Askeladd — The best deuteragonist ever? (Vinland Saga S1)
As a viewer, it is rare to encounter a character as nuanced and captivating as Askeladd, the enigmatic deuteragonist from Vinland Saga Season 1. This historical fiction, penned by Makoto Yukimura and masterfully adapted into an anime by Wit Studio, delves deep into the world of Vikings, weaving a compelling narrative of bloodshed, vengeance, and redemption. At the heart of this epic lies Askeladd, a character who defies convention, embodying a complex mixture of virtues and vices that force viewers to reevaluate their perceptions of heroism and villainy. This review will examine Askeladd’s role in Vinland Saga Season 1 and explore the reasons why he stands out as an exceptional deuteragonist in the world of anime.
Askeladd, born Lucius Artorius Castus, is an enigmatic figure that serves as a foil to the protagonist, Thorfinn. While Thorfinn’s motivations stem from a burning desire for revenge, Askeladd’s motivations are more intricate and multifaceted. As a descendant of Artorius, he is driven by a desire to protect the legacy of his lineage while simultaneously harboring a deep-rooted hatred for the very people he leads.
Askeladd’s duplicity and cunning are the hallmarks of his character, making him an unpredictable and captivating presence throughout the series. His Machiavellian nature enables him to manipulate and control those around him, often to achieve his own ends. However, this same cunning also reveals a sharp intellect and strategic acumen that command respect and admiration.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Askeladd’s character is his capacity for both ruthlessness and compassion. He demonstrates a willingness to commit heinous acts, such as the murder of Thorfinn’s father, Thors, but also exhibits an unexpected tenderness toward his men and even Thorfinn himself. This dichotomy extends to his relationship with the Danish King Sweyn, as he expertly navigates the treacherous waters of the royal court, ultimately sacrificing himself to protect his people and ensure the safety of the young prince Canute.
Askeladd’s complex character also provides an opportunity for the series to delve into themes of identity and self-discovery. As a man of mixed heritage, he grapples with the duality of his existence, caught between his Welsh ancestry and his Viking upbringing. This struggle for self-understanding underscores the broader themes of the series, as characters like Thorfinn and Canute similarly wrestle with their own identities and the weight of their pasts.
Verdict
Askeladd stands as a testament to the power of nuanced character development and the importance of a well-crafted deuteragonist. His complexity, contradictions, and moral ambiguity breathe life into Vinland Saga Season 1 and elevate the series to the upper echelons of anime. In Askeladd, viewers are treated to a masterclass in character creation, development, and self-actualization. I would encourage everyone to watch this criminally underrated anime overshadowed by the likes of AOT.
If you’ve already watched Vinland Saga, give the song “Vinland Saga Somewhere Else” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuNyi9YAtzg a go. Maybe you’d think of Askeladd the same way that I do and truly agree that more than Thorfinn, it was he who it made it a success and remember him as a manifestation of the phantom of a perfect warrior/leader a writer/viewer can dream of :)
