Vinland Saga
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| Every time I hear Askechad I keep thinking of Madara xD But those last few minutes were heart wrenching :( |
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Please keep posting until the end. I visit the comment section only because of your brilliant perceptions. |
Use your brain before using your keyboard!  |
| no use talking to the boy - better leave him be Leif :/ time to beat up the old man Thorfinn! |
| F for Bjorn Well, since Thorfinn is our MC, him dying in the next episode is definitely out of the equation. I know this season is like a prologue season. (Side note: I'm an anime only.) My guess is in this prologue, probably at least one important person (out of Askeladd, Canute and Thorkell) will end up dying and Askeladd's chance of dying is getting higher and higher each episode... I'm kinda afraid of the next episode. Canute needs Askeladd. Please don't die Askeladd. Thorfinn didn't need to be such an ass to Leif, though. Yeah, I know he went through a lot and of course I didn't expect him to jump around out of joy but at least he shouldn't have yelled at him like that. Teenage Thorfinn is such an edgelord. |
| If you read Eleceed you're automatically my friend. |
| Another fantastic episode. The 2nd half of the show has been so great damn. |
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lihle808 said: At this point I feel like I'm watching a fake trophy, all shiny outside but nothing inside. That's this series for you, "Good art design but no tangible story to speak off". The guy who wrote even saw his story was mediocre, and decided to focus on the "duel". Even that has lost its substance way long ago when he decided to dwell on cheap politics, any person with half a brain can see this is so tacky. This episode was made even more mediocre when Askeladd decided to kill Bjorn, the hell you kill him for? I'm not surprised, since it all comes to lack of writing from the middle. You may create accounts to rate it higher, and call it the anime of the season whatsoever, but the fact will remain, it's mediocre. You may even try to downvote new series, but it will be the same to people who are enlighten by its true nature. I can't believe earlier on, I wanted to add the manga in my list. I'm glad I didn't, holy Jesus!! Thank you for your words of wisdom sir. You are an absolute genius, I cannot believe I did not see the flaws that you have enlightened to me. I did not realize that almost everyone here has less than half a brain except you, of course. You are a true prophet. |
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Fantyyy said: Dudi4PoLFr said: Oh boy those last few minutes, I was not prepared for this feel train! Askeladd is one of the best anti-hero ever. Agreed, his character has become the main strength of the show for me too. Really looking forward to the future developements between him and Canute, should be interesting. Yeah, at this point he is the MC from me. Even if this should be Thorfinn's revenge story I'm more interested in the "bad guy" background and motivations. |
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| Probably one of the best episodes of Vinland Saga yet! 5/5 |
| "I don't want to live the dream because dreams always end when they get to the good part." - Sebastian Carmichael, A.R. Dragonfly |
| I had to close my eyes because I felt that last scene. It was beautiful, I never thought I'd see Askeladd saying those words |
AcceleratorAngel said: operationvalkyri said: Bjorn's death made me sad. He was so despicable yet his death hit hard. That's what perspective gives you. And that's why I'm loving this story. I would call the other members of askelads original squad despicable compared to that bjorn was noble till the end accepting his death fate and following askellad till the end. I mean, when you think about it there were really only 4 members of Askeladd's original squad that were given any focus. Bjorn, Atli, Torgrim, and the "Ear Guy". Atli ended up apologizing later despite betraying Askeladd, so he's not as despicable as Torgrim at least. "Ear Guy" died I think, but I'm not sure how. |
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| Weird how they left out mentioning that Ylva has since gotten married and has kids to Thorfinn. It wouldn't have taken 10 seconds. STrange thing to cut out since she is family he is choosing to not see. Maybe now people will stop wishing for Thorfinn and Canute into the sunset as a happy couple. Thorfinn's not having anything positive be an outcome so long as Askeladd lives. AbelGoy said: Ear was killed by Thorkell's men after the mutiny. The anime cut out Thorkell's guys using his severed head as shooting practice with arrows. I mean, when you think about it there were really only 4 members of Askeladd's original squad that were given any focus. Bjorn, Atli, Torgrim, and the "Ear Guy". Atli ended up apologizing later despite betraying Askeladd, so he's not as despicable as Torgrim at least. "Ear Guy" died I think, but I'm not sure how. |
| What if GOT had an anime? = Vinland Saga I'm so glad it's finally getting the love and attention it deserves, being on prime was an issue at the beginning, but it's picked up steam in the west at least. Asekladd might be the best antagonist I've ever seen. Really showed his human side today with how he instantly regretted not hitting bjorn's vital organ to make it a painless death. Thorfinn, nephew, you can't just keep fighting him without truly understanding why you're losing. It's not just physical. You have to learn what a true warrior is. 2 eps to go, I'm gonna be sad when this ends. WIll be interesting to see how people react to a season 2, it would be much less combat driven and way more philosophical, spiritual, etc. Would love to see Garm animated. Read the manga if you haven't already. |
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| Being caught up to the manga, the Leif scene hit me right in the feels. |
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lihle808 said: At this point I feel like I'm watching a fake trophy, all shiny outside but nothing inside. That's this series for you, "Good art design but no tangible story to speak off". The guy who wrote even saw his story was mediocre, and decided to focus on the "duel". Even that has lost its substance way long ago when he decided to dwell on cheap politics, any person with half a brain can see this is so tacky. This episode was made even more mediocre when Askeladd decided to kill Bjorn, the hell you kill him for? I'm not surprised, since it all comes to lack of writing from the middle. You may create accounts to rate it higher, and call it the anime of the season whatsoever, but the fact will remain, it's mediocre. You may even try to downvote new series, but it will be the same to people who are enlighten by its true nature. I can't believe earlier on, I wanted to add the manga in my list. I'm glad I didn't, holy Jesus!! Well that is just embarrassing. Guess your ''half a brain'' is not even a half. |
lihle808 said: At this point I feel like I'm watching a fake trophy, all shiny outside but nothing inside. That's this series for you, "Good art design but no tangible story to speak off". The guy who wrote even saw his story was mediocre, and decided to focus on the "duel". Even that has lost its substance way long ago when he decided to dwell on cheap politics, any person with half a brain can see this is so tacky. This episode was made even more mediocre when Askeladd decided to kill Bjorn, the hell you kill him for? I'm not surprised, since it all comes to lack of writing from the middle. You may create accounts to rate it higher, and call it the anime of the season whatsoever, but the fact will remain, it's mediocre. You may even try to downvote new series, but it will be the same to people who are enlighten by its true nature. I can't believe earlier on, I wanted to add the manga in my list. I'm glad I didn't, holy Jesus!! Why have you watched 21 episodes if you don't like it? |
| Stop feeding the troll people. As for the episode the last part was done perfectly. In the end Bjorn was the closest thing Askeladd had to a friend, and that's all Bjorn wanted. I like when characters have layers to them. At the end of the day just like Askeladd, Bjorn isn't exactly a good guy and we've seen it first hand especially during the episode where they slaughtered the village. But this scene still makes you feel for the guy. |
| they are REALLY handling these last few episodes perfectly, i'm so happy with how the anime is panning out. the art in this episode was gorgeous, and the flow of all the different events felt great. for a while there (around episodes 7-11 or so) i wasn't feeling the anime and retreated to reading the manga. but ever since the journey through wales, canute's transformation, etc, the anime's quality and pacing has become phenomenal. so sad there's only 3 episodes left, but i'm hyped to see the dramatic conclusion. really hope there's a season 2, i love the next arc |
| I've been waiting to see Askeladd and Bjorn's "duel" animated since the anime was announced, as I always found it to be one of the highlights of this arc and indeed the whole manga. And thankfully it didn't disappoint. That's as powerful a death scene as they come. For over a decade, Bjorn was a brave and fearless warrior who followed Askeladd to any hellish battlefield, and yet, in all that time, he never once had the courage to be upfront about what he really yearned for deep down. He longed for a true friendship with Askeladd, but the latter keeps everyone at arm’s length, and never once opened himself up to his right-hand man about what really goes on in his heart. And Bjorn was never able to bridge that gap between them while he lived. They’re vikings, after all, fierce warriors who would probably find such a conversation too awkward and embarrassing to engage in. But when your life is fading before your eyes, that all becomes irrelevant. And that is what makes this scene so tragic — over ten years together, but Bjorn could only tell Askeladd how he felt in his dying moments, when there was nothing left to hold on to. By the standards of the era, Bjorn was a brave and accomplished warrior surely headed for glory in Valhalla, but in truth, he was just a lonely man who, at the end of it all, simply and desperately wanted to hear that the person he had spent his life beside considered him a true friend. It's no wonder that when he asked Askeladd, "Aren't you lonely?" you could really feel the utter loneliness in his voice (Yasumoto Hiroki's performance was heart-wrenching). And of course, that very line, “Isn’t it lonely? Rejecting everything like that?” can be applied just as well to Thorfinn, who has also pushed everything and everyone away, as we just saw earlier in his reunion with Leif. This episode did a really good job in highlighting how emotionally isolated both Askeladd and Thorfinn are, which adds even greater meaning to their upcoming duel. Doostine_ said: I absolutely love this episode, one of my favourite aspects of it was the voice acting at the end of the episode, and Bjorn prepares to die, in the manga Askeladd's dialogue doesn't emanate the same feeling, which is one of the advantages of the anime medium, in the manga, this moment comes across as Askeladd finally opening up to someone and finally really feeling the pain of death that he has inflicted on so many others, but the anime makes it so much more tragic. The voice actor for Askeladd makes his voice seem punctuate, and disinterested, but when paired with the amazing art and facial emotion Askeladd is showing in contrast to his flat dialogue, it insinuates something so much more tragic. In the anime, Askeladd is trying to deny his own humanity to the very end, making his internal structure so much more potent, as all the death and all the sorrow he has dealt with up to this point comes crashing down, as he tries to thinly hide it all with his disinterested voice. Well said. The first time I watched the scene, I was actually a bit disappointed that Askeladd's voice acting didn't feel as heartfelt as Bjorn's. But upon rewatching it, I think it's probably intentional, because, as you said, Askeladd isn't entirely comfortable expressing such humane feelings and is trying to hide his vulnerability behind the facade of relative desinterest. |
| Probably one of the best 5 episodes in this series. Bjorn's scene was well-crafted. Leif X Thorfinn reunion was a something that I was waiting since episode 12 - when they showed that Leif is looking for thorfinn -. 3 episodes left ... I hope that I don't be too sad after it finishes. |
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lihle808 said: At this point I feel like I'm watching a fake trophy, all shiny outside but nothing inside. That's this series for you, "Good art design but no tangible story to speak off". The guy who wrote even saw his story was mediocre, and decided to focus on the "duel". Even that has lost its substance way long ago when he decided to dwell on cheap politics, any person with half a brain can see this is so tacky. This episode was made even more mediocre when Askeladd decided to kill Bjorn, the hell you kill him for? I'm not surprised, since it all comes to lack of writing from the middle. You may create accounts to rate it higher, and call it the anime of the season whatsoever, but the fact will remain, it's mediocre. You may even try to downvote new series, but it will be the same to people who are enlighten by its true nature. I can't believe earlier on, I wanted to add the manga in my list. I'm glad I didn't, holy Jesus!! Gezus. Stop embarrassing yourself mate. You're getting dumber every time you post your opinion. |
| The send-off of Bjorn was tight. He doesn't want to die in bed, but as a warrior fighting to the very end. Askeladd's plans for the kingdom is taking shape. Reminds me of GOT-esque approach. That reuinon between Leif and Thorfinn... Looks like Thorfinn is really lost now. |
Nainu_Dec 8, 2019 7:17 PM
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| Great episode as always. Askeladd is damn awesome, literally playing the opposition. The Thorfinn and Leif reunion was hard to watch. :( Bjorn! I'm glad Askeladd sent him out on a happy note. R.I.P Bjorn and the slave woman. |
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| This is the first time I've commented on the Vinland episode forum even though I've been enjoying it throughout. I really felt impelled to comment this time because with this episode it reached new heights of brilliance. They totally fooled me into thinking Canute really had been fatally shot, and then the proposed duel between Thorfinn and Askeladd caught me by surprise - because it had been brewing for well over a dozen episodes without coming to a head. Then Bjorn lumbers onto the field to duel him first! I was really moved by the depth and poignancy of this final 'encounter' between friends. Yes, they really were each others ONLY TRUE friend. Vinland Saga towers above all the other series this season IMO and it really deserves to be called a Historical Artistic Masterpiece instead of an anime. 21 flawless episodes so far, and even though I've stuck with giving it a 9 score since the first few episodes, I'm feeling quite tempted to give it a 10 right now. Can it get any better than this? With Thorfinn finally getting his grudge/revenge match next episode - will this series blow my mind completely? We'll have to wait till next week to see! |
SuperGreenTeaDec 9, 2019 12:06 AM
| I don't want this anime to end. Only 3 episodes left :( |
| A reunion between Thorfinn and Leif. It really is sad to see how much Thorfinn has changed. The innocent child Leif knew has completely vanished. I love how cunning Askeladd is. RIP Bjorn. Died a warrior's death. |
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| What a shitty episode. So much dialogue spewed by unlikable characters and so many unnecessary deaths (Naruto and Luffy would have easily saved the guy at the end, believe it!). If you're looking for a good action adventure series that's currently airing right now, check out Fate Babylonia instead, it has way more epic action, a more likable protagonist who believes in justice (and not some edgy kid who wants revenge), hot anime chicks wearing bikinis (Vinlaid Saga only has men in its main cast, eww) and an epic story (oh and did I mention that is has epic action?). Way better than this boring turd of a show. Check out Demon Slayer too (a series made by Ufotable aka the best studio evarrr), so much feels in that show, whereas here it's just meh! |
xenovibe said: hot anime chicks wearing bikinis (Vinlaid Saga only has men in its main cast, eww) Please tell me this is satire |
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| damn Bjorn was cool too, awesome scene cant wait till the endgame of this arc/season/prologue after hearing good things about it, gonna be a trip |
dannymilkDec 8, 2019 9:37 PM
| Those last few scenes really highlight the thematic concerns of Vinland Saga. Bjorn asking Askeladd to kill him to enter Valhalla because he was already dying? Beautiful. |
  We don't know what kind of people we truly are until the moment before our deaths. As death comes to embrace you, you will realise what you are. That's what death is, don't you think? ------------------------------------ Itachi Uchiha |
| It must have been hard for Leif to see what Thorfinn has now become. I'm sure that isn't what he expected at all. Askeladd is playing 4-dimensional chess in this episode with how he set up all this stuff regarding Canute's "assassination" to give themselves an advantage moving forward. Just goes to show that, as he said to Thorkell, brute force isn't the only way to fight. Having a tactical mind is just as powerful, if not more powerful. RIP Bjorn, it's obvious why he wanted to go out like that (well, obvious to most of us) and it was pretty sad to see Askeladd kill the only person he thought of as his friend. |
| People on MAL refuse to actually enjoy watching anime. Your taste in anime isn't a personality trait. MAL is literally just anime Twitter as its own website lol. |
xenovibe said: What a shitty episode. So much dialogue spewed by unlikable characters and so many unnecessary deaths (Naruto and Luffy would have easily saved the guy at the end, believe it!). Yuck! Naruto and One Piece are only semi-respectable in truly elite weeb circles. What it would REALLY take to show those boring one-dimensional Vinland cardboard cut-outs what's what is Asta (from Black Clover) - 'My magic is never giving up!' OH YEAH!!!  |
| Great episode Really liked how they placed the events though i wished they didn't cut the Yalva part, Otherwise excellent episode. |
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| Yet another fantastic episode despite children saying otherwise. The political plot's getting thicker and seeing Askeladd and Canute making their big-brain moves is fucking great, it feels like the series is really starting to get into the swing of being incredible now. But man, what a great ep, it was so packed with emotion. Leif's voice when he was calling out for Thorfinn broke my damn heart, but god damn, Askeladd and Bjorn were the stars of this episode. Askeladd is such an interestingly complex character, whenever I feel like I should despise him I watch another ep and realize I fucking love him as a character. It was genuinely interesting to get to see a much more human side to him this episode with how he gave Bjorn a proper send-off and even told him the words he wanted to hear before he passed on. The man's not heartless after all, huh. I love how gray these characters are, seinen adaptations really do feel several cuts more interesting than most schlock put out every season. Fantastic work with the direction and art this episode as well, the OST usage was great too. Honestly the past few episodes have been really good in general and have really elevated my enjoyment and appreciation of this series. I'd say it's a good contender for one of the best shows this year. xenovibe said: What a shitty episode. So much dialogue spewed by unlikable characters and so many unnecessary deaths (Naruto and Luffy would have easily saved the guy at the end, believe it!). If you're looking for a good action adventure series that's currently airing right now, check out Fate Babylonia instead, it has way more epic action, a more likable protagonist who believes in justice (and not some edgy kid who wants revenge), hot anime chicks wearing bikinis (Vinlaid Saga only has men in its main cast, eww) and an epic story (oh and did I mention that is has epic action?). Way better than this boring turd of a show. Check out Demon Slayer too (a series made by Ufotable aka the best studio evarrr), so much feels in that show, whereas here it's just meh! Geshtinanna said: xenovibe said: What a shitty episode. So much dialogue spewed by unlikable characters and so many unnecessary deaths (Naruto and Luffy would have easily saved the guy at the end, believe it!). Yuck! Naruto and One Piece are only semi-respectable in truly elite weeb circles. What it would REALLY take to show those boring one-dimensional Vinland cardboard cut-outs what's what is Asta (from Black Clover) - 'My magic is never giving up!' OH YEAH!!! So much this!!! I don't understand how so many people here can call this show good, it must be 1 guy making 40 alt accounts just to praise this show! OR people are just TRICKING themselves into thinking it's good when it's actually GARBAGE! By the way my opinion is genuinely correct and I will continue to post this every week instead of dropping a show I'm not enjoying because I'm an intellectual. |
| Lots of feels in thjs ep Leif meeting thorfinn and bjorn being askeladd's only friend |
"Everyone fails sometimes But dreams won't fade, dreams won't fade Let's chase them as many times as it takes and don't lose Because today after all is today and once you wake up, it'll be a new morning" ~Aqours~ |
operationvalkyri said: We saw things closely from Bjorn and Askeladd's pov and saw some of the good aspects of Bjorn's nature. But there's no denying he was despicable. He indiscriminately killed and raped people, and not for any noble cause or anything, just for the money (being a pirate and all). No matter how much we see his or Askeladd's 'good sides' we can't be blind to the fact that both have committed atrocious deeds. Actually, in the beginning of episode 9 Bjorn specifically states he doesn't do it for money. He does it because he enjoys fighting and killing. He's like a mini-Thorkell, really. But the fact that both he and Askeladd are ruthless killers doesn't make their final scene in this episode any less powerful and moving. If anything it makes it more so, because it really highlights the tragic nature of their existence — in the end, even these fearsome vikings are, deep down, desperate for some form of connection amidst a stark world that has fooled men into believing fulfillment as a human being is to be found in a life of violence and murder. nonemukun said: So Askeladd killed Bjorn only to fulfill his wish dying in the fight and going to valhalla? Nothing else? What other reason is necessary? It was a mercy kill between friends. Bjorn didn't want to die a slow, agonizing death in a bed. Dying by the blade of the man he respected and cared for the most was the best way for him to go, and Askeladd naturally obliged. |
| this was an interesting episode...... and an emotional one...... |
“You can always die. It's living that takes real courage." - Himura Kenshin” . |
| 9/10 for the show as of now. If it ends properly.......it would be my 6th 10/10 anime. 6/5 episode. Locked in for AOTY. |
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