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Vinland Saga
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Feb 13, 2023 8:00 AM
#1

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Nov 2011
129011
Thorfinn and Einar has such an unique and dynamic chemistry in this show imo, including this particular episode. Their plan with a horse had complications but I like how hey were able to express themselves to understand each other more.

We also got some classic farming this episode. Not a heavy action or violent one but definitely works out for the general style of the series. Einar himself has really matured since his introduction.
Feb 13, 2023 8:00 AM
#2

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May 2020
11411
We are back to the farms, back in time after Canute’s one-off venture last episode, and it’s the usual for the duo of Thorfinn and Einar… toiling hard in the fields. Yes they need to cultivate the lands but for making the soil ready for cultivation they first need to remove trees, bushes or any other unnecessities and logic dictates this is an uphill task for just two people to do, but who to give them a horse, I mean they’re slaves, and those people sure see them nothing more than cattles. 

Though Thorfinn and Einar did get one horse, and from none other than Ketil’s own father. Sverkel’s a good man and is a prominent character of this arc, good to have him here. He seems like the most human character in this season yet, and most importantly someone who isn’t discriminating against these slaves. Thorfinn and Einar are in good company of Sverkel and Snake for the time being. 

P.S. Really liked how Einar’s teaching Thorfinn the ways of farming. Man's life been so full of shit watching him learn these things feel immensely good.
Feb 13, 2023 8:48 AM
#3

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Oct 2017
27046
More farming stuff, pretty chill episode and Thorfinn suddenly has beard.
Feb 13, 2023 8:56 AM
#4
The Shrike

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Nov 2009
11579
The conversation between Snake and the old man is important for Thorfinn's development. It will help him build up a more utilitarian and pragmatic outlook on life that should help in the future.
And now he has a proper friend in Einar.
"Perhaps there is a universal, absolute truth. Perhaps it justifies every question. But that's beyond the reach of these small hands." Mamoru Oshii

There is a cult of ignorance (...) nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that “my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” Isaac Asimov

Feb 13, 2023 9:00 AM
#5

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Jan 2019
699
One of the rare times in anime where I've smiled the whole way through. Lovely episode. These two have such a grounded and unique bond, they've grown quite a bit already and we haven't gotten to the meat of this season yet. Snake is charming as always!
Feb 13, 2023 9:06 AM
#6
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Feb 2023
6
What a wonderful episode... Thorfinn's transformation is phenomenal
Feb 13, 2023 9:13 AM
#7

Online
Jan 2009
100967
the old master is here and he lent a horse to Einar and Thorfinn

Thorfinn was shock to have his first friend huh
Feb 13, 2023 9:18 AM
#8

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Mar 2020
1457
That was quite a wholesome episode, and that's a little unexpected coming from a show like Vinland Saga. I have been loving Thorfinn and Einar's bond, and they've grown and learned many things through working on the farm together. The tasks at hand are arduous though, so they needed a horse, and luckily, they were lent one from Sverkel, Ketil's father. For Thorfinn, life has been hell, so it's nice seeing people treating him with respect, and teaching him the ways of farming. Snake was also prominent this episode, and I wonder why he has such a close relationship with Sverkel, despite not being related.

I was smiling for most of this episode, because it's great to see Thorfinn finally have a friend that he can smile with as well.
Feb 13, 2023 9:21 AM
#9
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May 2021
2399
Thorfinn man!! His development!!
Feb 13, 2023 9:28 AM

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Nov 2016
31873
Farming intensifies xD Good for Thorfinn.

One Piece episode 914 & 915 & 1027 were a mistake and 957 brought the salvation - FMmatron


Feb 13, 2023 9:31 AM
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Aug 2016
1696
We are back from Canute's triumphs to the laid back farming life of Thorfinn and Einar. Both Thorfinn and Einar have grown beards and are working on tilling the soil to remove the roots. But it's difficult without a horse, so they ask for the horse. Without a surprise they are rejected because they are slaves, "equivalent to livestock" and they should use their own bodies instead of relying on horses. But then, while returning back, the old man (who scolds Snake for slacking off in Ep 3) proposes them a contract: Do his household chores and he will then lend his horse to them. The horse makes the job easier, and the retainers of course get jealous of them using a horse. 

When told about who gave the horse, turns out it's Sverkel, Ketil's father and supposedly the most important man in the farm. He is the 'old master' a level higher than the 'master'. Einar and Thorfinn then also have dinner at their house and unsurprisingly, there is also Snake there eating 'free lunch' lol. It was an funny and friendly back and forth between Sverkel and Snake. Prior to this scene, we also see Ketil arguing with Sverkel about not doing everything by himself, which Sverkel refuses and Ketil then leaves angrily. Sverkel also does talk about his son being foolish to earn excess of wealth, and that it is not a good thing. Having excess of wealth makes you afraid of losing it, and you are forced to consume it and then earn it again. Basically, it's an endless loop that leads you nowhere and can be destructive for you.

The episode finally ends with Thorfinn and Einar sowing the seeds in the tilled soil. Man, Thorfinn finally smiling was everything. It showed his development in just a matter of 4-5 episodes. From being edgy to depressed to finally gaining hope again. It's amazing. This is truly peak Seinen. Boys realizing their self-worth, finding peace in it and consequently becoming men, real manly men. 

5/5 episode.

PS: Damn, next episode will probably show Ketil's true colors, based on the name of the episode "Iron Fist Ketil". I feel it may show what punishment he gives to disobedient slaves. Gonna be brutal I think. Looking forward to next Monday! 

PPS: To anyone interested in knowing how much time has passed from the time skip, here is an interesting YouTube comment by a manga reader:

For those who are interested in reading along with the manga, this episode adapted the entirety of chapters 63 to 65.

In regards to the passage of time (the manga is more explicit about the dates) by the end of this episode it’s supposed to be October 1015, so about a month or two has passed since the last episode with Thorfinn and Einar (i.e. episode 4).

Also another important thing to keep in mind, the King that Ketil pays tribute to annually is King Harald, who is Canute's older brother and King of Denmark (the King that Canute ousted in the previous episode was Æthelred (and his son Edmund)). Canute and Harald basically split the Danish crown's responsibilities between themselves after Sweyn's death. With Canute taking control of the English campaign and crown, while Harald inherited the responsibilities of governing mainland Denmark.

And something important to clarify about Canute’s role/importance in the Vinland Saga series, while Canute still has a significant role to play in this arc/Season 2, he’s not as significant to the narrative as Thorfinn is (or Einar arguably). And after this arc/Season 2, Canute’s presence in the series will decrease significantly.

Also interesting to see how this episode incorporated some of the cut manga dialogue of chapter 60 (which was what episode 4 adapted) into the last scene of this episode (where Einar states he and Thorfinn are friends).
KoustubhFeb 14, 2023 7:40 PM
Feb 13, 2023 9:31 AM

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Jun 2015
1741
Mcsuper said:
That was quite a wholesome episode, and that's a little unexpected coming from a show like Vinland Saga. I have been loving Thorfinn and Einar's bond, and they've grown and learned many things through working on the farm together. The tasks at hand are arduous though, so they needed a horse, and luckily, they were lent one from Sverkel, Ketil's father. For Thorfinn, life has been hell, so it's nice seeing people treating him with respect, and teaching him the ways of farming. Snake was also prominent this episode, and I wonder why he has such a close relationship with Sverkel, despite not being related.

I was smiling for most of this episode, because it's great to see Thorfinn finally have a friend that he can smile with as well.
We're going to have a bunch more of wholesome moments, but it's always good when they come unexpected
Feb 13, 2023 9:32 AM

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Jun 2015
1741
Oh I see they shifted the scene of Einar calling Thorfinn friend to this episode. To be honest, it worked better than in the nightmare scene.
Feb 13, 2023 9:41 AM
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Oct 2016
2542
After an episode of kingly woes its back to the farm boys. Einar and Thorfinn need a horse to make this whole farming thing go easier. Cutting trees down then pulling the stumps are very different things. The first step is always easier than the later one, simply because of the roots keeping the stumps in the ground. Those roots take forever to pull by hand so using a horse helps more than people think. We could see how difficult it was for Einar and Thorfinn trying to pull the stump with a rope, not the best strategy but getting a horse isn't easy either. As slaves of course the retainers look down on them, I mean we saw before what happened before with them torturing Thorfinn. While this isn't that bad it still sucks they can't borrow a horse easier while the retainers can randomly walk up and just grab one.

These slower episodes might seem like just that but they help expand the characters and the setting. Just seeing how Einar and Thorfinn have to deal with all this bullshit as they try to climb their way out of slavery is enough. They meet an interesting old man names Sverkel, whom we actually already saw before when Snake woke up in the middle of the day and demanded food a few episodes ago. Sverkel being Ketil father and the old master of this farm. Ketil apparently after he took over expanded the farm exponentially and made it the vast establishment we see now. Sverkel not liking the overabundance that his son has created. His comments sound cruel but there's truth to saying that expansive wealth only creates more problems and more internal fears. More trouble than its worth basically. Some words to think about for the good pair of friends Einar and Thorfinn.
Feb 13, 2023 9:46 AM

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Jan 2018
3811
Thorfinn got a major glow-up post-time skip. He looks less gloomy and very attractive.

Another great episode where I didn't even notice how the time passed. Love the vibes.
Feb 13, 2023 9:48 AM
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Apr 2018
26
Man, literally nothing major happened this episode and I was somehow still smiling from ear to ear the whole way through! Love it.
Feb 13, 2023 9:57 AM

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Feb 2019
9376
Beautiful episode man. Thorfinn has changed so much already in the first 6 episodes of this season. We’ve seen him open up and become way more talkative and expressive thanks in no small part to Einar’s friendship. His fight with Snake was also a huge eye opener that he still wants to live and make amends for his past.


Sverkel’s wisdom about too much wealth being bad will go on to be one of the bedrocks of the series.

Literally just watched two guys play farming simulator and eat soup and it was one of the best experiences I’ll have this week lol.
Marinate1016Feb 13, 2023 10:00 AM
Feb 13, 2023 10:02 AM

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Oct 2022
298
Finally Thorfinn is acting like a normal human after ages.
Feb 13, 2023 10:03 AM
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Sep 2021
5
Ending gave me peace of mind
Feb 13, 2023 10:04 AM
孔真・コウマコト

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Jun 2017
7868
Beautiful moments in the final few moments before the ED there! Thorfinn's soft smile after being referred to as a friend was just too precious, he's grown so much already in just six episodes. I can sleep in peace now, lol.

Also, the soundtrack that was used during that scene, Yamada Yutaka-sensei's finesse in full glory! Definitely want that on an endless loop during some intense study sessions. 

Real father and son not getting along as well, but Snake and the old man sure seemed to, lmao. 

Some bandits coming over next episode? It was hard to make out given how Snake was acting, hopefully, no backstabbing will be involved though...
#Anime4Life be my Life Motto! #PrayForKyoAni


Feb 13, 2023 10:14 AM
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Oct 2008
330
I think Einar is eating plutonium or something. He is too hyped. Seeing Thorfinn admire to hard work was nicely done.
Feb 13, 2023 10:19 AM

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Dec 2019
46
This episode was so wholesome that I cried. Einar is the best friend Thorfinn could have. I love them both.
Feb 13, 2023 10:20 AM
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Jan 2021
15
Love the way this ep shows us Thorfinn and Einar's chemistry after what happened between them in ep 4 and Thorfinn is finding who he is
 and learning new things and other characters' story shout to Einar for being thorfinn friend 
Feb 13, 2023 10:27 AM

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Jan 2018
96
How can back breaking farming be this entertaining
Feb 13, 2023 10:37 AM
Former AMQ God

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Sep 2014
5546
This was so damn good, second favourite after the first episode. 
Feb 13, 2023 10:38 AM
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Mar 2015
13461
Thorfin finally has a friend He learned a lot about the Medieval economy while serfdom and feudalism developed The top need workers and the bottom needs protection
Feb 13, 2023 10:39 AM

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Jun 2019
6579
We finally meet Sverkel, the old man and Ketil's father and he lends them the horse that they needed to start farming, and now that the roots are out, the actual FARMLAND SAGA has started. Also, it was fun to see the interaction between Snake and the old man. Looks like they sure need to protect that big of a farm.

Also, the bearded Thorfinn and Einar were looking great. And, they're friends. How sweet. :')
Feb 13, 2023 10:47 AM

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Feb 2019
214
Thorfinn is one hell of sweetheart. I couldn't take my eyes off him the entire episode. He's changed so much. Diligent at work, listens and starts to learn new things that give him hope to keep on living.


Feb 13, 2023 10:51 AM
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Dec 2021
45
amazing episode.Thorfinn and Einar was in need of a horse they weren't able to get one but the old master of the farn gave them one in exchange of doing chores in his house.At the end it looks like some time have passed because Thorfinn and Einar have grown their beard.Cant wait for the next episode
Feb 13, 2023 11:04 AM

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Jan 2021
1759
It really feels like I’m watching Farming Simulator the anime 💀
Feb 13, 2023 11:07 AM

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Sep 2014
2330
Beautiful episode. It gave off more exposure to farming and also the banter between Sverkel and Snake was entertaining but also provided some wisdom from Sverkel's side. Thorfinn's character is subtly changing for the better. The whole thing was pretty wholesome.
Feb 13, 2023 11:10 AM
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Nov 2017
32
Incredible Episode. There was some Great Development for Thorfinn. Also i'm glad that Thorfinn considers Einar his friend.
Feb 13, 2023 11:13 AM
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May 2017
3
Favorite Episode so far. Love the character interactions.
Feb 13, 2023 11:17 AM

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Jun 2017
115
I was very shocked to see Thorfinn finally smiling. It made me so happy :') Einar is a good fit for him.
Feb 13, 2023 11:21 AM

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Jun 2014
7415
Nice to see Thorfinn crack a small smile at the end. That hasn't happened for a long long time. I'm glad he finally has his first real friend too, Einar is such a great guy. 
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.


Feb 13, 2023 11:38 AM
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Apr 2016
532
I thought it would be funny if it was the end of the story
Feb 13, 2023 11:47 AM
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Aug 2022
8
PLS THEY ARE ADORABLE😭❤️
Also manbun thorfinn pls be minee😻😻
Feb 13, 2023 11:50 AM
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Dec 2021
856
"tomodachi"

loved that
Feb 13, 2023 11:55 AM

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Jul 2014
749
I like the character development going on with Thorfinn , slowly we can see he's starting to acknowledge who he is and have even a little bit of meaning in his life
Feb 13, 2023 11:59 AM
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Mar 2021
7
very cute, felt like a slice of life ep
Feb 13, 2023 12:01 PM
🥊 CHAMPION 🥊

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Apr 2016
23494
Finally luck is on their side! kekeke
Feb 13, 2023 12:03 PM
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Nov 2022
3
I hope Einar will help Thorinn forget his past and make him care about his life.
Feb 13, 2023 12:42 PM

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Jan 2016
1944
Peak farmland episode

Action saga fans on suicide watch
Feb 13, 2023 12:56 PM

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Mar 2014
185
I feel warm inside...
Feb 13, 2023 12:58 PM

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Nov 2020
233
Why tf they do this to my man Thorfinn yikes
Feb 13, 2023 1:24 PM

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Feb 2023
86
thorfinn finally made one friend I'm so happy for him
Feb 13, 2023 1:29 PM
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Jul 2018
564089
This episode is so damn relaxing
Feb 13, 2023 1:32 PM
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Sep 2018
4
not fun enough, i was expecting an episode with more action
Feb 13, 2023 1:40 PM

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Oct 2022
673
We are really into a farmland arc. Many discussions and hard work for Thorfinn and Einar. Return of Snake and introducing the old father boss. Liked both the characters.


Feb 13, 2023 1:48 PM
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May 2020
16343
an episode which delves into the day to day action of a slave, you can assume quite a bit of time has passed due to the thorfinn and Einar's beards
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