As all of us here at The Viking Herald are bibliophiles, I cannot believe what I overheard myself say to my wife the other day: "Nobody has time these days to watch an hour-long episode on [insert your favorite streaming service here], let alone pick up a book."
Shame. Shame. Shame. Aside from all the great world authors, from Shakespeare to Sun Tzu, collectively shaking their heads in shame at me.
In this world where attention spans are measured by reels on TikTok, there is no time to relax and enjoy the deep pleasures in life – for example, opening the pages of one of a myriad of centuries-old Norse sagas.
One of the pitfalls of modern life, I suppose. Yet, despite how desperate the situation is – and how flittering our modern attention spans are (pauses typing to look at cell phone) – there is a small and strange glimmer of hope.
That hope is the combination of contemporary Japanese culture with ancient Norse legends, myths, and sagas.
The result of this fusion is the brilliant Vinland Saga, an anime series that aired from 2019 to 2023 and received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences.
The anime introduces Thorfinn Karlsefni as a child whose life is defined by tragedy and a desire for revenge. Source: Wit Studio / Amazon Prime Video, screenshot (Copyright, fair use)
Thorfinn and the Viking world
Adapted from the wildly successful manga, Vinland Saga is the perfect escapist antidote to short attention spans.
The brainchild of Makoto Yukimura, this has become the blue ribbon of historical anime.
Inspired by the sagas, Yukimura's creation is a heavily fictionalized account of the rise of Thorfinn Karlsefni, from his early traumatic childhood, through his exploits and adventures as a marauding Viking, to his transformation into a pacifist.
The story itself is set in the early 11th century CE and aligns with the more advanced stages of the Viking expansion, particularly the Viking invasions launched during the reigns of Sweyn Forkbeard and his son, Canute (later Canute the Great).
However, there are scenes, plotlines, or numerous references to the whole gamut of the Viking world, from the famed Viking settlement on Vinland to the riverbound communities of France, from the bucolic nature of Northumbrian villages to the relatively newly established Icelandic Commonwealth.
The animator's dedication to historical realism is evident in every detail, from Viking ships to the food and clothing of the time. Source: Wit Studio / Amazon Prime Video, screenshot (Copyright, fair use)
Aesthetically pleasing, every scene a piece of art
Vinland Saga is manga at its finest. Every scene is not only beautifully drawn but there is also a great deal of historical realism and detail in each one.
It is clear that the animators – Wit Studio – have embraced Yukimura's almost obsessive goal of making this the most historically realistic manga about the Viking Age.
The clothes, the weapons, the villages, the Viking ships, and even the food seem to have been ripped straight out of Northern Europe during the early 10th century.
Now, it wouldn't be a series involving Vikings if there wasn't a fair share of raids, battles, brawls, and wars.
The animation, especially in battle scenes, is visually striking and blends realism with artistic flair.
Whilst these can often be slightly gory – this is manga, after all – the action captured in every clash of swords, forward charge, or fortress siege reflects the brutality of Viking combat.
Vinland Saga captures the brutality of Viking combat while challenging viewers to consider the consequences of violence. Source: Wit Studio, Amazon Prime Video, screenshot (Copyright, fair use)
A moral lesson wrapped in popular entertainment
Despite all the blood and guts, Yukimura said he was inspired to write the original series after living through the events of the Cold War and the 9/11-inspired "War on Terror."
At its heart, this is a pacifist tale. Thorfinn – though he is forced into the life of a pirate and Viking, spilling blood as effortlessly as breathing – finds it takes a deep emotional and psychological toll on him.
He sees firsthand how violence begets violence in a seemingly never-ending downward spiral.
Most of all, Vinland Saga is a great place for adolescents (probably not suitable for younger children) and young adults to dip their toes into the wide ocean of Viking history.
Whilst modern entertainment is often accused of being bland, generic, and lowbrow, Vinland Saga stands out by teaching morality through Japanese manga inspired by ancient Norse sagas and historical events. A lofty goal but one that Yukimura and Wit Studio easily reach.
Vinland Saga is available to stream on Amazon here.
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