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

Overview: Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto), Einar (Ian Sinclair), Leif (John Swasey) and Bug-Eyes (Josh Bangle) try to escape with an ailing Arnheid (Natalie Van Sistine) as the battle between Ketil (Doug Jackson) and Canute (Jessie James Grelle) is underway. 

Our Take: There’s no wondering who will come out on top between Ketil and Canute. That question is solved relatively quickly in how Snake and the others read the writing on the wall. No, the tension lies in knowing that it will all go downhill.

Snake’s entire reasoning for staying hinges on the debt he owes Ketil. Truth be told, there’s nothing more fitting for a rogue who’s salvaged the tiniest shred of honor. His mens’ decision to follow him is made even more compelling as a result. 

Besides the fallout of the battle, there is yet another truth that drives home the emotional impact in Arnheid’s death. It is a brutal fact that is set in stone in her trek to the afterlife. It’s emotional in despite how heartbreaking the inevitability of her demise is, it’s peaceful compared to what she’s suffered. Arnheid’s reunion with her family is a beautiful way of building that. 

At this point, her final moments center on the goodbyes and gratitude for Thorfinn, Einar and the others. Olmar’s moment of truth is a refreshing turning point with how he differs from Thorgil. While he alone isn’t enough to turn the tide of battle, Thorgil’s surprise attack on Canute will be interesting in how things can go from bad to worse.