Vinland Sagahas no shortage of scenes which touch at the audience’s heartstrings while also imparting much needed wisdom to those involved. One of these scenes became the catalyst for the story of Thorfinn’s descent to revenge, and eventually his servitude in season 2. The death of his father, Thors, along with the trauma that comes with experiencing such a death at a young age was enough to drive Thorfinn to act against Askeladd only joining his band of Vikings for a chance at a duel for revenge. However, Thors' words towards Askeladd, and via extension to his own son were important for the story of Thorfinn. What those words were, the audience may remember, but it does beg whether Thorfinn will remember his fathers words.
Vinland Sagastarted the story with a 6 episode prologue following the life of Thorfinn and Thors before the arrival of Askeladd. During these episodes the audience connected with Thors' Stoic but warm heart that is expressed through his actions and words, always trying to protect andkeep his principles intactdespite his past as a warrior. The audience also witnessed Thorfinn’s early wonder and joy at seeing his father, as well as his desire to become a warrior like his father despite the warnings. However, with Thors' death and Thorfinn’s descent in the first season, this has lead into Thor’s servitude under a master in the beginning of the second season. But what’s important is whether the words of Thors will reach Thorfinn in time.
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A True Warrior Doesn’t Need A Sword
An important detail to remember was to understand that the words that Thors' left for his son were directed towards Askeladd at first, alluding to the story’s central theme. In season 1, episode 4, “A True Warrior”, Thors' words implied that the heart of a true warrior lied not within a blade or in a weapon, but rather in their heart and principle. Of course, these words canonly be heavily impliedconsidering the effect it has on the characters and who it was spoken too at first. These words earned the respect of Askeladd, and even now have been implanted in Thorfinn’s consciousness at first.
However, as many were aware when watching the scene, Askeladd had no intention of playing fair and had archers shoot down Thors' regardless of the fact that he was the winner of their duel. Even so, Thors' last remaining thoughts were not of revenge or even any grudges, but rather to leave words towards Leif Erikson to ensure that the village remained safe. Despite as such, the young men who followed Thors' were spared thanks to his victory. However, his words, despite having reached Thorfinn at that moment, also left the young man confused for his age because of the contradiction of his deaththanks to Askeladd’s deceit. Even so, it soon became clear that Thorfinn’s desire for revenge drowned out the words that should have guided him to become a better person. Over the course of the first season his thought was only war, revenge, and a narrow-minded pursuit of such a goal that by the end of the first season, Thorfinn had lost his purpose, and felt empty. That is the Thorfinn we see at the beginning of season 2, but it doesn’t have to be forever, so long as he eventually remembers his father’s words.
But Will They Be Remembered?
However, Thors' words have been spoken when Thorfinn was presumably five years old for his age. Over a decade has passed since then, and Thorfinn is still stuck in his own mind trying to come to terms with his actions as well as the atrocities he has committed in the search for revenge. It’s a likely possibility that with his trauma,along with Thorfinn’s own self-loathingthat the words of wisdom Thors imparted will not be remembered so easily. In fact, one could say that they may not be remembered for a long time, especially since Thorfinn’s working on a farm with peace that he has never felt for so long. There may never be a need for a true warrior in his eyes.
However,Vinland Sagahas sown the seeds for a change in the horizon. It may not be long until Thorfinn and Einar both are thrust into challenges that will force them toredefine what a warrior is to them. With a looming question hanging over their heads, the farm and the land for which they work for could be easily subdued by a small army of 50 men. This is mentioned between two important characters, although Thorfinn and Einar don’t seem to worry too much about this because of the peace that has followed for their work. And with that peace, there could come a time of war after Canute’s rise to power, which will make Thorfinn remember the words of his father; or in some ways believe and realize the lesson from so long ago.
Of course, Thors' still has a major effect on Thorfinn all these years after his death. While this may seem oddly long-term as opposed to immediate,Vinland Sagaas a story is always working towards thepassage of time and long term consequences,its ties to the theme of the story and its characters. For the most part, Thors' words most likely will be remembered in the near future ofVinland Saga,although with time and focus. Thorfinn’s going to need those words, for his redemption as well as the future of his freedom and purpose in life.
