A dive into history that fetches out arguably the most layered of revenge plots, Vinland Saga is a favorite for a reason. Based on the Manga by Makoto Yukimura, Vinland Saga was released on Netflix in July 2022. Although highly acclaimed in Japan, even earning numerous awards, the series owes its global acclaim to Netflix. Given that the manga has sold over 7 million copies, it does not come much of a surprise to anyone that Vinland Saga was trending on Netflix upon its release. While the first season, which consisted of twenty-four episodes, entailed all the anime golds from revenge-driven characters to thrilling action sequences, the second season was rightfully all about Thorfinn and all his character growth.

A certified ‘Most-Liked’ on Netflix, the anime series opted for a different approach for its season 2. While it could have easily banked off its revenge plot and intriguing fight sequences that made the previous season a hit, Vinland Saga put all its trust in Thorfinn and his journey from a mere edgy teen to arguably one of the greatest warriors that the anime world has seen. And not just fans, but Netflix itself is proud of his character development as the streamer capsulated his journey with a video titled Thorfinn: Journey of the Lost Child.

What makes Thorfinn of the Vinland Saga so special?

Thorfinn is only a toddler at the start of the series. However, the fire of revenge does not let him remain a child for long. He watches his father get murdered by one of the greatest warriors of all time, Askeladd. Thorfinn spies on him and his mercenaries. In a twist of fate, he finds himself joining Askeladd. Despite the very revenge-driven plot, the beauty lies in the way Thorfinn, who despite being robbed of any parental care, find it in the peace of Vinland and mere strangers who turned caretakers.

WARNING: The video below capsulizes the highlights of Thorfinn’s journey and hence contains spoilers.

The character development of Thorfinn more or less boils down to “A true Warrior doesn’t need a sword.” The dialogue, although it affects Thorfinn the most in the series, is delivered by Thor, an absolutely deadly machine of sorts who earned the title ‘Troll of Jom’. In Season 2 of Vinland Saga, Thorfinn becomes a slave. Although not tested by swords and bulky warriors in this season, he faces his biggest threat: Himself.

When does Thorfinn decide to change?

Thorfinn emerged as a phenomenon of a character. However, it was not always the intention of the series. Taking into account instances from real history, it tries to drive a point home. Makoto Yukimura stresses the destruction caused by warfare. And Thorfinn’s character is ironically his weapon of choice.

It is in the second season that he realizes that his life needs meaning. And being a warrior does not equate to bloodshed without accountability. As he stands in front of the body of his greatest enemy and realizes how futile he is with the only component in his body being hate, Thorfinn paves the way for what can be considered one, if not the greatest character development of all time.

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