English Dub Review: Vinland Saga: “Ketil’s Farm”

Overview: Einar (Ian Sinclair) meets his newest partner in Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto). The slaves are tasked with clearing out their assigned section of a forest to buy back their freedom. 

Our Take: Hope, in the form of clearing out forest to regain their freedom, establishes Einar and Thorfinn’s light at the end of the tunnel. However, with that, comes challenges. There is irony in retainers trying to express any bit of control they can over slaves like Einar and Thorfinn. It also paints a grim picture of Thorfinn’s complete despair in his submission to their abuse, coming off his failed attempt to exact vengeance on Askeladd. 

Ketil’s son, Omar, is a strong representation for who Thorfinn used to be. The fool’s errand of yearning for battle and bloodshed, without understanding the totality of it, mirrors Thorfinn’s previous ignorance. Einar’s scorn for both England and Danes alike highlights how despicable both are in their senseless violence. 

The slaughter both sides have caused demonstrates how neither side is the hero of their own story as Thorfinn is reminded of the carnage he was witness to. What Einar stirs in him will be interesting in how he chooses to move forward.