English Dub Review: Vinland Saga: “Great Purpose”

Overview: Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto) and Einar (Ian Sinclair) risk their necks to help Arnheid (Natalie Van Sistine) and Gardar (Jarrod Greene) escape, however, it soon becomes easier said than done.  

Our Take: There’s no great mystery surrounding why Arnheid helped Gardar. He was her beloved husband and they shared a child. However, understanding her hope for their future and the suffering she sees in Gardar truly drives home her heartfelt pain. 

Thorfinn and Einar also share a subtle yet strong character moment. Their decision to help Arnheid further builds upon their advocacy for peace and how second nature it is. 

Sverkel’s decision for his farm highlights his deep understanding of Snake’s anguish and the new beginning he needs. 

Sending Snake and his men on a wild goose chase leads to Thorfinn’s fateful internal conflict we’ve all been on pins and needles for. With all the complexity surrounding the existential crisis’ Thorfinn faces, there’s a refreshing simplicity in fighting to protect others. Askeladd serves as a compelling look into his psyche and what he knows he has to do to save Arnheid and Gardar. 

Sverkel and Arnheid’s first look at Thorfinn’s skill has me chomping at the bit to see how he’ll fare against Snake. Especially considering he’s just as capable and perhaps even more so than Thorfinn, because he’s willing to kill. With both of them in the right in their own way, it’s sure to be an intense duel.