Drott

Drott is brutish, prideful, intimidating, and initially contemptuous of people he judges physically weak. He laughs at Thorfinn's short stature and refuses to believe that such an unimposing man could once have served as Canute's guard.

He also possesses a genuine sense of honor. Once someone fulfills the terms of a challenge he has accepted, Drott is capable of admitting defeat, apologizing, and changing his judgment rather than inventing excuses.

Drott possesses exceptional raw strength and stamina. His nickname "Bear Killer" and reputation among Canute's soldiers identify him as one of the physically strongest men in the royal camp.

He primarily fights barehanded, relying on heavy punches rather than refined weapon techniques.

The repeated blows he can deliver over an extended period demonstrate substantial endurance as well as power.

Drott meets Thorfinn when the former slave arrives at Canute's army seeking an audience with the king and claiming that he once served as Canute's bodyguard.

Drott assumes the claim is absurd and tries to drive him away. When soldiers begin betting on how many punches Thorfinn can endure, Thorfinn proposes his own condition: if he withstands one hundred blows without fighting back, they must allow him to meet the king.

Drott accepts and repeatedly strikes him. Thorfinn refuses to retaliate because he is attempting to negotiate peace and argues that people who have just met have no reason to treat one another as enemies.

After the hundredth blow, Drott acknowledges Thorfinn's resolve and supports allowing him through to Canute.

Canute is Drott's king and the ruler he serves as a personal guard.

Thorfinn earns Drott's respect by enduring one hundred punches without retaliating.

Wulf is Canute's head thegn and accepts Drott's conclusion that Thorfinn's claim of former royal service should be taken seriously.