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Jan 4, 2020 11:00 PM

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Sep 2008
1624
Elucid said:
Wicker_Senpai93 said:

That being said, it doesn't deserve that ridiculously high score on MAL. 8/10

Well, I beg to differ.


It's alright. Tbh, ratings shouldn't mean much. As a LOTGH fan, I've had and seen this debate far too many times.
I am actually a tad bit disappointed that this anime got so much attention. I would have loved this to be a low-key hit, so no one argues over it. So I can watch the whole thing in peace instead of reading arguments over it. This anime is fucking amazing...so many moments that made me think of LOTGH, and my time reading the manga (before I stopped reading during the farmland arc because the chapters were coming out way too slow). Oh the good old days.
eyerokJan 4, 2020 11:14 PM
"...our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone – has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash – together with the youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusions.” - Joseph Conrad ('Youth')
Jan 5, 2020 12:54 AM

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Aug 2016
121
RealTheAbsurdist said:

Maybe it's not meant to be Christian teaching? Did the anime say that it was Christian teaching? I mean, most of these criticisms are just individual scenes. Why does Thorkell need to be developed? Why do anime fans expect every character to be multi-layered in every anime? Characters in stories don't necessarily have to be main, or supporting characters, but also side characters. In the 90s Berserk anime, all the other characters in the Band of the Hawk, aside from the core 3 (Guts, Griffith, and Casca) had no development, yet the only person I've seen criticize that was an anituber named BlackCriticGuy


Only individual scenes? Sorry, but that's not true.

It's ok if you still think, besides its flaws, that it is a masterpiece, for me it is only a good anime.

In general, i noticed that the Vinland community can not accept criticism at all, how come? Can someone explain this?
Ego = 1 / Knowledge | "More the Knowledge Lesser the Ego, Lesser the Knowledge More the Ego." Albert Einstein
My ratings:
Jan 5, 2020 1:10 AM

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Sep 2008
1624
Azazin said:
RealTheAbsurdist said:

Maybe it's not meant to be Christian teaching? Did the anime say that it was Christian teaching? I mean, most of these criticisms are just individual scenes. Why does Thorkell need to be developed? Why do anime fans expect every character to be multi-layered in every anime? Characters in stories don't necessarily have to be main, or supporting characters, but also side characters. In the 90s Berserk anime, all the other characters in the Band of the Hawk, aside from the core 3 (Guts, Griffith, and Casca) had no development, yet the only person I've seen criticize that was an anituber named BlackCriticGuy


Only individual scenes? Sorry, but that's not true.

It's ok if you still think, besides its flaws, that it is a masterpiece, for me it is only a good anime.

In general, i noticed that the Vinland community can not accept criticism at all, how come? Can someone explain this?


What teaching are you talking about specifically, and what kind of christian teaching?
Also, I don't think his teaching is simply a plot device for canute...His discussions and questions are more about the deeper themes and questions underlying the story...the meaning of what it means to love and to live in a world where humans are cruel and vicious, but where the world and nature itself is beauty and a kind of embodiment of love.

Also, to answer your one-sided question about other people's tastes and perspective, perhaps what you see as problems are not really there for other people, or mean something else?
"...our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone – has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash – together with the youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusions.” - Joseph Conrad ('Youth')
Jan 5, 2020 1:26 AM

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Aug 2018
4
Simply magnificent! My Sundays won't be the same anymore.

Askeladd my new waifu <3
Jan 5, 2020 1:27 AM

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Aug 2016
121
eyerok said:

What teaching are you talking about specifically


Nearly everything what the monk stated.

eyerok said:

Also, to answer your one-sided question about other people's tastes and perspective, perhaps what you see as problems are not really there for other people, or mean something else?


Its not just about taste, its more like that some people here think it's a masterpiece and as soon as someone points out some flaws they get butthurt. There are quite a lot fanboys here who are toxic when it comes to discuss their MAsTERPiecE!!!!!1!!!
Ego = 1 / Knowledge | "More the Knowledge Lesser the Ego, Lesser the Knowledge More the Ego." Albert Einstein
My ratings:
Jan 5, 2020 4:49 AM

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Nov 2017
547
Azazin said:
eyerok said:

What teaching are you talking about specifically


Nearly everything what the monk stated.

eyerok said:

Also, to answer your one-sided question about other people's tastes and perspective, perhaps what you see as problems are not really there for other people, or mean something else?


Its not just about taste, its more like that some people here think it's a masterpiece and as soon as someone points out some flaws they get butthurt. There are quite a lot fanboys here who are toxic when it comes to discuss their MAsTERPiecE!!!!!1!!!


Same for berserk and hxh fans. And every other fandom.
Jan 5, 2020 5:10 AM

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Mar 2018
1435
Azazin said:
RealTheAbsurdist said:

Maybe it's not meant to be Christian teaching? Did the anime say that it was Christian teaching? I mean, most of these criticisms are just individual scenes. Why does Thorkell need to be developed? Why do anime fans expect every character to be multi-layered in every anime? Characters in stories don't necessarily have to be main, or supporting characters, but also side characters. In the 90s Berserk anime, all the other characters in the Band of the Hawk, aside from the core 3 (Guts, Griffith, and Casca) had no development, yet the only person I've seen criticize that was an anituber named BlackCriticGuy


Only individual scenes? Sorry, but that's not true.

It's ok if you still think, besides its flaws, that it is a masterpiece, for me it is only a good anime.

In general, i noticed that the Vinland community can not accept criticism at all, how come? Can someone explain this?


You don't really point out any objective flaws or anything. You're not some professional critic, I remember you from my thread. You just call things ridiculous and dumb even if you don't understand it.

Thorkell ''cartoonish'', uhh not a flaw or significant criticism, rather vague anyway. Maybe elaborate on why you think that? There are numerous things about his character that aren't cartoonish, you probably missed it because you've been narrow-minded from the start in order to ''muh flaws''.

Your comment about the priest's teachings is again vague, you do not point out any flaws or give significant criticism.

Canute's transformation, again completely subjective and no flaws to be found.

You're just saying you don't like it. Of course fans will call you stupid for trying to pretend your criticism has any value on the anime as a whole.
poop
Jan 5, 2020 5:57 AM
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Jul 2018
564074
Azazin said:
Only individual scenes? Sorry, but that's not true.


I didn't mean only individual scenes. Criticisms like the CG, are things that exist throughout the whole anime, so that isn't an individual scenes criticism.

Azazin said:

In general, i noticed that the Vinland community can not accept criticism at all, how come? Can someone explain this?


I think anime that are generally considered to be amazing by their fanbases, tend to be like this. For example, Tokyo Ghoul is considered a masterpiece by its fanbase, but I've never seen a Jojo fan get defensive about criticisms of Jojo, because it's even accepted by its fanbase that Jojo is not one of the best anime of all time.

I mean, you can take the most critically acclaimed anime of all time, and find ways to really criticize it. I feel like a lot of people judge an anime based only on its flaws, rather than how much the pros override the flaws. For me, the Vinland Saga anime is flawed, but the stuff that's good is so good that I can easily accept those flaws.
Jan 5, 2020 6:30 AM

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1218
Elucid said:
Otaakuu said:




I didn't hate the character when he first appeared but I hated how the character does not at all resemble a real person. He ridiculously he changed his personality just out of the blue and starts acting important all of a sudden when he is not. He never seemed to care about the crown and the war, and then just, poof, "I want to be king". And then just because of this, the show stopped being about thorfinn vs askeladd, and is now just a my-father-never-loved-me-so-I-want-revenge type of story. He completely destroys the narrative that the show had build created up to that point

Ok, I'm going to reference a friend of mine's argument regarding this. Canute's development is a progressive one supported by previous plot implications regarding his character as a whole:
"Maybe the anime shoud've emphasized it more, but the point is that in episode 13 there's attention being paid to Canute's character in a subtle way. At first I remembered it as Canute merely stepping up for himself but there's more meaning conveyed.

In his quarrel with Thorfinn, he speaks of his importance as a royal in political conflict and presents himself with confidence, which means he usually puts on a (cowardice) public persona (due to Ragnar's shilling and his own disinterest) but has always been self-aware, knowledgeable and capable of upholding different attitudes.
I thought this was obvious because he is a prince, but now there's objective evidence. Through Ragnar's inner monologue we get to know Canute usually only interacts with him that way.

The more obvious foreshadowing is in episode 15, during the priest's prayer Canute gets an outburst when the words ''Father, I doubt your love'' come out because it reminds him of his real father's (lack of) love for him. In the kitchen scenes we again see Canute has always been self-aware of this, more objective evidence he's always been a smart boi.

Now for 18 episode, as we all know Ragnar died (the one who sheltered him and his real father figure), he had a philosophical/theological debate with the priest, two armies were fighting a meaningless battle over him because the King wanted him killed anway, it's a chaotic situation and his sudden awakening makes complete sense from a story perspective. Nothing is forced and no asspulls.

Personally I was in love with episode 18, couldn't care less about Thorfinn vs Thorkell not being the highlight. Strongest 180 I've ever seen in anime. Askeladd getting a boner and Thorkell seeing Thors in his eyes in ep 19 made it complete."



So subtle, small scenes are supposed to show that he is the exact opposite of what he appears to be? a confident chad instead of a pussy? Yeah.... sure, that works.

And this wasn't even what I'm referring to in my opinion as to why this anime was ruined to me. Is not because I didn't understand the character development of Canute (it doesn't make any sense, even if you say there was subtle build up in 5 episodes), is because it's a boring, overused narrative and was not cohesive with the tone the story had set, and then on top of that, an annoying character was made the center of the show, when 12 episodes had already set a narrative, that was just made a side story

the moms of the people who remove signatures are hœs
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Jan 5, 2020 6:49 AM
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Aug 2019
105
Otaakuu said:
Elucid said:

Ok, I'm going to reference a friend of mine's argument regarding this. Canute's development is a progressive one supported by previous plot implications regarding his character as a whole:
"Maybe the anime shoud've emphasized it more, but the point is that in episode 13 there's attention being paid to Canute's character in a subtle way. At first I remembered it as Canute merely stepping up for himself but there's more meaning conveyed.

In his quarrel with Thorfinn, he speaks of his importance as a royal in political conflict and presents himself with confidence, which means he usually puts on a (cowardice) public persona (due to Ragnar's shilling and his own disinterest) but has always been self-aware, knowledgeable and capable of upholding different attitudes.
I thought this was obvious because he is a prince, but now there's objective evidence. Through Ragnar's inner monologue we get to know Canute usually only interacts with him that way.

The more obvious foreshadowing is in episode 15, during the priest's prayer Canute gets an outburst when the words ''Father, I doubt your love'' come out because it reminds him of his real father's (lack of) love for him. In the kitchen scenes we again see Canute has always been self-aware of this, more objective evidence he's always been a smart boi.

Now for 18 episode, as we all know Ragnar died (the one who sheltered him and his real father figure), he had a philosophical/theological debate with the priest, two armies were fighting a meaningless battle over him because the King wanted him killed anway, it's a chaotic situation and his sudden awakening makes complete sense from a story perspective. Nothing is forced and no asspulls.

Personally I was in love with episode 18, couldn't care less about Thorfinn vs Thorkell not being the highlight. Strongest 180 I've ever seen in anime. Askeladd getting a boner and Thorkell seeing Thors in his eyes in ep 19 made it complete."



So subtle, small scenes are supposed to show that he is the exact opposite of what he appears to be? a confident chad instead of a pussy? Yeah.... sure, that works.

And this wasn't even what I'm referring to in my opinion as to why this anime was ruined to me. Is not because I didn't understand the character development of Canute (it doesn't make any sense, even if you say there was subtle build up in 5 episodes), is because it's a boring, overused narrative and was not cohesive with the tone the story had set, and then on top of that, an annoying character was made the center of the show, when 12 episodes had already set a narrative, that was just made a side story


There’s no point in arguing about this guys. People had the same complaint about Canute within the manga. Leave the man to his opinion
Jan 5, 2020 6:52 AM

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Jan 2019
699
EchoAnEternity said:
Otaakuu said:



So subtle, small scenes are supposed to show that he is the exact opposite of what he appears to be? a confident chad instead of a pussy? Yeah.... sure, that works.

And this wasn't even what I'm referring to in my opinion as to why this anime was ruined to me. Is not because I didn't understand the character development of Canute (it doesn't make any sense, even if you say there was subtle build up in 5 episodes), is because it's a boring, overused narrative and was not cohesive with the tone the story had set, and then on top of that, an annoying character was made the center of the show, when 12 episodes had already set a narrative, that was just made a side story


There’s no point in arguing about this guys. People had the same complaint about Canute within the manga. Leave the man to his opinion

I guess it's one of those things where either someone hates it or loves it.
Oh well, it can't be helped.
Jan 5, 2020 10:01 AM

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Oct 2010
21165
did askeladd really had to jump the gun there? didn't they have other better plans to kill the king and protect wales too. The attack would come next year but he killed the king anyway, and now he's leaving Knut with only thorkell. Can someone enlighten me on why was this the better choice?

overall, it was good, now what? they left us like that, it just ended.
Jan 5, 2020 10:40 AM

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Jul 2015
1770
eyerok said:
Orion_Gospel said:
Too bad that the best character of the series died. Now i really have lost most of my interest for the series


This is the point where a lot of people lost interest in the manga, actually. Most people praising the show and Askeladd will be highly disappointed if the story continued in anime form, because what the mangaka wrote is (from my perspective) basically against the ambitions, violence, struggles, and machinations of people like King Sweyn, Askeladd, Thorkell and Canute. The arc that follows is the anti-thesis of what people see as the 'good' things in this 'prologue' arc.

Wicker_Senpai93 said:

Thorfinn is such an idiot for not going with Leif, he got what he deserved. When he tried to kill Canute... damn. Canute was such a badass in this episode.

I guess a second season hasn't been announced, but hopefully there'll be one.

This anime was good, definitely the best of 2019. That being said, it doesn't deserve that ridiculously high score on MAL. 8/10


from what I remember about the manga, I think Thorfinn was about ready to leave, and I think he might have even if the whole thing between the King and Askeladd had not happened. I think (speculating, and any manga fan can correct me) he probably went back to see Askeladd before leaving, or perhaps he wasn't quite free from his obsession, despite the despair he went into after his last duel.
In any case, the way I see this anime is that its a clash of perspectives and themes, the author exploring different views and philosophies, as represented by the question of what it means to be a true warrior, or what it means to love. I think that they are the same questions, the characters being in different phases of their own versions of what that means, and the meaning of life. In all of that, Thorfinn is the only one who does not truly know the answer. His father figured it out, in a fashion. The end is basically Askeladd and his death snapping him out of his 'slavery' to the past and his quest for revenge.


I will definitely give it a try if/when s sequel comes out, but unless something "big" happens, i don't think i will ever like this series enough to the point where i'll keep watching it with every sequel
Jan 5, 2020 1:54 PM

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May 2015
884
Great adaptation. Preferred the manga for a good while but the music carried this show hard. 9/10


Jan 5, 2020 2:00 PM

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May 2015
884
Catalano said:
did askeladd really had to jump the gun there? didn't they have other better plans to kill the king and protect wales too. The attack would come next year but he killed the king anyway, and now he's leaving Knut with only thorkell. Can someone enlighten me on why was this the better choice?

overall, it was good, now what? they left us like that, it just ended.

The show made it explicitly clear that the King wouldn't let up. His tactical mind is what enabled him to get away with a lot of shit he did. Askeladd would basically always be 1 step behind because of that leverage against Wales. Plus the king insulted Askeladd's pride and that's a no no.


Jan 5, 2020 2:09 PM

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21165
ImbalancedEmblem said:
Catalano said:
did askeladd really had to jump the gun there? didn't they have other better plans to kill the king and protect wales too. The attack would come next year but he killed the king anyway, and now he's leaving Knut with only thorkell. Can someone enlighten me on why was this the better choice?

overall, it was good, now what? they left us like that, it just ended.

The show made it explicitly clear that the King wouldn't let up. His tactical mind is what enabled him to get away with a lot of shit he did. Askeladd would basically always be 1 step behind because of that leverage against Wales. Plus the king insulted Askeladd's pride and that's a no no.

I understand that but they would have a year to plan another killing attempt, askeladd joined knut because knut wanted to kill the king. I may be cherry picking but the show was serious and all. And it looked there like askeladd chose to die there (he wasn't surprised when knut stabbed him), but he gave me an aura of a man who wants to live (judging from the past episodes).
It's not like I disagree with him protecting wales and all that, what he did was honorable.
Jan 5, 2020 4:11 PM
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Jan 2017
292
Catalano said:
did askeladd really had to jump the gun there? didn't they have other better plans to kill the king and protect wales too. The attack would come next year but he killed the king anyway, and now he's leaving Knut with only thorkell. Can someone enlighten me on why was this the better choice?

overall, it was good, now what? they left us like that, it just ended.
the king didnt let any other choise to askellad but to kill him at the moment. Sweyn put askellad in the situation where he should choose between wales or canute, but askellad wasnt the kind of person to give up on his pride for wells, nor he was the one to betray canute who is the embodiment of the king that he was waiting fir all the past years. So when king sweyn told askellad to give him canute's head and join him, askellad wount have the time to think of a plan that saves both wales and canute, because the king wanted canute dead immediatly. So basicly, it was the king who check mated himself while he was thinking that his move will destroy askellad, since king sweyn thought that askellad didnt care that much about canute and that he will choose to save him self from this situation.another thing is that Askellad wasnt thinking of killing sweyn at the begining of the episode, he was trying to convince the king not to envade wales, but the moment king sweyn underestimated him and wanted to check mate both him and canute in one risky move, askellad made, in an instant, the plan of killing him and preparing the path for canute to become the new king. Some may think that askellad loosed his temper when sweyn insulted his mother, but it wasnt the reason behind the assasination. Yes it's true that askellad was pissed off and wanted to punish king sweyn for what he said, but if the king didnt oblige him to make that impossible choise, askellad would have overlooked this insult and thought of another plan where he wouldnt be the scapegoat for canute and wales to prevail.
Jan 5, 2020 6:27 PM

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1624
Catalano said:
did askeladd really had to jump the gun there? didn't they have other better plans to kill the king and protect wales too. The attack would come next year but he killed the king anyway, and now he's leaving Knut with only thorkell. Can someone enlighten me on why was this the better choice?


I understand that but they would have a year to plan another killing attempt, askeladd joined knut because knut wanted to kill the king. I may be cherry picking but the show was serious and all. And it looked there like askeladd chose to die there (he wasn't surprised when knut stabbed him), but he gave me an aura of a man who wants to live (judging from the past episodes).
It's not like I disagree with him protecting wales and all that, what he did was honorable.


Hey man. Good question. Askeladd himself answered your question with his inner monologue. 'If I wait to find a solution, the king will make more attempts at getting Canute assassinated' (I'm paraphrasing). It might be too late ...he might not always be able to protect Canute.
Askeladd knew that the king had made up hisind about killing Canute, no matter what. Even if he bided his time...how was he to know that the king's attempts would not succeed.
And about askellad being the kind of guy who would choose life always, askeladd himself said that everyone is a slave to something. And I believe that deep down he knew that he was a slave too. A slave to the myth of artorius...to the idea of the right king who would do the right thing for everyone no matter the cost (which was embodied in Canute). He was a slave to that idea and also to his love of Wales, his true home.
"...our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone – has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash – together with the youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusions.” - Joseph Conrad ('Youth')
Jan 5, 2020 6:33 PM

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Sep 2008
1624
Hatsuyuki said:
Absolutely incredible show. Seeing Thorfinn losing his second father figure and being powerless yet again was incredibly powerful. This will go down as a modern classic and for sure one of the best anime of the decade.




You're one of the few people who gets it. Askeladd was a second father to thorfinn, and this is reflected in his expressions and his words at the end. Even though thorfinn didn't realize it...he was distraught not because he couldn't kill askeladd, but because he lost askeladd. The fact that Askeladd was the target of his vengeance for ten years made their relationship more complicated. But I believe that Askeladd also, in his own way, cared for thorfinn, perhaps at first as an extension of his respect for Thors. But their relationship becomes more complex over time. I think thorfinn and Bjorn w're probably the only two people askeladd only cared about, even if he hated their Viking lineage.
eyerokJan 5, 2020 8:37 PM
"...our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone – has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash – together with the youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusions.” - Joseph Conrad ('Youth')
Jan 5, 2020 7:20 PM

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Jul 2015
4904
If you told me ten episodes ago that CANUTE was going to kill ASKELADD I would’ve laughed in your face
amazing episode. can’t wait for another season
Jan 5, 2020 7:40 PM

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21165
@Hamza121419
@Eyerok
Thanks guys, now it's clearer, I should've been paying more attention at the subs too.
Jan 6, 2020 1:09 AM
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292
eyerok said:
Catalano said:
did askeladd really had to jump the gun there? didn't they have other better plans to kill the king and protect wales too. The attack would come next year but he killed the king anyway, and now he's leaving Knut with only thorkell. Can someone enlighten me on why was this the better choice?


I understand that but they would have a year to plan another killing attempt, askeladd joined knut because knut wanted to kill the king. I may be cherry picking but the show was serious and all. And it looked there like askeladd chose to die there (he wasn't surprised when knut stabbed him), but he gave me an aura of a man who wants to live (judging from the past episodes).
It's not like I disagree with him protecting wales and all that, what he did was honorable.


Hey man. Good question. Askeladd himself answered your question with his inner monologue. 'If I wait to find a solution, the king will make more attempts at getting Canute assassinated' (I'm paraphrasing). It might be too late ...he might not always be able to protect Canute.
Askeladd knew that the king had made up hisind about killing Canute, no matter what. Even if he bided his time...how was he to know that the king's attempts would not succeed.
And about askellad being the kind of guy who would choose life always, askeladd himself said that everyone is a slave to something. And I believe that deep down he knew that he was a slave too. A slave to the myth of artorius...to the idea of the right king who would do the right thing for everyone no matter the cost (which was embodied in Canute). He was a slave to that idea and also to his love of Wales, his true home.
i think you are the first one in this forum who pointed out the idea of a slave in askellad's case, and i fully share your opinion and believe that your interpretation is correct. Now that askellad's story has come to an end, we can say that when he first talked about 'every one being a slave to something' he basicly was talkking about himself, askellad, as you said, was the slave of that fairy tale his mother continously was talking about, the myth of artorios. And what makes me think that askellad never got free from being slave to this story is that, even though he realised that artorious will never come since he didnt come to save his mother, the idea of serving a just king was always in his mind. And what he did is to make that fairy tale a reality by finding someone he can serve (thors at the begining, but thors wasnt intrested in being a leader or a king), and when he was tired of searching for this kind of person, he met prince canute and saw in him a potentiel king if he can awaken him. And this is exactly what happened, askellad managed to awaken canute and thus to create the king he would serve at the cost of his life, he managed to make from the myth a reality.
Jan 6, 2020 5:36 PM

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628
season two when
SEASON TWO WHEN

I was waiting to watch this episode since it aired and only just got around to watching it. Man, I knew it would be good but this blew my expectations completely out of the water. Even with me knowing Askleadd was dying this episode, it still blew me away.

This solidified my opinion that this is easily one of the best shows I've watched this year. I'd almost put it on par with Mob Psycho 100 II, but that barely edges Vinland out for me. From the great use of CG, the incredible story, the amazing voice-acting, and countless different memorable characters, Vinland Saga was a great show that I could easily recommend to almost everyone. 9/10, and an extremely high one at that.

Jan 7, 2020 8:32 AM
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Apr 2019
46
Great end to this series. Now give me what I want, the second series can't come soon enough for me. If this was just the prologue, I'm aching to see what the meat of this is.
Jan 7, 2020 1:47 PM

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441
Askelad just became one of my favorite characters of all time, that dude is so savage and interesting it kinda makes me worried for season 2 now that Askelad is gone, are they going to have a replacement for him or something?
well, either way, great series I enjoyed everything, most definitely the anime of this year.
for me it's Vinland saga first then DS then Beastars then maybe Dororo.
Easy 10/10
Jan 7, 2020 4:29 PM

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Jul 2016
255
I know Askeladd was an asshole many times but bro what a freaking amazing character, I couldn't hold my tears when I saw him dying... What a twist, I'll miss him. :(
I also felt the humanity through Thorfinn this time, he lost something important but now he has so many possibilities to learn how to live his life.

AOTY for me and also became one of my favorite series, I'll start the manga as soon as possible.
Jan 7, 2020 10:15 PM

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Apr 2015
726
is it just me or I'm getting trolled that askeladd is actually no king, but really and truly just an "ashen lad"?
>I had no brain when I was 12
>Then everyone must had no brain when they were 12
>I experimented 100 samples and proved that they had no brain when they were 12
>Therefore children cannot consent

This is what science has done to humanity.
Jan 8, 2020 12:55 AM

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May 2015
5410
Some people really just don't understand this story huh? xD

Jan 8, 2020 5:45 AM
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May 2019
130
Of all the choices I didn't expect that Askeladd would do that thing. At first, I thought that they'll be battling against the king until the end. Thorfinn was still acting so foolish and being rush with his decisions. Still thinking what lies ahead in the future for Thorfinn and Canute.
Jan 8, 2020 8:19 PM

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Jun 2016
3030
I really enjoyed this anime!

Never expected that Canute would kill Askeladd, and while I knew the manga existed and plan on reading it I didn't know until now that this was just the prologue. Like some others have said in this thread, my view of Askeladd changed as the story progressed. I also really liked the art and music. Can't wait for season 2.

10/10
Jan 9, 2020 12:45 AM
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Dec 2019
2
eyerok said:
Hatsuyuki said:
Absolutely incredible show. Seeing Thorfinn losing his second father figure and being powerless yet again was incredibly powerful. This will go down as a modern classic and for sure one of the best anime of the decade.




You're one of the few people who gets it. Askeladd was a second father to thorfinn, and this is reflected in his expressions and his words at the end. Even though thorfinn didn't realize it...he was distraught not because he couldn't kill askeladd, but because he lost askeladd. The fact that Askeladd was the target of his vengeance for ten years made their relationship more complicated. But I believe that Askeladd also, in his own way, cared for thorfinn, perhaps at first as an extension of his respect for Thors. But their relationship becomes more complex over time. I think thorfinn and Bjorn w're probably the only two people askeladd only cared about, even if he hated their Viking lineage.
yup cuz tryna get your son killed is very fatherly like. Thorfinn was mad and lost cuz he lost the only goal in his life.
Jan 9, 2020 3:58 AM

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Jun 2017
722
Damn, what an explosive ending, my eyes widened and my jaw dropped in this season's finale, the way Askeladd went out was just... simply amazing. This show is simply anime of the year 2019, right next to Kimetsu no Yaiba. I was just speechless when Askeladd went and beheaded the king right in front of everyone, he is an unsung hero of the Welsh people and Prince Canute. Poor Thorfinn though, I wonder what's gonna happen to him now, now that's Askeladd is gone, I hope he listen's to Askeladd's final words to him. I am so sad to see Askeladd go... that guy carried this whole season, he's easily my favorite character here.
This anime is simply Amazing. 9/10
“What do you do when there is an evil you cannot defeat by just means? Do you stain your hands with evil to destroy evil? Or do you remain steadfastly just and righteous even if it means surrendering to evil?”
― Lelouch Vi Britannia
Jan 9, 2020 1:29 PM

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Sep 2008
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KILLAAJONITAS said:
eyerok said:


You're one of the few people who gets it. Askeladd was a second father to thorfinn, and this is reflected in his expressions and his words at the end. Even though thorfinn didn't realize it...he was distraught not because he couldn't kill askeladd, but because he lost askeladd. The fact that Askeladd was the target of his vengeance for ten years made their relationship more complicated. But I believe that Askeladd also, in his own way, cared for thorfinn, perhaps at first as an extension of his respect for Thors. But their relationship becomes more complex over time. I think thorfinn and Bjorn w're probably the only two people askeladd only cared about, even if he hated their Viking lineage.
yup cuz tryna get your son killed is very fatherly like. Thorfinn was mad and lost cuz he lost the only goal in his life.


I guess history has seen many fatherly figures like that then...but I speculate. Askeladd could have killed thorfinn many times over when he was a useless kid and a burden. Instead, he saved thorfinn on and off the battlefield more than once. Of course you can argue that whatever he did, he did to benefit himself, but that would be too much like a shounen. I've read the manga and the mangaka's previous work, planets. Relationships are often very complex and multilayered in his stories.
"...our faces marked by toil, by deceptions, by success, by love; our weary eyes looking still, looking always, looking anxiously for something out of life, that while it is expected is already gone – has passed unseen, in a sigh, in a flash – together with the youth, with the strength, with the romance of illusions.” - Joseph Conrad ('Youth')
Jan 9, 2020 5:48 PM
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May 2016
1080
It still completely floors me that, by all means, Askeladd should be a character that's super hateable considering one of his first actions was killing Thors, one of the most honorable men in the series. And to take things further they didn't shy away at all from showing his way as a viking, I remember episode 14 especially making me think the man was a total piece of shit.

Yet here we are at the final episode of the season, and I can safely say Askeladd is one of the best-written characters to have come out of the medium in recent years, because holy shit despite everything I still cried at his death. What a complete and total legend of a man, THIS is how you make a compelling, morally-grey protagonist/antagonist hybrid character. Genuinely can't think of a single flaw on the man, as much as I adore the cast of this show Askeladd easily stole it all the way to the end. Great fucking stuff, another godly adaptation by WIT Studio. Easily one of the best anime to have came out this decade.
ModernoirJan 9, 2020 7:12 PM
Jan 10, 2020 8:18 AM

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Feb 2019
159
Damn this was epic, I was satisfied when askeladd killed the king, askeladd was fuckin badass, can't wait to see s2
Jan 11, 2020 11:42 PM

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Mar 2015
6994
Oh wow what a finale! That escalated so fast. RIP Askeladd! This was an awesome show.
I'm Bruneian and I like anime. And Manchester United. And fat cats.
Jan 12, 2020 1:57 PM
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Jan 2017
3
I believe Askeladd's death has a powerful message of love - I think we should all follow his example, not by committing mass murder, but by being responsible beyond ourselves.
GovavaJan 12, 2020 2:05 PM
Jan 13, 2020 7:45 PM

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May 2018
784
All I wanna know right now is when season 2 is coming. My body is ready!


"Are you intoxicated, or just insane?"
Jan 14, 2020 10:52 AM

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May 2018
5
Askeladd is the best villain protagonist I´ve seen!
Jan 14, 2020 5:01 PM

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Feb 2009
335
wow what an amazing show. that finale was epic. It's been a long time since I've seen a truly bad ass anime character like Askeladd. What a legend, gonna miss him. Gotta say this is my favorite WIT studio production.

9/10
Jan 16, 2020 1:47 PM

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Feb 2015
2017
Askeladd has to be one of the best antagonists in any anime. He's smart, cunning and an utter bastard but he was bar far the best thing about this series.

Thorfinn for his part was moody and angry for its entirety. It's a shame as he never really progressed pass this, I got to a point where I didn't really care what happened t him.
Jan 18, 2020 6:34 AM

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Oct 2019
19
Crashmatt said:
Askeladd has to be one of the best antagonists in any anime. He's smart, cunning and an utter bastard but he was bar far the best thing about this series.

Thorfinn for his part was moody and angry for its entirety. It's a shame as he never really progressed pass this, I got to a point where I didn't really care what happened t him.

yes i agree askeladd is indeed the best bastard in the anime and has become my favorite
Jan 19, 2020 11:14 PM
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Dec 2018
59
Through most of his time in the story, Askeladd was only a decent character and will never be that great of a human being; however, at least during his final moments, he was an amazing story character. It is during those final moments that his story is really flushed out and revealed; the anime in particular went the extra mile to really showcase his story.

Honestly, the series only started getting really interesting around this time and onward, when Thorfinn starts growing as a person and things starts getting more philosophical instead of the usual brainless senseless shonen violence.
Jim_WhiteJan 19, 2020 11:19 PM
Jan 20, 2020 10:10 AM
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Jul 2011
408
Askeladd real name being Lucius Artorius Castus was pretty fitting. In some ways he kind of became the legend his mother believed in so heavily, he saved the people of Wales however his deed will never be known.

Him, Bjorn, and the rest of his crew did pretty vile things being Vikings and all but from the perspective of this series Askeladd still was an interesting character to watch play out. A good testament to the character to be rooting for and feeling strong emotions at the end of his life.

Great series overall, the last half especially.
Jan 21, 2020 3:30 AM

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Apr 2016
37
Well, no need for 2nd season then if there will be no Askeladd around anymore!!! I've tried read the manga but it wasn't the same without him:'(
Jan 21, 2020 3:53 PM

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Nov 2012
5676
Tbh that ending was kind of underwhelming for me. Definitely needs a second season at least.

Who was that red haired guy at the end? Is that some kind of easter egg for manga readers of an upcoming character I don't know yet?
I have a third testicle that gives me psychic powers
Jan 22, 2020 6:48 AM
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Jan 2017
292
JVskunkape said:
Tbh that ending was kind of underwhelming for me. Definitely needs a second season at least.

Who was that red haired guy at the end? Is that some kind of easter egg for manga readers of an upcoming character I don't know yet?
no wonder it was underwhelming for you,in all your posts,you kept takling about thorfin over and over and how unlikable he was in your point of view, but man this is askellad's arc not thorfin's. the conclusion was perfect for askellad's character if you truely pay attention to his developement, and what is more impresive is that this conclusion was a build up to thorfin's developement, and for canute to shine more and try to achieve what he is lookinh for. I really dont understand how some people can dislike this ending for this season, unless they were sleeping while watching. And for the charcters in the end, it was kind of a teasing for a potentiel sequel.
Jan 22, 2020 8:58 AM

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Nov 2012
5676
hamza121419 said:
JVskunkape said:
Tbh that ending was kind of underwhelming for me. Definitely needs a second season at least.

Who was that red haired guy at the end? Is that some kind of easter egg for manga readers of an upcoming character I don't know yet?
no wonder it was underwhelming for you,in all your posts,you kept takling about thorfin over and over and how unlikable he was in your point of view, but man this is askellad's arc not thorfin's. the conclusion was perfect for askellad's character if you truely pay attention to his developement, and what is more impresive is that this conclusion was a build up to thorfin's developement, and for canute to shine more and try to achieve what he is lookinh for. I really dont understand how some people can dislike this ending for this season, unless they were sleeping while watching. And for the charcters in the end, it was kind of a teasing for a potentiel sequel.


Ask a lad was a decent character, but I'm not a huge fan, don't get me wrong I enjoyed the show as a whole just found the ending lacking, something that could easily be remedied with a sequel announcement.

You can say that this is "askellad's arc" or w/e and I somehow misinterpreted the show, but the over arching story is about Thorfinn, so it's not unreasonable to expect character development on his part, I get that it's something they're building up to, but with no confirmed sequel if I'm to judge this as the finale it's underwhelming.

If there was a definite sequel then I wouldn't judge it as harshly and would simply say I hope my concerns are ironed out in season 2.
I have a third testicle that gives me psychic powers
Jan 22, 2020 10:18 AM
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Jan 2017
292
JVskunkape said:
hamza121419 said:
no wonder it was underwhelming for you,in all your posts,you kept takling about thorfin over and over and how unlikable he was in your point of view, but man this is askellad's arc not thorfin's. the conclusion was perfect for askellad's character if you truely pay attention to his developement, and what is more impresive is that this conclusion was a build up to thorfin's developement, and for canute to shine more and try to achieve what he is lookinh for. I really dont understand how some people can dislike this ending for this season, unless they were sleeping while watching. And for the charcters in the end, it was kind of a teasing for a potentiel sequel.


Ask a lad was a decent character, but I'm not a huge fan, don't get me wrong I enjoyed the show as a whole just found the ending lacking, something that could easily be remedied with a sequel announcement.

You can say that this is "askellad's arc" or w/e and I somehow misinterpreted the show, but the over arching story is about Thorfinn, so it's not unreasonable to expect character development on his part, I get that it's something they're building up to, but with no confirmed sequel if I'm to judge this as the finale it's underwhelming.

If there was a definite sequel then I wouldn't judge it as harshly and would simply say I hope my concerns are ironed out in season 2.
i really dont understand your way of thinking, judging the finale of a season or an arc depending on if there is a confirmed sequel. This has no sense unless you explain why. The sequel exists in the manga if you want and there will be an anime adaptation for season 2 in the future, there is no reason for not doing it. But apart from this story about a sequel, the prologue concluded very well no matter how you can feel about it. It's your fault that it was underwhelming cause you didnt understand where the writer is bringing the story to. Thorfin wasnt by any way the MC of this season, the real MC is askellad because he was the one who had the bigest charcterisation andcharacter developemnt, and he was the one who was progressing the plot and linking all the charcters (thors, thorfin, thorkell, canute, bjorn,floki..). So judjing from what this season has shown, the conclusion of askellad who was always seeking a king to serve because of being the slave of the fairy tail of artoriuos that her mother told him, was just perfect. The man gave up on his life for the sake of what he think will change the world. Thorfin has only a litle bit of developement in this season because as long as askellad lives he cant get himself to do anything but to try to get his revenge. So in the end of ghe prologue the writer showed via thorfin how useless is to seek revenge when your pray might end up killed before you reach it. It left thorfin without a purpose in life, but askellad was truely caring for him and he uses his last words to push the guy in the future and to give his life some meaning. He told him that his real fight is to go beyond the world thors knew and incited him to become a real warrior like his father. Dude just tell me what was underwhelming in such an emotionnal and meaningful death and finale. Canute even was able to be in the position he wanted just as askellad planed and excecuted himself. Just how can you tell that askellad's character was just decent. Your statement is underestimating him, because he was way superior to being decent. He was the key of the the season and his writing is one of the most well done in anime/manga history. I really wish you could pay more attention to askellad that thorfin, because it was obvious that the story wasnt mainly turning about thorfin in this season.
hamza121419Jan 22, 2020 10:21 AM
Jan 22, 2020 11:07 AM

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Nov 2012
5676
hamza121419 said:
JVskunkape said:


Ask a lad was a decent character, but I'm not a huge fan, don't get me wrong I enjoyed the show as a whole just found the ending lacking, something that could easily be remedied with a sequel announcement.

You can say that this is "askellad's arc" or w/e and I somehow misinterpreted the show, but the over arching story is about Thorfinn, so it's not unreasonable to expect character development on his part, I get that it's something they're building up to, but with no confirmed sequel if I'm to judge this as the finale it's underwhelming.

If there was a definite sequel then I wouldn't judge it as harshly and would simply say I hope my concerns are ironed out in season 2.
i really dont understand your way of thinking, judging the finale of a season or an arc depending on if there is a confirmed sequel. This has no sense unless you explain why. The sequel exists in the manga if you want and there will be an anime adaptation for season 2 in the future, there is no reason for not doing it. But apart from this story about a sequel, the prologue concluded very well no matter how you can feel about it. It's your fault that it was underwhelming cause you didnt understand where the writer is bringing the story to. Thorfin wasnt by any way the MC of this season, the real MC is askellad because he was the one who had the bigest charcterisation andcharacter developemnt, and he was the one who was progressing the plot and linking all the charcters (thors, thorfin, thorkell, canute, bjorn,floki..). So judjing from what this season has shown, the conclusion of askellad who was always seeking a king to serve because of being the slave of the fairy tail of artoriuos that her mother told him, was just perfect. The man gave up on his life for the sake of what he think will change the world. Thorfin has only a litle bit of developement in this season because as long as askellad lives he cant get himself to do anything but to try to get his revenge. So in the end of ghe prologue the writer showed via thorfin how useless is to seek revenge when your pray might end up killed before you reach it. It left thorfin without a purpose in life, but askellad was truely caring for him and he uses his last words to push the guy in the future and to give his life some meaning. He told him that his real fight is to go beyond the world thors knew and incited him to become a real warrior like his father. Dude just tell me what was underwhelming in such an emotionnal and meaningful death and finale. Canute even was able to be in the position he wanted just as askellad planed and excecuted himself. Just how can you tell that askellad's character was just decent. Your statement is underestimating him, because he was way superior to being decent. He was the key of the the season and his writing is one of the most well done in anime/manga history. I really wish you could pay more attention to askellad that thorfin, because it was obvious that the story wasnt mainly turning about thorfin in this season.


This looks like it could just become a flame war since you're convinced your opinion is correct and the only valid one I doubt you'll even attempt to understand any arguments I make, so I'm not going to bother. This will be my last reply.

I understand that it's probably one of your favourite series and so you think you need to defend it. But you can't tell me that I've watched this series wrong lmao, because I didn't like ask a lad or trapking as much as you?

You say there will be a second season, but that's just you speculating, there's nothing confirmed. Therefore I'm judging it as the conclusion to the story, which it is underwhelming at. If the ending was followed by a teaser/confirmation for a sequel it would be different. You've got a point about the story continuing in the manga but I don't read as much manga as I watch anime, and even if I did read it I would make my own judgements of it separately. It would only improve my impression of the manga, and I'd still find the anime's ending underwhelming unless of course by this point we have a confirmed sequel.

Anyways like I said originally I actually really enjoyed this series, if we get a season 2 that fleshes out Thorfinn's character more, then I'll refute my complaint.
I have a third testicle that gives me psychic powers
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