How Vinland Saga S2 Crafted the GREATEST REDEMPTION ARC in All Anime!

[@damienlarson4145]

The people who say this season is boring or bad, are anime fans who only watch anime for action scenes and not story telling.

[@ayyjent12]

The story telling isn't anything special though that's the thing other stories have done it way better at a deeper level

[@rembartx]

@@ayyjent12 so?

[@mxj3qs]

​@@ayyjent12 yes vinland saga is special

[@dylansinyamom]

@@ayyjent12 i cant agree with this there hasn't been an anime that handles the characters and story like vinland in season 2 its great

[@jasonremy8688]

​@@ayyjent12oh really lol ? Nice try , any other example you'll give won't match up with Vinland saga story telling.

[@frewtlewps1152]

The Slave arc of Vinland Saga has the best cast in anime. Every character is like a cog in a machine that helps the story progress, and all of them develop individually in interesting ways. I was most surprised by Olmar and Snake, because they weren’t the main focus of the story but still contributed to the plot and turned out to be great people.

[@voidcheque7019]

This is what I love about this show. There are next to ZERO wasted characters or scenes. Everything and everyone tie in so well together in one way or another. I didn't think it was possible for a show to be this good, but here we are. Every episode just felt like it was getting better and better. Season 2 was simply pay off after pay off after pay off! One of the most relatable and satisfying shows that I ever seen period, and it made me bawl like a baby multiple times.

[@titustavares335]

Yes yes! Especially Gardar, he’s not really a “character,” but he’s there to enhance Arnheid’s story, and to show the audience what happens when you push someone too far. He’s even developed way more than he should’ve been in such a short time.

[@Future_Doggo]

I'm really excited to see how MAPPA handles The Baltic Sea War arc. It also has many fantastic character development moments, while also being arguably the most action packed arc in the seires.

[@youtubelover9884]

I actually can't wait bro, Thorfinn vs Garm, Thorfinn rage against Floki, Thorkell vs Garm, Thorkell in the fight to take the fort. It's all so good

[@eggnog4266]

Also Sigurd is the goat

[@monyvesdubois]

There's more?!

[@tranquilhearts6230]

And the most important is waifu don't forget we 2 best waifu in baltic arc.

[@rockkiller124]

Is that the next arc in future season?

[@koontzsama]

This show was so human and beautiful it really touched me.

[@thesenate5913]

Season one focuses on how Vikings see the world Season two focused on how regular people see the world, especially those that suffered under the vikings and the consequences of their harsh world. Einhard and his husband for me were the main highlights of the season because it gave Thorfinn the beautiful conclusion he came up at the end. RIP Einhard, Gardar and their family.

[@mide8845]

Arnheid?

[@TheLeftistOwl]

Coincidences in and of themselves are not a sign of bad writing. Leif finding Ketil is not out of the realm of possibility especially when they're under the same kingdom umbrella and clearly travel the same general locales often. Not only that, they were in the same place when Einar was bought.

[@johnkimuelbello3453]

Leif is also actively searching for Thorfinn so that increases the chances of him meeting slave master and he is bound to meet ketil one form or another

[@gamerstheater1187]

Plus, Leif has been looking for Thorfinn forever and he goes to that place every year, he was going to find Ketil one way or another

[@trev9168]

And the “hiring a coin flicker “ thing didn’t make sense. First off that’s Canutes most trusted right hand man. Someone who’s extremely skilled. I highly doubt Canute literally told him to flick a coin in his eye. Probably just told him to make sure the son wins the fight by any means. It’s kinda just implied lol. The coin thing was just how his right hand man chose to do it.

[@SewerPipeRat]

He never claimed it was bad writing. In this instance, the reason the decision was poor wasn't because it isn't plausible, but because Canute is much more calculated than relying on coincidences.

[@trev9168]

@@SewerPipeRat but that’s the thing. The way he’s explaining it is implausible your right. But that’s not the way it really happened now is it. He’s over specifying it which makes it sounds more like coincidence than what it actually is.

[@mareklwhip4590]

I really thought this whole slave arc would only last a few episodes into season 2, and we'd get back to the war and action that season 1 was so packed with. But I was pleasantly surprised when I finished it. Going through season 2, I was surprised at how engaged and interested I was in the simple story of a handful of slaves working for their freedom. It wasn't until the last 8 or so episodes that I really digested how phenomenal this show was. I could see early on how good it was, but I couldn't see until the end just how masterful it is.

[@vikkran401]

As someone who isn't into anime. I can't express enough what a masterpiece I think the show is. I thought season one was incredible and I was shocked by how good it was and I was like, there's no way they can top this right? Well.... Is it possible to ever be more wrong?. And season 2 just left me even more speechless and even a month later im still trying to process it and i don''t think any piece of fictional media with a message has ever been able to convey to me like Vinland Saga has.

[@JE.1985]

I get that season 2 has more impact on viewers due to its better story. However you got to admit seeing Thorfinn just tear through armies, is pretty fire

[@vikkran401]

@@JE.1985 Yeah I do admit that seeing Thorfinn basically soloing entirely of England was cool. Also the character design and artwork was also appealing, just seeing this blonde edgy teenager who dual weilds and pair of daggers was enough to raise my interrest and give the show a go.

[@JayGotFoods]

i lovedddd canute and thorfinn’s dynamic this season, it was brilliantly written and made canute my third favorite character

[@JuliusCaesar103]

Finished season 2 a couple of hours ago. Easily one of the best anime arcs ever, wow, could never imagine crying over characters only having conversations as often as this. Truly mindblowing

[@nashihm925]

I always thought that iron fist Ketil was the old master. And that was the reason Snake is so close to him.

[@feebleking21]

Nah they're different people. Iron Fist Ketil was closer in age to Ketil, whereas Sverkel is Ketil's biological father.

[@nashihm925]

@@feebleking21 how can you be sure of his age? As far as i know we only get one panel of him and it might just be Olmar imagining his father as a warrior. Not necessarily what the guy actually looked like.

[@feebleking21]

@@nashihm925 Because if Ketil was able to assume his identity they had to be close in age or else it probably wouldn't have worked. My main point was that Iron Fist Ketil was closer in age to Ketil than the old master.

[@nashihm925]

@@feebleking21 yeah, that makes more sense.

[@frewtlewps1152]

Snake got closer to Sverkell because he could tell that the old man is living as his true self. Ketil is a b**** lol

[@jamesharrison2763]

Masterpiece 10/10 without question. The sword pommels are historically accurate, i found one metal detecing in east Anglia. Did you know, Thorkell the tall in actual history became the lord of east anglia for several years? He was the lord of my homeland. Crazy.

[@CrimsonHound84]

That's an awesome find! The possibilities of unearthing pieces of history on your side of the pond is always something I'm jealous of.

[@gerardrardrard]

I knew nothing about Vinland Saga before I started watching, just heard a lot of good hings about it. After catching up and then finishing season 2 it's easily one of my favorite stories of all time.

[@michaeljoseph8554]

I can’t believe you hated this story when this is one of my favorite stores of all time.

[@arthurladera5733]

I just finished season 2 like 40 mins ago, i dont understand why i cried but i guess it just shows me how much you can get intact with these characters. The author really did an amazing job into developing these characters and just how the anime portrayed the growth of Thorfinn itself at the same time giving also attention to the side characters and really making their stories worth to hear. I'm still fresh from the ending and I really started to love it. Amazing video btw! Onwards and Upwards!

[@rottinsoldier9215]

Season 2 was garbage you cried because you’re a crybaby. I haven’t even finished it I’m trying my best but this show is horrible

[@CrimsonHound84]

I was the same way, especially when he makes his homecoming, I kept having to wipe tears from my eyes.

[@bubik-lo4ox]

​@@CrimsonHound84 Me too

[@michaeljoseph8554]

I can’t believe you hated the season and completely ignored the amazing job the author did at character development and the growth of thorfinn.

[@arthurladera5733]

@@michaeljoseph8554 i think you need to re-read my comment man but hey, all love

[@Somegoy]

The sequence of thorfinn climbing out of hell with askelads help was absolutely perfect

[@Ereve_]

Just finished Vol 13 of the mange, this is one of the best anime/manga series out there, it speaks to human nature, the struggle of life in a cruel world, and how one can persevere and rise above, from their own sins to this world's trials.

[@Dovak11n]

This is by far one the best analysis of Vinland saga I’ve ever seen. I hope you get the views you deserve.

[@haanis5458]

Two pieces of media have helped me alot through a very dark period for me mentally. He period where i just felt depressed and defeated. Those two pieces of media were Vinland Saga and the Kingdom Hearts series. Both in kind of similar ways. Vinland Saga has taught me to better myself as a person. To be a strong and kind person. To not hold any grudges against anyone. And Kingdom Hearts has helped me to try to be more optimistic and naïve in a good way. To have a faith in the good in humanity no matter what. These two together with Six Feet Under have shaped me into the person i am right now

[@darktobi2869]

This video deserves a million views you definitely did this anime justice I can feel the work you put into it. I have rewatched it 4 times just cause I love it so much it hurts my soul that it’s not at 1 million people are sleeping in vinland saga.

[@lilyb2334]

I know that there are many good animes around but I couldn’t help but feel uninterested after a few episodes, I thought maybe I outgrew anime until I accidentally found out about Vinland Saga. I was extremely impressed to a point where I didn’t want to watch too many episodes in one day so I can give myself time to focus and understand every detail in this amazingly animated story. This anime has the best character developments! Every second of Thorfinn’s journey was so interesting to watch, and Einar’s character was the perfect puzzle piece for his development. Amazing story, can’t wait for more.

[@1320crusier]

Vinland Saga being a stylized telling of the [probably spoilers but history nerds will know as VINLAND is the big hint] is absolutely fantastic to me. So many real life characters and effort in making it historically accurate (relatively speaking) makes me so incredibly happy. Cnut (Canute is also acceptable), Thorfinn, Thorkel (IRL he was Thorkel the Tall.. no bullshit), Leif Ericson, Ketill, and so many others are all people that really existed and the series tried quite hard to put them in roles that mimicked their real lives. The absolutely stunning part isnt the amazing writing, the incredibly deep and well developed characters, or the beautifully animated settings, its that they put faces and personalities to the absolute GIANTS of the real Viking era.

[@hammyham4882]

Thorfinns ptsd scenes are the most raw displays of emotion I’ve ever seen in a anime

[@Thanatos913]

What a great video, also your hollow knight ost usage is truly masterful

[@vashtanarada1729]

Vinland saga is indeed a masterpiece and i did not know why I loved it so much. Everything you said is something that i felt and knew but couldn't explain it to myself. you just got ur self a subscriber.

[@nathanwente3246]

I have the same nitpicks as you but this season pushed this anime to one of my all time favorites. Not many anime have made me so emotional I even teared up with your summary of some of the events 😭😭 just so good

[@tomadshead6133]

10/10 perfect video, you articulated how amazing this show is in a way ive always wanted to. Thank you.

[@icysaracen3054]

Season two reminded me of the ending of the movie The Shawshank redemption

[@Eden-wt3qk]

I was just watching your first Vinland saga video the other day, nice

[@kite8680]

Same, I watched it yesterday, perfect timing

[@HostileAtHeart]

Shame on you for supporting that disgusting vile human Having that pfp is a brand, and not a good one

[@darktobi2869]

More Vinland videos please. I loved the ones you did on the 1st & 2nd season so much

[@thechickenman2260]

Those closing thoughts are so true. I would love to hear a recap from Thorfinns own experience! Great video dude! Keep it up

[@Mifey05]

"fills him with hope" right as i notice the background music sounds like an undertale ost. somewhere during Thorfinn vs Canute it sounds like Once Upon A Time

[@arizonaicesuntea9922]

Honesty, I'd say Snake is more like an Anti Hero. He does do questionable things, like staying with Ketil, and Kill Armhide's husband. He never did anything truly evil. He's a good man who just does questionable things. To call him a villain would just ignore the good he did. He stopped Ketil from killing Arnhide (or at least he tried), he treated the slaves like human beings, stopped Fox from killing Thorfin, looked after his men, and looked after the Old Master.

[@NotUnymous]

How can a murderer be a Hero? You sound confused. Thorfinn is a hero the moment he escapes the circle of hate, reflect, suffers for the evil he did and decide to do good.

[@icomeinpeace3756]

That scene with him beating Arnheid was somerhing i did not expect. My jaw dropped that whole sequence. The dynamic showcased was something ive never seen in anime.

[@hadkkd0872]

Not only vinland saga is a masterpiece, but also this video👍🏻

[@qoda1]

for me vinland saga is one of those animes/mangas that makes me actually learn, feel growth, do something good from something i was able to learn, this is the kind of animes i can call master piece, everything about it just make sense for me and i can understand not everybody sees it as i do, but im glad to try and tell anybody why i do throw animes like this to the very top of my fav series, its not always about the flashing scenes, its not always about the best drawing/animation, for me, just like this, can be a good life lesson i didn't know i needed, until i learned.

[@voidcheque7019]

5:25 love this lol. "Viking Jesus".

[@icomeinpeace3756]

That Canute shift in season was soooooo unexpected. The divergence bewteen Canute and Thorrfinn. MASTERPIECE

[@Subhankarapd]

If there was any single season of any show that changed many of us perspectives in life then this is the season of Vinland saga. Great work buddy love from India ❤

[@Green-Hunter976]

bro your story telling is so good

[@anudarib]

This was one of the most beautiful video essays I have ever watched

[@HoshinoAquamarine7777]

I was waiting for this video! Once again, its one of the best videos on Vinland Saga i have ever seen and I can see that you put so much work into it. Thank you so much

[@dms-f16]

You have no enemies, friend. No need to run. Keep on making cool stuff. ❤

[@andrew1357984620]

You are a very talented writer with a profound brain. Thank you for making videos. I hope you get great success in your future.

[@feebleking21]

Thank you, that really means a lot to me.

[@Tanikoshugo]

It took a while for me to realize that Canute is actually Knut (pronounced similarly to "Suit", but with a Kn). A common name here in Sweden.

[@therealjingles]

algorithm boosting

[@russelljconquerslifehawkey]

I really hope this wins anime of the year. I know it probably won’t, but God it was so good.

[@shade0636]

Great season. My only criticism is the pacing of one or two specific episodes but otherwise it was masterfully told.

[@twisted_nyte1176]

Which episodes? Curious

[@shade0636]

@@twisted_nyte1176 Episode 16 and 17. I thought they were good but it wasn't necessary to use as much time as they did to contribute what they needed to. In 16s case it feels like they stretched out Arnheid's conversation with Thorfinn and Einar just so they could end the episode on a cliffhanger before the fight. I also don't like that the conversation between Canute and Thorfinn was cut in half between two episodes. The cut between them is so harsh, it feels like it would have hit harder in a singular episode.

[@Nandomo00]

​@@shade0636I think it's the first time I've read any criticism of Vinland saga 2 that makes sense

[@Bojoschannel]

Yeah, had the same problem with other episodes where they really stretched some scenes or made them up completely, which i kind of understand since they had to reach 24 episodes and the material wasn't enough

[@fvrlit]

I’m sorry but I skipped gardars death bro had no reason to have that much screen time he prolly did I just didn’t like him all that much

[@Stag132]

Sealed vessel OST really doing wonders for this

[@gamerstheater1187]

"This video is rated S for spoilers" I'm stealing this lol

[@nichtdeintyp76]

Great Video, keep up the grind big G

[@murasaki.4106]

the path of pain ost killed it fr fr 💯

[@overschiet3664]

Underrated channel

[@MusicManOfSimplePleasures]

I was about to rant for no Olmar, but nicely saved at the end....it is in the beauty of simplicity for his change

[@vitelo25miki23]

Great work, great video!

[@jordanhurst6555]

I never really viewed snake as a bad guy. I also think things are more gray in this anime than black & white

[@themistva]

It seems like he did nothing especially cruel for the time period, he’s no better or worse than the average Viking morally. Where he stands out is in his honor and loyalty.

[@fares_dn]

Beautiful video for a beautiful piece of fiction

[@darktobi2869]

Nobody does Vinland videos and it sucks because I love watching them so thank you for this please do an video on Canute

[@siddhantchauhan1975]

The thing tho ketil didn’t free the male slaves out of the goodness of his heart but rather, he did that then hired them to work in his farm. It would make the slaves work harder and them still serving him once they’re free. His good deeds were to serve himself, hence the reason y he’d never get rid of arnheid as freeing her won’t benefit himself. His father said that Ketil was greedy, so once all his wealth and farm was threatened to be lost, lost it.

[@braydows8378]

Love this video

[@jvever4904]

Wonderful video! Season 2 is so masterfully created and underrated.

[@trevorbrown7661]

At 0:40, I don't think Thorfinn was ever proud of killing anyone. After his first loss to Thorkell, he even asks "what's so fun about war?" In the first season, he's just largely desensitized of murder and becomes callous and cold as a result. It's a means to an end, but one I don't think he ever relishes in.

[@Imgettingthere]

Im really glad you realized how good vinland saga is. There is a AMV that really shows how much emotion goes into the show. Its called "Dont Panic" by Fin. Really good stuff I highly recomend it.

[@_sealbro]

it's not Hell in his vision, it's the true Valhalla. a "warrior's paradise." important distinction I think.

[@Christian-yv6cw]

Fantastic analysis and video, the best I’ve seen so far about Peakland Saga

[@phynt4366]

thank you for remiding me about my favourite manga and showing amazing scenes from its anime

[@titustavares335]

Einar wears green. Thorfinn wears beige. Thorgil wears red, Olmar wears blue, kettle wears red AND green, and coolest of all, snake wears purple. See what I’m getting at here?

[@peacefulknight9086]

Great video, thank you. This story plus the hollow knight soundtrack, i got emotional multiple times

[@hamothemagnif8529]

I can see how some might not like the slower pace and reduced “action” (especially after the first season), but i loved both seasons. I can’t think of a single show that i’d hold in higher regard (a non-anime show).

[@mondelester]

11:25 Imo it wasn't a bad idea that Olmar wasn't killed off at all. If anything, Olmar represents youthful insecurity (compared to Ketil's similar personal case) as much as Thorfinn does with self-forgiveness in the making along with Einar and Canute to their own. Olmar was one of the many (even to this day and age) who are deluded by the idea of masculinity about what it takes to be a real man, considering that he was raised with life handed to him on a silver platter. In the end, Olmar learned better than that thanks to Thorfinn. This is what I also loved with this show. Even such a garbage character I once thought he was in the story can redeem himself like that.

[@P1nkgandalf]

Great video like always.

[@krabulon7575]

i think the brilliant part of the whole slave thing is that, as you well said, there is no good slave owner, but even so, they build ketil in such a way that you feel pity, empathy, and friendship with this man, for the first part they show us how kind he can be, and in plain sight hides how much of a defective human being he is, is such a surprise when he beats up and kills his yet to be born son, when it shouldnt be, this is a bad person

[@xzhto3167]

Yeah, i also really wanted to see the reaction of his family to what he went through throughout these years

[@yeeyeeedits]

I love season 2 so much and this is a great video

[@Quon_the_Destroyer]

Damn great video and what a damn great work of art Vinland Saga is

[@dinoXAs2]

Perhaps recap will be own episode before season 3

[@eddied6807]

Awesome video and truly vinland is easily in my top shows ever. Though kinda wish you had a talk about his scene with askeladd. That that whole scene is full of mixed emotions and was well done💯

[@RafikiafReKo]

One scene I think that also crucial to Thorfinns change was the farmhands, where Einar gets rightfully pissed off that they are making their life a living hell just because they are slaves. The dynamic is a reoccuring theme through out life and in media, in A Silent Voice our protagonist is effectivly the farmhand. But the real truth in both cases, the farmhands and the slaves are in the same position, the system incentivizes them to be cruel and to keep them down. It's almost as if Ketil created a situation where he didn't need to be harsh, because the system itself took care of that for him. Oppression through lower standing people isn't new, but like you said, Vinland Saga is one of the few that really wants to delve deep into it and hammer home why not just slavery, but the world itself creates this while not removing agency from people like Pater.

[@Earthquakeize]

Just a small note on the pronunciation of Ketil. the K is pronounced like Th so more like Th-etil. Great video

[@andrijajovic9186]

amazing video

[@bluefire_icecube1177]

Out of all the animes ive watched. vinland saga the farmland arc made me cry the most. Not bc of the tragedies but because i could empathize with a character who has held onto hate and is now trying to break free from it

[@Soloong_Gaybowzer]

I know you make Christian references a few times, but just to put a smile on someone's face I'd like to say this: It was the advent of Christianity and the concept of unconditional forgiveness between human beings that brought an end to the Viking era. It was people like Thorfin who risked everything to bring the Gospels to the Norse.

[@PsychologyStud]

Another well made, beautiful video!! 👏🏿 👏🏿 👏🏿

[@amrmans2]

Please, more vinland content.

[@More_John]

0:04 Pure vessel ost 😍

[@ABStudios07]

27:30 as the Ending said, There is no Freedom without love❤

[@alexanderblackburn4520]

Thorfinn is the tragedy of lost potential, but also the reincarnation of a warrior. A decade plus of incredible violence, only to set it aside to bring peace. He still had that skill to defend against the army and could have turned the entire war, but he chose the strength of peace, which ultimately won the battle.

[@eve938]

A fantastic analogy....Thank you so much.

[@Mr_G.B.]

Love how after Einar pulled Thorfinn out of the mental Slums, he was kinda just there, Y’know giving the solid One liner, then It’s almost like they switched Places.

[@ILoveTWD376]

Bro gave us half a second to avoid major spoilers thanks

[@hollowify_tensa_zangetsu]

I was confused...redemption arc 😂then I kinda remembered thorfinn is Savage. Ketle farm arc is simply amazing

[@Jsmoochie]

Well made, thanks for the video and your insight.

[@kuronblue]

I like how undertale music iw plqying in this video its fitting since they have the same morals or similar themes

[@Deamon-kr4ur]

one great anime can change a Man

[@morsumbra9692]

An important note. For 25:30. Is that thorfinn is strong enough to stop Canute, and still is as shown by taking all the punches. And yet still says he'll run... thats what gets Canute. Someone Canute can trust won't come and murder him for disagreeing with Canute... even though Thorfinn could if he wanted to. The juxtaposition of this series with Tokyo Ghoul is WILD. Sometimes you gotta embrace love. Sometimes you gotta embrace moral compromise and "evil within yourself". Psycho Pass and From the New World also do a great juxtaposition but with societal responsibility vs morality

[@gelb598]

Idk if I agree with the characterization of Ketil and Snake being evil. If we are talking sheer monstrous acts Canute & Thorfin have done way more reprehensible things to more people than either one of them. They are flawed and complex like everyone else in the masterpiece of a story. Show's with morally ambiguous characters like Vinland or AOT are so good and big part of why they are so great. Ironically painting a better more accurate picture of human nature than most shows with live actors. Great video bro 🙏

[@DoTheAstralPlane]

Fantastic and thorough analysis

[@lexlavi]

Not to mention, how Thorin’s father Thor understood all of this and you only understand that in the end of the story

[@popadokalyps814]

Very good

[@philipheng3876]

Even though I already was a peaceful, non-violent person, this show has transformed me on such a deep philosophical level that no other peace of media has come anywhere close to. I have no enemies. No one has.

[@user-kp6ud7ht4z]

13:39 obsession and love are mutually exclusive. To be obsessed with someone is an act of violence because you are imposing your adulation for them without so much as a whim of care about whether or not they want your adulation. To put yourself and your desires first in that way is diabolical, selfish, inconsiderate, and extremely immature; and to try to conflate “love” with any of those things shows a clear lack of understanding of what love is. Love is not about you, nor your feelings, nor your desires. Love is about always considering the well-being, feelings, desires, and above all, safety, of the person who one so-called ‘loves.’ In short, love is not about you, it is about considering and protecting the expressed desires, hopes, wishes, dreams, agency, and autonomy of the other person; even if that means walking away from the other person because they express that they do not desire you. There is no such thing as obsessive love. If obsession is involved, then it is abuse. And if you are abusing the person whom you claim to love, then you are mistaken about what it means to love someone. Anyone who abuses another person does not love that person; and this is the misunderstanding that so many people hold and use to justify violence such as “crimes of passion” and domestic violence.