After watching Vinland Saga season 2, I realized that it is completely different from season 1. It changed the main character so much.
Thorfinn’s Transformation
After Askeladd dies, Thorfinn is lost. He wanted revenge, but now he can’t get it. King Canute decides not to kill Thorfinn. Instead, he makes Thorfinn a slave because Thorfinn has no purpose. Thorfinn is sold to a Danish landowner named Ketil and starts working on Ketil’s big farm in Denmark. On Ketil’s farm, Thorfinn meets Einar, another slave from England. Einar’s family was killed by Vikings, so he hates them. Despite this, Einar and Thorfinn become friends. They work together to grow crops on a piece of land given to them by Ketil. Einar helps Thorfinn see the value of life beyond fighting.
Life on Ketil’s Farm
Ketil’s farm is full of its own problems and power struggles. Ketil is kind to his slaves but also very ambitious. He has two sons, Thorgil and Olmar. Thorgil is a tough warrior, while Olmar wants to prove himself but struggles to do so. Thorfinn struggles with his past. He has nightmares and feels guilty about the people he killed. He remembers his father Thors’ teachings about peace and realizes that revenge is empty. Thorfinn starts to change, looking for a new purpose in life.
Rise of King Canute
In the meantime, Canute became the king of England, and Denmark, faced many challenges. He wants to create a strong and united kingdom. Canute makes tough decisions and becomes more ruthless. He even killed his own brother by poisoning him. He eliminates threats and controls rebellious areas.
Leif Erikson’s Search
Leif Erikson, an explorer and old friend of Thors, searches for Thorfinn. He wants to bring Thorfinn back to Iceland. Leif finds Thorfinn on Ketil’s farm and sees that Thorfinn has changed. Leif’s arrival gives Thorfinn hope for a new future without violence.
Rising Tensions and Rebellion
Tensions rise on Ketil’s farm, and the slaves plan a rebellion because of Ketil’s harsh measures. Thorfinn and Einar are caught in the conflict, torn between wanting freedom and fearing the consequences. Thorkell, a powerful warrior, returns and serves Canute. He is sent to stop the rebellion on Ketil’s farm. Thorkell’s presence brings back old conflicts, forcing Thorfinn to face his past again. The clash between Thorkell’s love of battle and Thorfinn’s new beliefs creates intense tension.
The Battle and Thorfinn’s Growth
The rebellion reaches its peak with a fierce battle. Thorfinn, Einar, and the other slaves fight for their freedom, while Ketil’s forces, supported by Thorkell’s warriors, try to crush them. The battle is brutal, showing the harsh reality of the Viking world. During the chaos, Thorfinn’s change becomes clear. He fights to protect his friends, not for revenge. Thorfinn shows his growth by making smart and kind decisions, proving his internal change.
A New Beginning
After the rebellion, Thorfinn and Einar face an uncertain future. Thorfinn’s journey of self-discovery is just beginning. He dreams of reaching Vinland, a land of peace. Season 2 ends with Thorfinn starting a new journey, determined to live by his father’s principles and build a life free from his past. Thorfinn’s change reflects his father Thors’ belief in using strength to protect others, not for conquest. Season 2 of Vinland Saga highlights themes of redemption, identity, and breaking free from violence. Thorfinn’s journey is not over, but he is on the path to a peaceful future.