Thors Snorresson

Thors is calm, compassionate, disciplined, and deeply opposed to unnecessary violence. His outlook developed only after years as a ruthless professional warrior. The birth of Ylva helped awaken his attachment to family and forced him to reconsider the life he had accepted as normal.

He does not mistake pacifism for passivity. Thors will fight when other lives depend upon him, but he deliberately avoids killing even when lethal force would be easier. His conviction that "a true warrior needs no sword" becomes the clearest expression of his belief that strength should ultimately make violence unnecessary.

Thors is particularly careful about what he teaches Thorfinn. He rejects his son's childhood fascination with weapons and insists that nobody is naturally his enemy and that there is nobody he needs to hurt.

Thors is among the most formidable warriors shown in the series. He combines immense physical strength with exceptional speed, reflexes, endurance, swordsmanship, and hand-to-hand combat. Even after years spent farming, his abilities remain sufficient to overwhelm experienced Viking mercenaries without killing them.

As a young Jomsviking he defeated Thorkell while unarmed despite Thorkell wielding an axe. He later defeats Askeladd in a duel and incapacitates numerous members of Askeladd's band while intentionally avoiding fatal wounds.

His restraint is arguably the most demanding aspect of his combat ability. Thors possesses enough control to disable armed opponents using precisely measured strikes, including breaking bones or rendering men unconscious without turning encounters into massacres.

Thors's earlier life is tied closely to the Jomsvikings. He rises to the rank of captain while still young and becomes renowned throughout the Viking world for his combat prowess. His relationship with the Jomsviking leadership also leads to his marriage to Helga, daughter of Sigvaldi.

After becoming disillusioned with warfare, Thors deserts during the Battle of Hjörungavágr, fakes his death, and secretly settles with his family in Iceland. Years later, Floki discovers him and uses the threat against his village to compel him to return to service.

Floki has secretly hired Askeladd to assassinate Thors during the voyage. When Askeladd's men take the Icelanders hostage, Thors agrees to surrender in exchange for their safety and is killed by archers. His teachings remain central to Thorfinn's development long afterward.

Thorfinn is Thors's son. Thors tries to teach him that true strength lies beyond violence, although the young Thorfinn initially fails to understand him.

Ylva is Thors's daughter, whose birth plays an important part in his growing rejection of warfare.

Helga is Thors's wife and the woman with whom he builds his new life in Iceland.

Sigvaldi is Thors's father-in-law and the chief of the Jomsvikings.

Thorkell is Thors's uncle-in-law and former comrade. Thorkell respects Thors enormously and regards him as an extraordinary warrior.

Askeladd is hired to eliminate Thors. Their confrontation leaves Askeladd impressed by Thors's extraordinary ability and principles.

Floki is Thors's former Jomsviking comrade and the man who secretly arranges his assassination.