Review of Vinland Saga Season 2

Let’s go, to Vinland. This review is for season 2 of Vinland Saga, and one that I think was better than the first. This is what a peak character journey looks like. I was so moved by the way Thorfinn faced his inner demon, aka his bloody past and went beyond that. The imagery that portrayed his past was disturbing and emphasized the pain Thorfinn carried. I believe that many people like me expected a lot of fights like previous season, but it’s the opposite. I was a little bumped out, but then seeing Thorfinn’s transformation compensated for all of that. His well-crafted character arc wouldn’tbe as realistic without the great characters around him. Einar reminded Thorfinn of his old violent self, and Arnheid motivated Thorfinn why Vinland is the way. That Arnheid episode was definitely one of the most beautiful and painful episodes of the season.

Another major character was Canute, who I think was progressing in the way opposite to Thorfinn. Because of this I was excited for their inevitable confrontation. However, I wasn’t happy with the way it ended because it felt too idealistic. It contrasts with the realistic character arc that Thorfinn was going through.

Overall, it’s still a phenomenal season that made for one of the best anime of the Winter and Spring season of 2023. 8.5/10