Summary
Perhaps one of the most unpredictable characters in the series, Thorkell is one of the loudest and proudest characters, contributing towhat makesVinland Sagafun to watch. Introduced in Episode 1, “Somewhere Not Here,” Thorkell is a commander of the Jomsviking and stands side-by-side with Thors Snorresson, the Troll of Jom. Though he is second in pure power and brutality, those who oppose him would be mistaken for believing they’d survive. Wielding an axe, Thorkell can slice many men in half, all while doing it with a smile on his face.
Beyond his almost-sadistic nature, Thorkell holds a code he stays true to throughoutthe first season ofVinland Saga. His aloof nature pre-battle may throw off friends and foes alike, but his words through combat dictate a prideful fighter who will use every ounce of his power to win but never diminish his reputation with cheap tactics. Considering his role in the story and his importance to the Thors family, here is a deep dive into what makes Thorkell such an intriguing character.
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Relationship to Thors and Thorfinn
Much like the entire Jomsviking crew, Thorkell has his mind set on victory and wiping out as many of the opposition as possible. Though he does it with the joy of a child obtaining a bag of candy, his nature opposes that ofThors' stone-cold expression. The two have a history as comrades on the battlefield and through the marriage of Thors and Thorkell’s niece, Helga. While he remains second-in-command to Thors' physical abilities, he holds a sense of seniority over him as an uncle-in-law and brother to the Jomsviking’s chief, Sigvaldi.
When Thors disappears and is presumed dead, it’s Thorkell who learns of the faked death when he encounters his nephew-in-law during a journey to Denmark. Though he is taken aback by the discovery, he quickly advises Thors about the situation at hand, stating that abandoning the Jomsviking during war is a crime punishable by death. While Thorkell loses his temper over his comrade’s deceitful ways, he disengages from the situation and leaves Thors with a warning (and a few attempted blows).
Thorkell’s Warrior Code
Regarding his battle-hungry personality, there is more than meets the eye when it comes toThorkell and the thrill of fighting. He possesses pure strength, endurance, and speed, making him one of the most dangerous opponents the world has ever seen, but he maintains a level of pride and respect. Those who follow behind him quickly learn that nobody can get in the way of a fight he is involved in, including scolding his men for insinuating the idea of helping him during a one-on-one fight.
During his tussle with Thorfinn, Thorkell angrily suggests that his men do not jump in at any point, or it would spell disaster for them. While he leads his men with passion and care, his code does not permit anyone to aid him, even on the brink of death. Doing so would be punishable by death, and Thorkell had no issue swinging his axe at his crew. To win during a war is to complete the mission with his bare hands, and anything less would not be ideal for Thorkell.
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Thorkell’s code is emphasized to its fullest during the battle with Thorfinn, as he demonstrates respect forthe son of Thorsdespite his engagement in a fight to the death. When Thorkell sends Thorfinn flying with a kick, ending him up in a tree and unconscious, Thorkell waits for his opponent to wake up and regain his composure before continuing the fight, refusing to end it while Thorfinn can’t compete. Despite ultimately losing the battle, when his men confront Thorfinn and attempt to kill him, Thorkell stops them in a fit of rage, suggesting that taking any further action would be a humiliation to his name.
Undeniable Strength and Thirst for Blood
When it comes to the many characters inVinland Saga’s lineup, it’s no surprise why Thorkell quickly became a fan favourite. His loud and boisterous character, matched with his undeniable strength and battle intelligence, makes him the star of the scene he’s in. There are plenty of examples of his power taking center stage, whether he’s hacking and slashing enemies with a swing of his axe or lifting a boulder bigger than himself to throw at a ship. At times, it can be comical to see the limitless power Thorkell possesses and how he is happy to use it any chance he gets.
WithThorkell’s strength and tall staturecomes a seemingly endless amount of endurance and the ability to deal with high amounts of pain. During his first encounter with Thorfinn, while leading English troops, Thorkell loses two fingers but sees it as a minor inconvenience. Rather than howl in pain and scoff at his opponent for disfiguring his hand, he appears impressed by the tenacity of Thorfinn and commends him for showing some spunk.
Beyond this, there is one drawback to his battle-ready demeanor. In times of rest and inactivity, Thorkell becomes quickly bored and distant from his troops while partying and drinking. His need for blood requires constant fighting, and at times feels unfulfilled and lacking a real challenge. So much that when one presents itself, the smile on his face quickly spreads from ear to ear. When it’s time to pick up his trusted axe one more, two things are certain: He’ll undoubtedly vanquish those who stand in his way, and he’ll ensure the safety of his opponent from outside interference for as long as he is standing.
