Baldr

Baldr is mild-mannered, thoughtful, and uncomfortable with violence. His personality makes him an awkward fit for the militaristic society into which he has been born.

He enjoys fishing and craftsmanship and does not share Floki's obsession with power. Rather than dreaming of commanding warriors, Baldr is drawn toward a quiet life in which he can pursue his own interests.

He is also perceptive enough to understand that his grandfather's ambitions are shaping his life without his consent.

Baldr has no established exceptional combat ability. His importance within Jomsborg derives from lineage and succession politics rather than martial strength.

He is skilled enough at simple craftsmanship to make his own fishing equipment and shows the patience associated with his favorite pastime.

His lack of enthusiasm for fighting sharply distinguishes him from the warriors competing around him.

Baldr becomes important during the succession struggle within the Jomsvikings. Floki wants his grandson positioned to inherit political authority and works aggressively to shape circumstances in Baldr's favor.

The young heir consequently becomes an object around which older warriors maneuver despite having little interest in the power they want him to possess.

Thorfinn's arrival at Jomsborg and the conflict involving Thorkell, Floki, and the Jomsviking factions eventually destroys Floki's succession plan. Baldr is relieved rather than devastated by losing the future his grandfather designed for him.

His situation reinforces the story's recurring distinction between what Viking society calls success and what an individual actually wants from life.

Floki is Baldr's grandfather and the person most determined to engineer his political future.

Thorfinn becomes entangled in the succession conflict surrounding Baldr.

Thorkell is one of the powerful Jomsviking figures whose actions destabilize Floki's plans.

Vagn opposes Floki's political maneuvering and becomes part of the conflict surrounding Jomsviking succession.