and enemy. Their relationship is meant to resemble father and son; Yukimura planned Askeladd's death and Thorfinn's reaction from the beginning. The relationship between Einar and Thorfinn is complicated, as they cannot help each other due to a dark narrative. The staff discussed Thorfinn's condition after the season finale to determine how much savagery remained in him. Thorfinn and Einar's relationship was essential for entertainment, and the staff was glad they spent time on it, considering it one of the strongest parts of the anime.
Appearances
Thorfinn is introduced as a young Viking working for Askeladd, seeking revenge for his father Thors's death. Flashbacks show him as an innocent child in Iceland who wanted to visit Vinland after hearing Leif and who snuck onto Thors's boat, witnessing his father's death at Askeladd's hands. Askeladd's company serves as mercenaries under Danish King Sweyn in the invasion of London in 1013 AD, while the British are aided by Thorkell the Tall, Thorfinn's uncle. Thorfinn faces Thorkell alone, claiming Askeladd is his prey, and defeats Thorkell, earning fame as Thorfinn Karlsefni. Askeladd kills Sweyn during an audience, feigning madness, so Prince Canute can rule without question. Thorfinn attacks Canute but is stopped by Thorkell. A year after Askeladd's death, Thorfinn works on Ketil's farm, befriending slave Einar, who teaches him farming. With Einar, Snake, and Sverker's help, Thorfinn lets go of his dark past and pursues peace. After failing to save Arnheid and her husband, Thorfinn and Einar swear to create a utopia in Vinland. Canute renounces attacking the farm after seeing Thorfinn's pacifism. Freed, Thorfinn and Einar sail to Iceland with Leif.
Reception
Early response to Thorfinn focused on his tragic characterization involving his father's death. His dysfunctional relationship with Askeladd was criticized for turning him into a pawn and for his failure to avenge his father over several chapters. Anime UK News criticized his dark traits such as moody stares and angst. Polygon compared Thorfinn to The Northman's protagonists due to similar revenge quests and historical bases, and praised his relationship with Askeladd, whom he sees as both enemy and father figure. Thorfinn's constant questions about his father's death were noted as central to the anime. The Escapist Magazine noted parallels between Askeladd, Thorfinn, and Canute in seeking revenge against parents, with the narrative showing none gain from it. After Askeladd's death, critics were surprised by Thorfinn's quieter personality and found his life as a slave interesting. The Daily Star found his mundane slave life brought stories about redemption and self-discovery. Screen Rant noted that even as slaves, Einar and Thorfinn are victims of violence. Anime News Network said Thorfinn becomes flat after losing innocence until Einar convinces him to enjoy life. Anime News Network also noted Thorfinn and Canute's values contradicted each other at the farm. Polygon compared Thorfinn to pacifists like Shigeo Kageyama and Naruto Uzumaki, highlighting his wisdom when learning about Christianity and telling Canute's army 'I have no enemies' as a highlight of redefining himself.
More in Characters & Titans
Elsewhere in Attack on Titan
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced