Quick Facts
| Format | TV |
| Status | Finished |
| Started | 2023-01 |
| Finished | 2023-06 |
| Year | 2023 |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Runtime | 26 min |
| Score | 8.8 / 10 |
| Popularity | #271,325 |
Synopsis
Several years after the death of Askeladd, Thorfinn has been enslaved and sent to work on the Danish estate of a wealthy landowner. Emotionally numb and haunted by his years of violence, he meets Einar, an English farmer who was enslaved after Viking raiders destroyed his home. The two are promised freedom if they can clear and cultivate a tract of forest.
Primarily adapting the manga’s Slave Arc, also called the Ketil’s Farm Arc, the season shifts from battlefield adventure toward a study of slavery, trauma, repentance, and nonviolence. Its parallel narrative follows Canute as the burdens of kingship lead him down a path that eventually intersects with Thorfinn’s search for a peaceful life.
Trailers
Highlights
- Animation production moved from Wit Studio to MAPPA, although director Shūhei Yabuta and much of the first season’s principal creative team remained.
- Hiroshi Seko returned to oversee series composition, Takahiko Abiru remained character designer, and Yutaka Yamada again composed the score.
- The season aired for 24 consecutive episodes from January 10 through June 20, 2023.
- Anonymouz performed the first opening theme, “River,” while LMYK performed the first ending theme, “Without Love.”
- The second half used “Paradox” by Survive Said the Prophet as its opening and “Ember” by haju:harmonics as its ending.
- The adaptation received widespread critical praise for its character development, visual direction, treatment of pacifism, and willingness to replace the first season’s action emphasis with a slower dramatic approach.
- It was nominated for Anime of the Year, Best Continuing Series, Best Drama, Best Cinematography, and Best Main Character at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
New Characters
SUPPORTINGEinar
Vinland SagaEinar is a man from Northern England that was sold into slavery. He ends up in Denmark, where he meets Thorfinn. Together with him, Einar is working his way out of slavery by harve
SUPPORTINGKetil
Vinland SagaOwner of a farm in Southern Denmark, and father of Thorgil and Olmar.
SUPPORTINGArnheid
Vinland SagaOne of Ketil's slaves, serving as his personal maid and concubine. Arnheid is kind, hard-working, honest, and tries her best to get through her slave life without trouble.
SUPPORTINGThorgil
Vinland SagaEldest son of Ketil and brother of Olmar. Much like Thorkell he loves a good fight and has no qualms killing anybody who gets in his way. Served as a Thegn under Canute.
SUPPORTINGBug-Eyes
Vinland SagaThorfinn, better known by his nickname Bug-Eyes, is a trader working with Leif Erikson. A former slave, Bug-Eyes was bought by Leif under the false assumption that he was Thorfinn,
SUPPORTINGSnake
Vinland SagaSnake is a young, relatively skinny male with short white hair with a cowlick, who appears to have small patches of scales all over his body. Snake is quiet, rarely speaking, and w
Filler Guide
24 episodesEpisodes24 ep
Slave
Ketil's Farm
Snake
Awakening
The Path of Blood
I Want a Horse
Iron Fist Ketil
An Empty Man
Oath
Cursed Head
The King and the Sword
For the Love that Was Lost
Dark Clouds
Freedom
Storm
Cause
Way Home
The First Measure
War at Ketil's Farm
Pain
Courage
Emperor of Rebellion
Two Paths
Hometown