List of Vinland Saga characters

The manga series Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura contains a mixture of historical, apocryphal, and invented characters in its cast. The major characters are of Danish descent—Vikings brought to England to assist King Sweyn's invasion of the country. The series is divided into four story arc focused on Thorfinn, a young viking who wishes to kill his superior Askeladd as revenge for the death of his father, Thors. In following arcs, an older Thorfinn questions his sins and decides to atone for them by finding the land Vinland which he was told as a child where people can live in peace. However, Thorfinn has issues with starting a new life as he is encounters people related to his life as a viking who share interests on the young man.

Several major characters from the War arc of Vinland Saga.
The major characters of the fourth arc of Vinland Saga.

The series was influenced by Makoto Yukimura's thoughts with vikings as thety were hailed as heroes despite their violent methods with Thorfinn's development being how to atone for his killings. As the story progresses, Yukimura creates new characters needed to help the protagonist often using historical figures. Critical response to the cast has been positive for their traits and action scenes.

Creation

While the vikings are recognized as heroes, Yukimura wanted to explain the harsh reality that was their era. Because of the harsh violence, the character of Thorfinn was always drawn with a serious expression in the first arc as well as with self-deprecation one in the following where he pitied himself for his sins. As a result, the character of Thorkell is characterized as more comical and thus makes the battles more enjoyable to draw.[1] While Thorfinn's design changes across the manga, Yukimura gave attention to the several cuts in Thorfinn's hands as a result as a sign of always fighting alone.[2] When drawing, Yukimura paid attention to drawing hands as he claims they are more expressive than faces and give a brief explanation of the person's personality. This was influenced by manga author Katsuhiro Otomo.[2]

Yukimura insists that when writing the characters, most of them are who Thorfinn need with Askeladd being a rare exception as he is both Thorfinn's mentor and an enemy at the same time. Their relationship is also meant to look like father and son as during the beginning of the series, Yukimura was planning Askeladd's death and how Thorfinn would react to that. Another complicated relationship involves Einar and Thorfinn as the two cannot help each other due to dark narrative they are involved. Across several things Thorfinn does in the manga, one of them was learning the effects of revenge and how it affects others. Yukimura has regrets in how he wrote Einar.[3]

Several characters are based on real life. The historical Leif Eiriksson is one of the most famous Norsemen according to the author. However, Yukimura imagined that he would have had a very weak nature as a warrior so he instead fleshed him out as a strong adventurer. In retrospect, Yukimura found that the series features prominently male characters as the female ones either have few screentime or die. One of the few exceptions is Gudrid due to how she is based on a historical figure with the same name who makes a major impact on Thorfinn's life and the author tries being faithful to such event. Meanwhile, the revengeful hunter Hild was made to remind Thorfinn of his sins as a viking in the same way with how the series starts with Thorfinn wanting revenge on Askeladd.[3]

For the anime adaptation of the series, Wit Studio said there was a strong sense of camaraderie toward an individual, Askeladd, that brought them vikings together. They portrayed Askeladd as being able to take charge because others viewed him as powerful. They were also careful not to depict the supporting characters as overly dependent on their leader, as that would diminish their individual charm. The anime also added new scenes about how Thorfinn turned into one of Askeladd's soldiers rather than just make a time-skip which the manga artist appreciated. The director claimed that for these anime original scenes they also tried to keep Askeladd in-character. He further said that the story about Askeladd's forces was entertaining to see.[4]

Characters

Introduced in the first story arc
Thorfinn (トルフィン, Torufin)
Main article: Thorfinn (Vinland Saga)
Voiced by: Yūto Uemura, Shizuka Ishigami (childhood)[5] (Japanese); Mike Haimoto (Sentai Filmworks/Crunchyroll dubs), Shannon Emerick (childhood, Sentai Filmworks dub),[6] Aleks Le,[7] Laura Stahl (childhood) (Netflix dub)[8] (English)
Thorfinn is a teenage warrior in Askeladd's company, though he hates his commander for slaying his father Thors and has sworn to kill him in a duel. To earn the right to engage in these duels, he must complete difficult feats for Askeladd, such as sabotage or the killing of enemy generals. Thorfinn is a Jomsviking noble through his mother, Helga, and inherited superb physical talents from his father. He does not fight for the love of battle, but is still prone to losing his composure when in combat. This hotheadedness often costs him battles against more experienced opponents. He is loosely based on the historical personage of early Vinland explorer Thorfinn Karlsefni.
Askeladd (アシェラッド, Asheraddo)
Main article: Askeladd
Voiced by: Naoya Uchida[9] (Japanese); David Wald (Sentai Filmworks dub),[6] Kirk Thornton (Netflix dub)[7] (English)
Askeladd is the commander of a small but powerful Viking band, which owed its success to Askeladd's exceptional intelligence. Ten years before the main Vinland Saga storyline, Askeladd accepted a contract to assassinate Thors, father of Thorfinn. During the Viking invasion and war in England, he manipulated Thorfinn's desire for revenge against him as a way of keeping the gifted young fighter in his service. Askeladd is one of the most skilled fighters in the series, and is particularly adept at predicting his opponents' moves in combat. He is half-Danish and half-Welsh, the son of a Welsh princess captured by a Viking raider;[10] his mother gave him the name Lucius Artorius Castus, the legitimate king of Britain, but he received the nickname Askeladd (covered in ash) as a boy while working for a blacksmith. He believes in the legend of Avalon, which inspired him to support Prince Canute's bid for kingship of the Danes. He ultimately sacrifices himself assassinating King Sweyn in order to install Canute as the Danish King and to ensure the safety of Wales from Denmark. Askeladd shares the name of Askeladden, a Norwegian folk character known for his cleverness. His backstory is based on the early life of Olaf the Peacock, an Icelandic chieftain and major character of Laxdæla saga.
Bjorn (ビョルン, Byorun)
Voiced by: Hiroki Yasumoto[9] (Japanese); Andrew Love (Sentai Filmworks dub),[6] Ray Chase (Netflix dub)[11] (English)
Bjorn is Askeladd's second in command, a burly man who fights for the love of combat. He is a berserker, able to enter powerful rages through the consumption of certain mushrooms. Bjorn was gravely wounded in Gainsborough from injuries sustained protecting Prince Canute; with his remaining time, he challenged Askeladd in a duel. During the duel, Bjorn revealed that he always wanted to be Askeladd's friend, and Askeladd replied that he was his only friend, before dealing the final blow. Bjørn is Danish, Norwegian and Swedish for "bear", a given name commonly associated with Vikings.
Thors (トールズ, Tōruzu)
Voiced by: Kenichiro Matsuda[5] (Japanese); Jason Douglas (Sentai Filmworks dub),[6] Greg Chun (Netflix dub)[8] (English)
The father of Thorfinn, Thors is a Jomsviking general whose phenomenal combat prowess earns him the epithet "The Troll of Jom". Thors grows weary of battle after the birth of his children, fakes his own death at the Battle of Hjörungavágr, and retires to become a pacifist farmer after moving his family away in secret. The Jomsvikings later discover that Thors is alive and force him to return to the battlefield. Before he can arrive at the theater of war he is betrayed by a former comrade, Floki, who hires Askeladd to assassinate him. Thors is largely considered the greatest fighter to appear in the series until his death, having defeated Askeladd in single combat, and being the only man in the world who was stronger than Thorkell back when they were young. Such was his strength that Floki was unwilling to engage him directly, even with an entire squadron of Jomsviking warriors.
Thorkell (トルケル, Torukeru)
Main article: Thorkell (Vinland Saga)
Voiced by: Akio Ōtsuka[9] (Japanese); Joe Daniels (Sentai Filmworks dub),[6] Patrick Seitz (Netflix dub)[8] (English)
Thorkell is a Jomsviking general, brother of the Jomsviking Chief, uncle-in-law of Thors and grand uncle of Thorfinn. A giant man who loves combat, he defects from the Danish army to become a mercenary for the English, believing that fighting his fellow Vikings will give him a better challenge. This same love of war leads him to support Prince Canute's bid for kingship of the Danes. He remains under Canute once he becomes king. Before the defection of Thors, Thorkell worked with and highly respected the man, resulting in a fondness for his son Thorfinn. He duels twice with Thorfinn and dominates each time, though he loses two fingers in the first duel and an eye in the second. In battle, Thorkell typically wields a pair of axes as his primary weapons, but his greatest asset is probably his vast physical strength. Due to his colossal power, Thorkell is considered the strongest viking and warrior in the series, with one character believing that 4000 men aren't enough to stop Thorkell. He fights with a band of vikings called the Death Seekers who share his love for war. Thorkell's character is based on Thorkell the Tall, a historical Jomsviking lord who is a mentor to Canute in the Flateyjarbók.
Canute (クヌート, Kunūto)
Voiced by: Kensho Ono[9] (Japanese); Josh Grelle (Sentai Filmworks/Crunchyroll dubs),[6] Griffin Burns (Netflix dub)[7] (English)
Canute is the 17-year-old prince of the Danes. He is initially portrayed as timid and womanly, and unable to function without his retainer Ragnar. These traits, along with his strong Christianity, earn him the mockery of the Vikings with whom he works. After Ragnar's death, however, he has a sharp reversal of personality, becomes strong and kingly, and develops an ambition to create utopia on Earth before God's return. Towards this end, he plots to overthrow his father Sweyn Forkbeard and take the crown of the Danes. Canute is based on the historical King Canute the Great, the most prominent Danish ruler of England.
Leif (レイフ, Reifu)
Voiced by: Yōji Ueda[12] (Japanese); John Swasey (Sentai Filmworks/Crunchyroll dubs),[6] Frank Todaro (Netflix dub)[8] (English)
Leif is a cheerful old man from Greenland. A sailor, he claims to have traveled to a distant western land called Vinland. When Thorfinn joins Askeladd's band and is assumed dead by the other Icelanders, Leif does not give up hope and devotes his life to finding him. He is based on the historical Leif Erikson.

Introduced in the second story arc
Einar (エイナル, Einaru)
Main article: Einar (Vinland Saga)
Voiced by: Shunsuke Takeuchi[13] (Japanese); Ian Sinclair (Crunchyroll dub),[14] Alejandro Saab (Netflix dub)[15] (English)
Einar is an Anglo-Norse farmer from Northern England who, following attacks on his village, was sold into slavery and eventually ends up on Ketil's farm. As a result, he is outspoken in his hatred of war and injustice. Einar meets Thorfinn at Ketil's farm and the two become close friends and brothers. Einar has little skill in combat, but proves a loyal companion.
Arnheid (アルネイズ, Aruneizu)
Voiced by: Mayumi Sako[13] (Japanese); Natalie Van Sistine (Crunchyroll dub),[16] Gilli Messer (Netflix dub)[17] (English)
Arnheid is Ketil's slave, along with Thorfinn and Einar. She is Ketil's personal maid and concubine. Arnheid is a beautiful, slender woman with long wavy blonde hair. Kind, hard-working and honest, she tries her best to get through her slave life without trouble.
Ketil (ケティル, Ketil)
Voiced by: Hideaki Tezuka (Japanese); Doug Jackson (Crunchyroll dub),[14] Sean Burgos (Netflix dub)[15] (English)
Ketil is a Danish landowner who buys Thorfinn and then Einar as slaves.
Snake (蛇, Hebi)
Voiced by: Fuminori Komatsu[13] (Japanese); Chris Sabat (Crunchyroll dub), Jason Griffith (Netflix dub)[17] (English)
Snake is the leader of the security guards on Ketil's farm. He is far more intelligent and experienced than the men he commands.
Olmar (オルマル, Orumaru)
Voiced by: Yū Hayashi[13] (Japanese); Anthony DiMascio (Crunchyroll dub),[18] Ryan Colt Levy (Netflix dub)[19] (English)
Olmar is the younger of Ketil's sons. He hates farming and dreams of going to war, although he is cowardly and inexperienced.
Thorgil

Voiced by: Taiten Kusunoki[13] (Japanese); TBA (Crunchyroll dub), Earl Baylon (Netflix dub)[20] (English)

Thorgil is eldest of Ketil's sons and an experienced fighter.

Introduced in the third story arc
Gudrid (グズリーズ, Guzurīzu)
Gudrid is a young woman originally from Greenland. As a child, she heard stories of the outside world from Leif and dreamed of becoming a sailor, but, as a woman, was not allowed to become one. She is Leif's sister-in-law, the widow of his brother Thorvald. She is set to remarry to Sigurd, son of Halfdan, but escapes on their wedding night and joins Thorfinn and Leif's party. Two years later she marries Thorfinn and they have adopted a son named Karli.[ch. 166] Gudrid is based on the historical Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir.
Hild (ヒルド, Hirudo)
Hild is a female hunter from Norway. Originally an inventor and carpenter, her life changed when Askeladd's band attacked her village and killed her family. Many years later, she encounters Thorfinn and tries to kill him as vengeance. However, she is intrigued by his desire to create a peaceful society and temporarily spares him; she joins the party to ensure he is serious about it, and pledges to kill him if he returns to violence. However, after spending time with Thorfinn and his crew, she forgives him. She is armed with a custom crossbow that is designed for quick-fire reloading.
Karli (カルリ, Karuri)
Karli is the baby son of one of Leif's friends. A feud between families resulted in a viking massacre on his village, of which Karli was the sole survivor along his guardian dog. Orphaned and without relatives willing to take him in, he was adopted by Thorfinn and Gudrid.[ch. 166]
Garm (ガルム, Garumu)
Garm is a psychopathic mercenary who wields a custom spear which can separate into two short spears whenever he desires to use them. He was considered an idiot and later a beast as a child due to his lack of morals, believing that war is a game and everyone fighting in it is his friend. Similar to Thorkell, he is obsessed with fighting those who are strong and tries to fight with Thorfinn multiple times throughout the Baltic Sea War saga and was responsible for the death of Jomsviking Captain Vagn as he wanted to fight him. He is defeated by Thorfinn and declares that he would face him again for a rematch, believing that the two are friends as he leaves.

Reception

Early response to the cast centered around the misrelationship between Thorfinn and Askeladd due to the former's quest for revenge against the latter even though they work together.[21][22][23][24] Anime UK News said that while Thorkell is initially presented a main antagonist due to how he took Canute, the narrative does not make a black and white morality as Askeladd's forces are still presented as overly violent to civilians.[25] The ending of the first season was well received for how a single death brought a major impact to both Thorfinn and Canute for how they change when such event occurs.[26][27][28] Yukimura's artwork was praised for making every page of the manga overdetailed especially facial expressions.[29] The action scenes the characters were involved into were the subject of praise for how well they were illustrated as well as because of the handling of the fighter Thorkell notable for his supernatural strength,[30][31][32][33] Thorkell's fight against Thorfinn being a nominee in 4th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2020 for "Best Fight" but lost to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.[34]

Following Askeladd's death, critics were surprised by Thorfinn's quieter personality and his parallelism with a corrupted Canute while also giving focus on slaves even if it employed less action sequences.[35][36] Sportskeeda noted that Thorfinn's character arc into a pacifist is highly notable in how it changes his characterization to the point of calling it one of the most interesting from seinen manga.[37] The inclusion of prominent female characters in the third story arc attracted more critics as the narrative usually was employed more male character in previous arcs instead.[38] The romance between Thorfinn and Gurdrid was praised for giving the a more lighter tone to the manga famous for its violence.[39] For the fourth story arc, Manga Sanctuary said Thorfinn now lives to his father's legacy during his quest while finding his new found family appealing.[40][41]

There was also commentary behind the voice acting with the performances of Shizuka Ishigami and Yūto Uemura being praised by Anime News Network for the amount of yells the character performs.[42][43] Decider also praised the English acting, singling out Allegra Clark's Ylva.[44]

References
  1. "【インタビュー】『ヴィンランド・サガ』幸村誠「『暴力が嫌い』を描きたかったら、描く世界は暴力に満ちたほうがいい。」【アニメ化＆22巻発売記念！】". Media Comic Space (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 5, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  2. Yukimura, Makoto (2018). Vinland Saga. Vol. 10. Kodansha Comics. p. 390-398. ISBN 978-1632366306.
  3. "【インタビュー】『ヴィンランド・サガ』幸村誠「『暴力が嫌い』を描きたかったら、描く世界は暴力に満ちたほうがいい。」【アニメ化＆22巻発売記念！】". Media Comic Space (in Japanese). Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  4. Cardine, Kyle (August 10, 2022). "INTERVIEW: VINLAND SAGA Creator, Staff on Returning to the Viking Epic for Season 2". Crunchyroll. Retrieved August 27, 2022.
  5. Loo, Egan (February 6, 2019). "Vinland Saga Anime's 1st Animated Promo Unveils Main Cast, Additional Staff". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 7, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
  6. "Who's in the Vinland Saga Dub? Sentai Reveals The Official English Cast List". Sentai Filmworks. July 23, 2021. Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 23, 2021.
  7. "Vinland Saga (2021)". Behind The Voice Actors. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  8. Luster, Joseph (July 24, 2021). "Sentai Shares Vinland Saga English Dub Preview, Reveals Full Cast". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
  9. Loo, Egan (April 24, 2019). "Vinland Saga Anime's Subtitled Promo Reveals More Cast, 24-Episode Run, July 6 Debut". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 24, 2019.
  10. Yukimura, Makoto (2007). "chapter 26". Vinland Saga volume 4. Vinland Saga (in Japanese). Kodansha. ISBN 978-4-06-314440-6.
  11. "Bjorn Voice - Vinland Saga (TV Show)". Behind The Voice Actors. Archived from the original on August 25, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  12. Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 1, 2019). "Vinland Saga Anime Reveals 3rd Promo Video, 13 More Cast Members". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  13. Mateo, Alex (June 8, 2022). "Vinland Saga Anime's 2nd Season Reveals Promo Video, Cast, January 2023 Premiere, Production by MAPPA". Anime News Network. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
  14. Mateo, Alex (January 23, 2023). "Crunchyroll Reveals Vinland Saga 2nd Season Anime's English Dub Cast, Premiere". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  15. "Slave". Vinland Saga Season 2. Episode 1. USA: Netflix. Event occurs at Closing credits, English Language Cast.
  16. "Natalie Van Sistine on Twitter: "Deeply honored to be a part of another incredible show this season as Arnheid in Vinland Saga! Tremendous thanks to @VAJerryJewell for having me aboard 🙏" / Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
  17. "Snake". Vinland Saga Season 2. Episode 3. USA: Netflix. Event occurs at Closing credits, English Language Cast.
  18. "Anthony DiMascio on Twitter: "I thought I voiced some punchable characters before, but OLMAR takes the Brown Medal in the A-Hole Olympics! Check out VINLAND SAGA Season 2 English Dub on @Crunchyroll (Directed by @VAJerryJewell & @JillHarrisVO)" / Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  19. Levy, Ryan [@ryancoltlevy] (March 10, 2023). "I'm the English voice of Olmar in #VinlandSaga Season 2 on @NetflixAnime ⚔️" (Tweet). Retrieved March 10, 2023 – via Twitter.
  20. Baylon, Earl [@earlybgoode] (March 20, 2023). "New English dub episodes of Vinland Saga dropped. Have fun meeting this guy, Thorgil, voiced by yours truly. When I say have fun, I mean run far, far away. #Netflix #VoiceActing #Dubbing #VinlandSaga #Acting #ActingLife". Retrieved March 29, 2023 – via Instagram.
  21. Rebecca, Silverman (November 23, 2013). "Vinland Saga GN 1". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  22. "Scanlation Spotlight:Vinland Saga". Japanator. July 6, 2007. Archived from the original on January 31, 2009. Retrieved August 26, 2008.
  23. Rathkolb, Gerald (August 9, 2020). "Vinland Saga [Anime Revew] [sic]". Otaku USA. Archived from the original on September 28, 2020. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  24. Alverson, Brigid (May 14, 2015). "Vinland Saga Is a Bloody, Meditative Viking Tale". The B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog. Barnes & Noble. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021.
  25. "Vinland Saga – Collector's Edition Review". Anime UK News. August 29, 2022. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  26. "The Best Anime Of 2019". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  27. O'Neil, Kate (December 29, 2019). "Vinland Saga Episode #24 Anime Review (Season Finale)". The Fandom Post. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  28. "Announcing the Anime UK News Readers' Choice Awards 2019 Winners!". Anime UK News. March 20, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  29. Kemner, Louis (April 17, 2022). "10 Ways Vinland Saga Is The Best Manga Ever". CBR. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  30. O'Neil, Kate (November 17, 2019). "Vinland Saga Episode #18 Anime Review". The Fandom Post. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  31. Beckett, James (September 3, 2019). "Vinland Saga". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  32. "「そうだ アニメ，見よう」第89回は幸村 誠氏原作の「ヴィンランド・サガ」。新天地を求めて旅立つヴァイキング達の壮大な叙事詩". 4Gamer. Retrieved September 5, 2022.
  33. Beckett, James (November 26, 2019). "Vinland Saga Episode 19". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  34. "¡Estos son los ganadores de los Anime Awards 2020!". Crunchyroll. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  35. Rebecca, Silverman (January 21, 2016). "Vinland Saga GN 7". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
  36. Kemner, Louis (April 17, 2022). "10 Ways Vinland Saga Is The Best Manga Ever". CBR. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  37. Corvington, Joshua (April 12, 2022). "8 darkest plotlines in seinen anime (& 2 from manga), ranked". Sportskeeda. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  38. Rebecca, Silverman (July 9, 2017). "Vinland Saga GN 8". Anime News Network. Retrieved September 6, 2022.
  39. "Vinland Saga Book 23 Review". Manga News. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  40. "Vinland Saga Book 23 Review". Manga Sanctuary. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  41. "Vinland Saga Book 24 Review". Manga Sanctuary. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  42. Beckett, James (August 12, 2019). "Vinland Saga Episode 6". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  43. Beckett, James (December 18, 2019). "Vinland Saga Episode 22". Anime News Network. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
  44. Vincent, Brittany (July 15, 2022). "Stream It Or Skip It: 'Vinland Saga' on Netflix, An Ambitious Mix of Grisly Violence and Historical Epic". Decider. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
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