Canute (Vinland Saga)
Prince of the Danes who seeks to build a utopia on Earth.
Canute is a character from the manga series Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura, based on the historical King Canute the Great. Initially portrayed as timid and feminine, he undergoes a sharp reversal of personality after his retainer's death and becomes a strong, kingly figure with a messianic ambition to create utopia on Earth. He serves as the foil to the protagonist Thorfinn, and his character arc has drawn positive critical response.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Vinland Saga
- First
- Vinland Saga chapter 21: "Valhalla"
- Creator
- Makoto Yukimura
- Voice
- Japanese; Kensho Ono; English; Jessie James Grelle (Crunchyroll dub), Griffin Burns (Netflix dub)
Facts from the source article.
Creation
Makoto Yukimura based Canute on the historical figure Cnut but said his personality came from his own interpretation, as he did not research the historical figure when writing the manga. Canute was created as a foil to the protagonist Thorfinn; while Thorfinn develops values based on the author, Yukimura wanted readers to see that someone always holds a different idea. Early in the series, Canute deeply cares for his caretaker Ragnar and is challenged after Ragnar's death. Yukimura noted that if people changed their point of view, it could be seen as discrimination, since Canute treats one person more specially than others. The author said he would do anything to defend his own family if they were in danger, but if love means treating everyone the same, he does not think he feels it, and that such love is not an emotion worthy of praise; only when people shed their physical shells are they complete and able to express love. Canute's power in the second story arc emphasizes how he becomes the new cause behind the violent world Thorfinn experienced and wants to escape. In their eventual reunion, Yukimura contrasts their viewpoints: Thorfinn abandons hope and seeks his own way, while Canute escapes from him searching for his own hope. Yukimura was told by editors not to draw Canute with a beard because it would interfere with the bishonen archetype and reduce popularity, but he rejected this, saying every man of that era had a beard.
Appearances
Canute is introduced as the 17-year-old prince of the Danes, timid and womanly, unable to function without his retainer Ragnar. Vikings led by Askeladd become mercenaries under King Sweyn after Canute is kidnapped by Thorkell the Tall; Askeladd's group rescues the prince, and Thorfinn becomes his bodyguard. Askeladd has Ragnar killed to make Canute more independent. After questioning his love for Ragnar, Canute undergoes a sharp reversal, becoming strong and kingly and developing an ambition to create utopia on Earth before God's return. He stops fights between Thorkell and Askeladd's forces and takes command. He plots to overthrow his father Sweyn Forkbeard and take the Danish crown. Askeladd sacrifices himself by killing Sweyn during an audience; Canute kills Askeladd, and Thorfinn tries to kill Canute but is stopped by Thorkell. Canute then takes over Dane-occupied England. Later, as king, he marches against Ethelred II, punishes his troops for pillaging, and sets massive pyres to demonstrate power. After other royals die, Canute is recognized as Bretwalda, King of England. Corrupted actions lead to visions of King Sweyn's head, accusing Canute of poisoning his brother Harald to become king of both Denmark and England.
Reception
Critical response to Canute has been positive. The Mary Sue praised his role in the first story arc for schemes against the king and the season's ending with his killing of Askeladd, giving potential for a bigger role. Den of Geek noted that while Thorfinn is the protagonist, both he and Canute are under Askeladd's eyes, who seems to care for their futures despite his violence. The Escapist Magazine commented that the first arc explores revenge and consequences through Canute detesting his father due to favouritism, causing major impact from his corrupted portrayal in his patricide quest. Screen Rant found his storyline compelling for how he changes from a confined prince to a corrupted person after learning harsh realities, plotting patricide with Askeladd; the website noted that in the second season, Canute fights alone but has political power, making it more interesting. But Why Tho said Thorkell's brief second-season appearance included a powerful exchange with Canute that excited the reviewer. Geekmi was surprised by how different Canute's design was in the second season, appearing to appeal to a different audience. After the second story arc, Canute was absent from most of the next arc but makes brief returns in the final arc, leading to fandom curiosity about whether he would die; whether Yukimura would adapt the figure's death was kept unknown, as the real Canute died naturally in 1035.
More in Characters & Warriors
Elsewhere in Vinland Saga
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced