Thorfinn tells a cryptic tale about his warrior past which puts Einar in conflict.
Read Last Week’s Episode Review.
Einar’s Anger Toward Thorfinn
I can completely understand Einar’s anger and confusion toward Thorfinn.
Einar lost his sister, his mother, got sold into slavery, and thought he had finally found some happiness by being back on a farm only to almost be killed just for sport. To make matters worse, Thorfinn is (understandably so) apathetic to anything going on around him and would just like to chop trees after being sliced up by thugs.
Although the anger is justified, I think it’s misplaced – which thankfully Einar realized toward the end of their ordeal together. I was wondering when Thorfinn would flat out say he may have had a hand in Einar’s village’s destruction the first time, but Thorfinn constantly having nightmares and being undaunted in the face of certain death changed Einar’s opinion of him.
Especially since Thorfinn specifically said he’s “just like” the people who murdered Einar’s family, and yet in Thorfinn’s nightmare he was trying to defend himself from “those people”.
It was interesting however that Einar went for Thorfinn’s throat the same way Thorfinn went for Askeladd while he was ‘sleeping’. Then Askeladd went for his own father Olaf while he was in bed. I know Askeladd did that for an element of surprise and Thorfinn did it because he was still too weak, but I wonder what Einar’s reason is?
Was it shame?
Thorfinn Lost His Purpose
The bodyguards at Ketil’s Farm created an entire mess that I’m sure will have ripple effects throughout the season. Thorfinn lost an ear and Einar has become even more paranoid. Although Thorfinn’s speech about losing his purpose in life and never being happy changed Einar’s opinion of him, it doesn’t change the fact that Askeladd’s death deeply impacted Thorfinn.
As he told Einar, he’s been on the battlefield since he was 5 or 6 years old and has only known killing and combat. Askeladd allowed his rage to continue in order to (partially) use him for their raids while also training Thorfinn to stay alive and survive in their harsh world.
The imagery of dead trees in the forest coupled with the poem from episode one about the dead tree surrounded by ice dying because nobody was there to care for it is perfect symbolism for Thorfinn and his journey.
Sure, Thorfinn has cut down a lot of “family trees” by the roots similar to how he chops trees on Ketil’s land. But the funny thing about trees, even when you think they are dead sometimes they pop back up and begin a new life. No matter how many times you cut down a tree, new shoots will come up.
And unless you fully rip out a tree truck down to its cellular root level, it will keep growing.
Even if it takes months, years, or decades – that tree will eventually come back.
Thorfinn blocking Snake’s attack while thinking of Askeladd’s gaze during their last duel proved that Thorfinn still does want to live, he’s just in the winter of his life. Spring will soon come, the ice around the tree roots will thaw, and he will find a new purpose again.
Adventure? Family? Vinland?
Who knows. All that matters is that the tree doesn’t stop growing, and that Thorfinn and Einar are still alive and in charge of their destinies. As long as they are both breathing, things can change for the better.
But, tell me your thoughts.
Why do you think Thorfinn views himself in a similar way to the men he has nightmares about?
Do you think Thorfinn will find a new purpose in life?
Will Einar’s romance with Arnheid go anywhere storywise?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode Reviews and Discussions!
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