Vinland Saga is a series that mainly focuses on the battles of Vikings and hence does not hesitate to kill its characters, including the main ones. Yukimura makes sure that the deaths of the characters add to the story significantly, and each death has a meaning.
For instance, Thor’s death was the major event that started the entire series, while Askeladd’s death changed the fate of Wales. So, let’s find out about the major deceased characters, their murderers, and the impact of their death on the story!
We witnessed the deaths of multiple main characters in Vinland Saga, including Thors, Askeladd, and King Sweyn. Thors, Bjorn, King Sweyn, and Gardar were the characters killed by Askeladd, while Prince Canute killed him.
1. Who killed Thors and why?
Thors Snorreson is the strongest character, with no one being able to overtake him even after his death. It is difficult to imagine this great warrior being taken down by anybody, especially after he brought down a fleet of warriors with his bare hands.
Askeladd ambushed Thors with archers, and he did not fight back so that his family would be spared. He was only able to kill this warrior in an underhanded way which tells us how strong Thors was!
It is later revealed that Floki was the mastermind behind the murder of Thors. Floki constantly believed that Thors looked down on him and developed a grudge for years. He hired Askeladd to kill Thors to exact his revenge.
This death is the main event, as it propelled all the other events in the series!
2. Why did Askeladd kill Bjorn?
Bjorn is the chief follower of Askeladd and second in command of the group. He is generally known for his size and brute strength and is the only person Askeladd trusts the most.
In a battle against Thorkell, Askeladd realizes that he needs to get Canute out of the field and appoints Bjorn as the bodyguard. However, Bjorn is gravely injured by Atli and understands that there is no coming back for him.
He requests a duel with Askeladd as he wants to die a warrior’s death. The Nords believed that the afterlife called “Valhalla” is only blessed upon those who die an honorable death.
This is the major reason Askeladd agrees to the duel and kills Bjorn.
3. Askeladd Murders Ragnar!
Ragnar was the bodyguard/retainer of Canute and cared deeply for his safety. The duo formed a deep bond or attachment to the point where Canute only communicated with Ragnar while Ragnar was ready to see innocent people die for Canute.
This was a restricting attachment that did not let Canute progress or develop as a character. Askeladd believed that the only way to make Canute a worthy ruler was to kill Ragnar and cut off his sheltering.
This plan worked, and Canute showed a drastic change in character going from a wimpy kid to a confident ruler.
4. Why did Askeladd murder King Sweyn?
Sweyn was the king of Denmark who also managed to conquer almost the entirety of England and Wales. He was a wise king whose battle tactics kept everything under water-tight control.
As wise as he was, he was just as ruthless. He did not even hesitate to sacrifice Canute. When King Sweyn announced an invasion of Wales, Askeladd had no choice but to kill him. He feigns madness and laughs manically after killing Sweyn and his soldiers.
5. Canute kills Askeladd!
Throughout the War Arc, Thorfinn is completely obsessed with Askeladd and only wants to kill him for murdering his father, Thors. However, his revenge remained unfulfilled as Prince Canute killed Askeladd.
As we already know, Askeladd killed King Sweyn to save both his motherland and Canute. He also feigned madness, so Canute could kill him and take over the crown of England. He accomplished his goals and died for his motherland, making him a somewhat redeemable character.
6. Who killed Arnheid and why?
Gardar was a former Viking warrior who was turned into a slave. He lived his life happily with his wife, Arnheid, and his son Hjatli. After his capture, he tried to escape from his master and arrived at Ketil’s farm.
He managed to kill Lizard but lost to Snake. They capture him and tie him down. Einar and Thorfinn help Arnheid and Gardar escape. Unfortunately, Gardar succumbs to his wounds and dies while Arnheid is recaptured.
Ketil beats Arnheid in a fit of rage. The beating is severe enough to cause the death of her and her baby.
7. About Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is a Japanese historical manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. The series is published under Kodansha in its monthly manga magazine – Monthly Afternoon – aimed at young adult men. It currently has 26 volumes in tankōbon format.
Vinland Saga is set in ancient Viking times, where a young Thorfinn’s life goes astray when his father Thors – a well-known retired warrior – is killed while on a journey.
Thorfinn then finds himself under the jurisdiction of his enemy – his father’s killer – and hopes to seek revenge on him when he grows stronger. The anime is loosely based on the expedition of Thorfinn Karlsefni in his search for Vinland.
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