English Dub Review: Vinland Saga: “Oath”

Overview: Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto) explores his inner psyche and the torment he has subjected others and himself to for years.

Our Take: While Thorfinn takes a spill in the physical world, he takes another plunge mentally. The fear with these mindscape episodes is that they can be too hand-holdy in explaining character’s headspace. While some aspects of that are present, it still succeeds in being emotionally nuanced and gripping.

Thorfinn’s opening euphoric fantasy establishes how much he wishes his violent past was just that, a distant dream. It is when he tumbles to the depths of his despair that he must face his demons. Each one presents a new facet to his grief. 

Thors’ presence highlights the unadulterated blame Thorfinn is guilty of, separate from his father. There are cliches in rotting corpses taking the shape of the bodies he’s left in his wake. However, the sheer weight of his turmoil is expanded upon through his painful, non-existent memory regarding his victims’ identities and meaning to their loved ones. 

To give Thorfinn credit, Askeladd serves to showcase how him being lost, in and of itself, is progression from his bloodlust. The mercenary leader also plays a pivotal role in allowing Thorfinn to accept the lives he’s taken as he moves forward. 

When he finally emerges, his newfound goal, to abstain from violence, is an inspiring moment and step forward. Without a doubt, it’s only temporary, especially in the ravaged world Thorfinn finds himself in, but that’s not the point. It’s about his intent. It’s the hopeful aspirations that he’s earned on account of his suffering that makes it so powerful. Einar and Thorfinn being cleared of their charges, thanks to Pater, is just some well-deserved slack.