Name: Vinland Saga season One Synopsis, Thoughts, and Final Verdict
Item: Vinland Saga
Author: @ange.nkuru

So after months of putting it off I finally watched the first season of Vinland Saga. The internet was right on this one, it's so worth the hype. It's gripping from the get go, tightens up more at every other turn and goes on to end with a bang!

Vinland Saga
Season One:

Synopsis:

Vinland Saga is a historical anime that follows Thorfinn, a 6 year old Viking living in Iceland with his sister and parents. Still an innocent lad, he dreams of exploration and glory on battlefields, making him even more ecstatic at the prospect when he learns that his father, Thors, was once a legendary and feared warrior.

Thorfinn is now even more determined to follow into his father's footsteps until reality sets in shortly after when he, his father and their comrades are ambushed by Viking pirates/mercenaries led by Askeladd, an eccentric and mysterious schemer. Hired by a mysterious envoy, the pirates are to kill Thors and bring back his head.

Thors's physical prowess is as legendary as foretold. He easily takes out Askeladd's best men with no weapon but due to circumstances, makes a pact with Askeladd that neither Thorfinn or his comrades would be hurt, and then gets executed before Thorfinn's eyes.

No gives. Thorfinn is so enraged that instead of leaving with his companions he follows the same people who just slayed his father. True to his word, Askeladd(AK) let's Thorfinn(TF) be, free to follow along. True to his warrior's ideology, TF vows to keep challenging AK to duals by combat to death until he eventually comes out the victor with AK's head in his hand. Until then, TF accepts to be AK's attack dog.

Years go by and and by the time TF reaches adulthood he's seen, faced and even inflicted truly horrendous acts. Their contract still valid and TF still as bloodlusted as ever, he still relentlessly challenges AK only to always lose.

He's relentless, merciless and cold but underneath it all, somewhere deep down, survives an innocence that manages to resurface every once in a while, only to vanish just as quickly. With such an unforgiving lifestyle and bloody goals such notions get you killed with the quickness.

TF is now 18-21 and the political landscape is more turbulent than ever. For decades now England, the Danish and other third parties have been at it, warring nonstop. The war's finale seems fast approaching and our pirate gang finds itself mixed in the mess.

Thoughts:

_{Thorkell - vinlandsaga.fandom}

Shrwd tactical compassionate battle geniuses, we've got it all. The lore is captivating, the plot keeps you on your toes and the battle sequences are as creative as nerve wrecking. Heard of an indie show called Game of Thrones? Meet crackhead GOT.

And of course, top notch animation and alluring backdrops to match the epic storytelling.

The pacing is very smooth, managing to seemly transition in and out of it's numerous tones, dive in TF's trauma and psyche without it being too in your face or exhaustic. All that plus an ensemble of very memorable characters.

However, even though the characters are very compelling, I wish the season was a tad longer, leading to more character development across the board and most importantly, given us more exposure on how and what his mother and sister were up to during all those years.

The latter is probably my number 1 dislike about the series, I just kept wondering.

Battles could have also used some more screen time. But then again that also comes down to the season's length.

Final Verdict:

Now, you may think you have an idea what it's about, but you're wrong. On IMDB it's given an 8.8 rating but f*ck it, I give it a solid 9.5 star recommend. Hope season 2 stays the course, though I might just pick up the Manga soon.

It's the price to break one's shackles, enjoy!