Season 1, Episode 10: Ragnarok
Prince Canute seems to be disinterested in fighting Thorkell. However, Thorkell becomes excited at the news that Canute is leading the Danish army. He rushes out to attack the them. Askeladd and his men are separated form the main army and are trying to make some money before the winter. A messenger from Prince’s Canute army runs into Askeladd accidentally and informs them of Thorkell’s attack. Thorkell has taken the Prince hostage and is going to confront the main army. Askeladd becomes excited at the possibility of recusing the Prince and holding him ransom to the Kingdom that offers him the best price.
There wasn’t a whole lot to this episode, but there’s some things of note. First it seems that Thorfinn’s consciousness is getting to him. He remembers his family and clearly misses them. I think they’re going to be his remaining source of humanity that prevents him from becoming a true monster. Another theme that this series always highlights is the decline of the powerful. Askeladd tells Thorfinn that he will eventually kill him. His age will cause him to get weaker, while Thorfinn will continue to get stronger. At some point Thorfinn will be stronger and win. He then explains this view further when talking about, the decline of the Roman Empire and the Saxons.
Thorkell’s excitement when hearing that Canute was leading was surprising. The distance in their fighting ability and experience is vast. It’s unlikely that he was excited to fight him, but by taking him hostage can force the main army to come rescue him. The immaturity of some of the vikings in Askeladd army is profound. Two of them get into a fight over name calling and literally fight to one dies. If Ragnarok, teaches us anything it’s how Askeladd and his men don’t value there lives or the lives of others.
Reviews of the Other Episodes
- Vinland Saga Episode 1 Review: Somewhere Not Here
- Vinland Saga Episode 2 Review: Sword
- Vinland Saga Episode 3 Review: Troll
- Vinland Saga Episode 4 Review: A True Warrior
- Vinland Saga Episode 5 Review: The Troll’s Son
- Vinland Saga Episode 6 Review: The Journey Begins
- Vinland Saga Episode 7 Review: Normanni
- Vinland Saga Episode 8 Review: Beyond the Edge of the Sea
- Vinland Saga Episode 9 Review: The Battle of London Bridge
So I like how the artwork looks in this show. And I’m interested in the subject matter, but is it just angry men standing in the woods?
Basically. Thorfinn hasn’t smiled since his father died, he ALWAYS angry. Askeladd smile, but it’s in that sinister “were going to rape and pillage” a village kinda way. I like the series but it’s so far humorless, but opinions may vary. I great series though.