I learned a lot about history and Viking culture from a manga called Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura. It's a long and detailed story, so I’ll focus on the first part—the prologue, which has been adapted into 24 anime episodes.
The title Vinland Saga refers to Vinland, a place in North America that Vikings explored about 500 years before Columbus. But the story goes far beyond that.
In this first part, we follow Thorfinn, a young, happy kid whose life takes a tragic turn. He ends up as an angry, skilled fighter, driven by revenge.
As Thorfinn’s journey takes us through England, Wales, France, and Denmark, we witness the brutal realities of history—how the Vikings overpowered the land and sea with their mighty warriors. The story includes historical figures like Prince Canute, who play important roles with a lot of depth. And then there’s Thorkell, a warrior who lives for battle.
But what really makes Vinland Saga stand out for me is the focus on the characters, especially Askeladd. Askeladd is one of the most complex characters I’ve ever come across in a manga. He’s not just a Viking warrior; he’s a man with a deep, layered personality shaped by his past and his heritage. His cunning and strategic mind make him a formidable leader, but it’s his ability to navigate the shady morality that truly sets him apart.
Askeladd is driven by his own unique code of ethics, heavily influenced by his mixed heritage—being half Viking and half Welsh. This dual identity plays a crucial role in how he views the world and justifies his actions. He sees himself as someone with a higher purpose, often positioning himself above the brute violence of his Viking peers. This doesn’t mean he’s above committing ruthless acts—far from it. Askeladd is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means betraying those who trust him.
What’s fascinating about Askeladd is how he can rationalize every action he takes, no matter how brutal or deceptive. He’s a master at justifying his decisions, making you understand his reasoning even when it’s morally questionable. For example, when he orchestrates the attack on London Bridge, it’s not out of sheer malice but as calculated moves in a much larger game he’s playing. He sees the bigger picture, and in his mind, the ends often justify the means.
This ability to rationalize his actions creates a constant push and pull for me as a reader. Sometimes, I can’t help but root for him. He’s charismatic, intelligent, and has a way of making you see things from his perspective. His leadership style is effective, and he often acts as a mentor to Thorfinn, pushing him in ways that feel almost fatherly. In these moments, Askeladd shines through, and you start to see him as more than just a villain or an anti-hero.
But then there are times when you’re left questioning whether it’s okay to support him at all. Askeladd is capable of cold, calculated decisions, and his motivations are often shrouded in mystery. He’s not afraid to betray those closest to him if it serves his purposes, and this unpredictability adds to his complexity. Just when you think you’ve figured him out, he reveals another layer to his character that makes you rethink about him.
This duality makes Askeladd so engaging because you’re constantly torn between admiration and doubt. He’s a character that exists in a gray area. Askeladd is a warrior, a thinker, a leader, someone who constantly challenges those around him—whether it’s through his actions or his worldview.
His relationship with Thorfinn is central to the story, and through their interactions, you get to see just how deep and layered Askeladd’s character really is. He’s shaping the entire narrative of Vinland Saga. Their dynamic is one of the most compelling aspects of the story, filled with tension, respect, and fate.
And if you’re looking for a quick taste of what Vinland Saga has to offer, the anime opening song is a great place to start. It perfectly captures the raw and brutal energy of the series, giving you a sense of the intensity and emotion that runs through the entire story. The song, paired with the striking visuals, really sets the tone for what’s to come.
Askeladd’s complexity is what makes Vinland Saga more than just a historical manga about Vikings. It’s a story about people, about the choices they make, and the justifications they create to live with those choices. For me, Askeladd embodies this theme perfectly, making him not only the best character in the series but also one of the most memorable characters in manga.
At the end of the first arc (which is season 1 in the anime), I was really moved. It’s one of those manga that stays with you, and I’d put it up there with Berserk and Vagabond as one of the best I’ve ever read.