Vinland Saga Omnibus, Vol. 6

ヴィンランド・サガ [Vinland Saga] #11-12

by Makoto Yukimura

Within the King’s Grasp

As Canute plots to become ruler of the entire Danish world, Thorfinn’s only ambition is to see a harvest profitable enough to buy his own life back. But the fates of prince and slave will come together once again, as Canute plans to seize Ketil Farm from its kindhearted master. What sinister tricks does the have up his sleeve, and could they dash Thorfinn’s hopes for freedom? Meanwhile, Einar’s infatuation with Arnheid takes an unexpected turn when her former husband – an escaped slave – barges onto the farm, insisting she run away with him…

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Graphic Novels, Seinen, Adventure, Comics, Fiction

398 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

幸村誠

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first volume (11) catches up with Canute and his allies; and Leif and his quest for Thorfinn. But this omnibus is all about the second volume (12), in which an escaped renegade slave turns the lives of all on the farm upside down. The final chapter of this omnibus was an earth shattering Five Stare read with Makoto taking me on an unlikely and powerfully emotional journey. Can Thorfinn navigate all this and remain a man of peace looking to make atonement? Great art, thoughtful dialogue and a truly artfully created historically reality of the Viking times. A Three Star, 7 out of 12 read, I marked this one down mainly due to the weaker first volume (11) in this omnibus.

2025 read

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5* Despite the violence and heart hurts, I adore the Vinland Saga.

Everything about this volume fits perfectly with Thorfinn’s determination to change, to stop fighting, and to prove to himself that violence isn’t the answer. In this world built on bloodshed, he has chosen an honorable, but very difficult journey.

Meanwhile, you have Canute plotting to take over the entire Danish world all while talking to a an invisible, severed head.

Thorfinn’s goals couldn’t be more different. He only wants a harvest big enough to buy back his life.

And then there’s Arnheid. The woman on the cover. This storyline absolutely gutted me. The arrival of her escaped husband, all while she’s pregnant with her master’s child. And the way she holds her husband and speaks to him as he lay dying. I can’t. It’s beyond tragic, brutal and such a painful reminder of how harsh this world really is.

Einar is the best guy to pair Thorfinn with, he is so lighthearted and innocent.

I want to understand Snake better. Is he just there to protect the old master? Speaking of the old master, he does the right thing by allowing someone to hide underneath his bedframe.

Thorfinn’s character arc continues to be one of the best I’ve ever read. Everything he’s been through makes this version of him feel so authentic. His journey from rage to remorse to pacifism is one of the most amazing character evolutions I’ve ever read.

Buddy reading with my son.

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa, this might become top 5 Manga of all time at this rate. This volume was extraordinary.

Canute is trying, or well, he has become the King of the Danish world. However, unlike the ones before him who took everything by force, he is playing the long game. Implanting spies, killing off his advisories with poison, and positioning himself in places to make him look like a true hero. A vicious villain is one who plays the game to the throne right.

The other half of this book is about Thorfinn and his radical, yet so well done, change to a new character. After a life of murdering and swiftly taking out enemies without a second thought, he begins to live a life of non-violence. His dream is to live in a world without war and only peace, but we all know that might be impossible. His new life will be tested when a escape slave comes into their farm.

Good: The art keeps improving and the fights in here are wonderful. Fast and brutal, each fight gives a sense of stakes and brutality that you want in a viking series. The character development is nothing short of amazing, with so much growth for each character and so effortlessly. The two stories are equally as interesting this time, and each paced with wonderful drama, plot progressing, and kickass fights.

Bad: Nothing.

This is pretty much everything I want in a manga. Well written, amazing fights, wonderful art, and put it all together to get a 5 out of 5.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

In rural Denmark, an escaped slave from a neighboring homestead sets off a bloody chain of events that will challenge Thorfinn's growing commitment to pacifism. Far away in the big city, King Canute secures the crowns of England and Denmark and turns his eyes to the Danish countryside as a means of raising money for his military ambitions. Plenty of blood and guts, but mostly setting the stage for the next volume.

[Tiag⊗ the Mutant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makoto Yukimura is a master at creating strong characters, there's not a single one in this series that isn't at the very least quite interesting, Askeladd has been my favorite until now, but I'm really starting to enjoy Thorfinn, Einar and Snake, and the stories are all so damn good, Vinland Saga is slowly becoming one of my favorite series ever, I need to blast some Amon Amarth in my ears now.

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vinland Saga continues with Thorfinn and Einar getting used to farm work. Prince Cantue plots to become King of the Danes and England.

This book mostly focus on the events on Ketil's farm. There is indeed quite a bit going on- from an escaped slave to more background on Arnheid. While Thorfinn and Einar's adventures on the farm are interesting- it lacks the epic scope of this series earlier volumes. Still the ending to this volume gives me hope that Thorfinn will recognize his way is not to be a slave on a farm.

But the parts about Prince Canute and his plots are excellent. I look forward to his plans for the acquisition of Ketil's farm and a potential meeting with Thorfinn. That remains to be seen. Great series so far. Interested to see where this goes in the future.

[Christopher Navo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy being immersed in this series. How the illustrations can draw an emotional response with few words being spoken continues to amaze me. My only regret is not starting this series sooner. Loved getting to know a little more about Arnheid's backstory as well as the continued journey of Thorfinn and Canute. Bring on Vol. 7

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started off well but I got bogged down a couple of times but the repetitive scenes and dialogue. This volume ended strong so I'll be picking up the next volume soon.
3.75/5

[Dhia Nouioui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would've never thought this would be the outcome of this whole scenario. I still can't can't believe that everyone is now following Canute.

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gut punch of a volume, but I am so impressed with what this series has evolved into. I love the mediation on violence and especially examining its themes in terms of manga - as most protagonists are judged based on how good of a warrior they are. Thorfinn has become the antithesis of that and I am so on board with his journey to find peace.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Rory Wilding · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a new purpose in life, Thorfinn promises himself to not take another life whilst he and his fellow slave Einar worked hard on Ketil’s farm to achieve their freedom. However, there are many obstacles that will come their way, whether it is domestic troubles or the Nordic political situation led by King Canute.

Returning to his homeland to see his older brother, King Harald of Denmark, who has fallen ill with no heir, Canute is suddenly given the crown that was worn by his late father, King Sweyn, the man he conspired to kill. In his determination to expand his conquest, Canute hallucinates by seeing his father’s rotting head, taunting him about how the son has become like his father.

The parallels to Macbeth are there, in terms of how royal conquest can lead to backstabbing results, in this case, poisoning his own brother. Considering how the story can lead to moments of fantasy, these moments oddly bring out the most compelling exploration towards humanity at its most honesty, such as the irony of despite Canute hating his father, he’s the only person he can talk to through his hallucinations.

As Ketil and his younger son Olmar arrive at Jelling, the capital of Denmark, to see King Harald without realising of his passing, Ketil hopes to win favour with the new king, despite the latter having dastardly plans with his farm. Meanwhile, Olmar is still trying his worth as a warrior, despite his constant screw-ups, such as a meeting with Canute, who allows Olmar the chance to prove his worthiness by cutting up a dead pig that will be cooked for dinner, a task he ultimately couldn’t do.

From the previous volume onwards, the series has gone through a transition that isn’t relying much on action, but that is not to say there is some bloody mayhem along the way. What starts off as comical with Olmar getting into a violent scuffle with the King’s messengers, it ends up being a key moment in where the story is going, particularly how it’s possibly setting up a number of reunions.

Halfway through the volume, the drama goes back to the farmlands where a murderous slave escapes, only to be reunited with his wife, who turns out to be Arnheid, Ketil’s concubine. This sets up a dilemma for Thorfinn and Einar, as the former worries his participation could lead to breaking his new vow, whilst the latter wishes Arnheid for her freedom that he might ruin his chance for his own freedom. This is the most intense the series has been since Askeladd’s demise, where the outcome can go in any direction, whilst delivering some of the best characterisation from multiple players. We certainly see more of what Thorfinn wishes, which is find a place where there is no war and slavery, evoking the place that the sailor Leif called Vinland.

At this point in the series, in terms of publication, but Vinland Saga has proven itself to be one of the greatest manga of all time, in terms of deep characterisation, dark exploration of humanity and stunning art, all of which by Makoto Yukimura.

[Mark Redman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vinland Saga Volume Six continues the gripping saga of Thorfinn and his quest for vengeance. This installment delves deeper into Thorfinn's character development as he begins to question the path of violence he has chosen. The artwork, as always, is stunning, capturing the brutal battles and rugged landscapes beautifully.

What sets this volume apart is its exploration of moral themes, as Thorfinn encounters new characters who challenge his beliefs. The plot remains engaging, with unexpected twists that keep you eagerly turning the pages.

We see Thorfinn's journey evolve from one of revenge to one of self-discovery and redemption. It's a thought-provoking and emotionally charged instalment in an already excellent series, making it a must-read for fans of historical manga and epic storytelling.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

And we’re back. I loved everything about this. Plot,character development, art, excellent fight scenes, all coming together to make for an excellent series. Of course I immediately bought and started book 7.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, that ending just killed me. I feel bad for Arnheid and Gardar and their circumstances that resulted in all that pain and misery with pretty much nothing to show for it in the end. But that touching moment before Gardar’s death- whew, bring me the tissues! 😵😵😵

[Kaity ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tragedy begins. 💔 I love Arnheid and her story makes me cryyyy.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still good! Really digging thorfinns development

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cudowne to było. Przeżywam to tak, jakbym znowu to czytała po raz pierwszy.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been almost a whole year since the last volume of Vinland Saga came out and it was with great anticipation that I started reading this next one. I was not disappointed. When we left Thorfinn in Vol. 5 his life had changed drastically and new horizons were in front of him, this is where our story now picks up. The first half of the book is devoted to politics, war and King Canute as he works on his army in Denmark to hold onto his newly gained lands in England. The scenes switch between here and Thorfinn and fellow slave Einar back at their master's farm. Great events are happening which will bring the war home to them. The second half of the book concentrates on Thorfinn, the slave, and his new coda of peace that he must live up. He isn't a Christian (yet?) but he listens to Bible readings and his self-induced code of conduct could easily be compared to the teachings of Jesus. He wants to end war and slavery while atoning for his past transgressions. The most powerful image in the entire book is a scene with Thorfinn carrying the corpses of all the people he has slain upon his back, saying he can carry this load but could not handle even one more soul. Leif Erickson is back on the scene briefly and Thorfinn remembers a childhood conversation of a land faraway where there is no war or slavery. The story is becoming very inspirational and Thorfinn's strength and determination is being pushed with as much vehemence to his new moral standards of non-violence as it was previously towards his revenge. Don't get me wrong though there is still a lot of brutal savagery in the story, this is war, these are the Vikings, Yukimura is keeping it very real! Amazing manga of epic proportions.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good, but it felt like an inbetweener between two big events happening so I'm pretty excited for the next one. It's really interesting to see Thorfinn figuring out how he can stick to his ideals of no violence when everything around him requires it, so far he's doing a good job and we've had some nice fights.

[Thomas Maluck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorfinn the Stampede struggles not to take a life, in the middle of a slow-burning moral quandary in which there doesn't seem to be any right answer.

Oh, and everything is still gorgeously illustrated and wonderfully thoughtful, and this series is more tightly latching onto my Top 5 Manga list.

[Alex Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Einar, what would you say about trying to eliminate warfare and slavery from the world?”

In this volume, we see Canute move further into violence and see Thorfinn move further away from violence and toward the values his father tried to instill in him. We also see Sverkel, who in the previous volume criticized his son’s love of money, is now bedridden after he collapsed working in the field. Snake is reading the Bible to Sverkel, as Thorfinn listens in:

“For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

We see Sverkel’s care for the slaves, and he urges Snake to leave behind his life of the sword and take over his farmland. Though Snake declines, we see these ideas of gardening and growth take root in Thorfinn:

“I must make up for the death and destruction that I caused with at least a little life and creation.”

Thorfinn is now looking forward to a better future with hope. But how will he deal with the complex situation that ends this volume?

Also something I thought was pretty cool was this quote from Yukimura is the Q&A section at the back of the US version:

“[I]n the hero manga of my beloved Japan, no matter what the story is, most of the protagonists are the strongest in that they are the best at doing violence. Meanwhile, the characters who aren’t skilled with violence are portrayed as weak. So the story unfolds with the hero repeatedly beating up the bad guys, one after another. Usually, no matter what happens, it’s difficult for the hero to escape this destiny. But what would happen to a hero manga if the protagonist really wished he could escape from this fate of violence? Could you still tell that story without it losing its entertainment value? I decided that I wanted to try that out.”

“You have heard it said… But I say to you…”

[marko · Rating 5 out of 5]

U razgovoru sa Yukimurom u dodaku nakon kraja mange on kaže da je njemu i još trojici kolega za jedno poglavlje crtanja pozadinskih stvari potrebno dve nedelje i 12 sati rada dnevno. Ovde govorim o klasičnoj pozadini, detaljima koji su iza likova, scenografiji, okolini… Yukimura govori o tome da svet živi podjednako uverljivo kao i likovi i da se bez njega ne može napraviti dobra priča. Tada sam shvatio da je to ono što (između ostalog) “Vinland sagu” u toj meri u mojim očima izdvaja od ostatka mangi koje sam čitao do sada. Ovde skoro pa da nikada nema praznog prostora u panelu sa crtežom lika koji trenutno zauzima centralnu poziciju. Detalji su sveprisutni, često sa užitkom posmatram šta rade “statiti” u određenim panelima jer se na njima toliko toga dešava… Naravno, to je samo osnova za neosporan kvalitet koji je prisutan u svakom omnibusu “Vinlanda” do sada. No, iznova, priču na poput kamena isklesanim leđima nosi Thorfinn čiji se ideali menjaju iz korena i koji ponovo preispituje filozofiju života, rata i pacifizma. U šestom nastavku pojavljuju se novi likovi koji su prisutni samo u ovom broju, ali i njih Yukimura gradi do savršenstva, iako im daje mali broj stranica i završava njihovu priču na poslednjem listu. U nečijem osvrtu sam pročitao da je ovo najbolji primer savršene mange - i da, ona to zaista i jeste.

[Kauri smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A LITTLE ARNHEID BACKSTORY CAN NEVERRRR GO WRONG😩😩😩 MY QUEEN I loved this volume. Immediately bought vol 7, cannot wait to see how Canute and thorfinn’s inevitable reunion will go in the coming future

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good. Focusing more on one on one violence, as opposed to armies, this volume adds another facet to human pain and tenacity. I love it!

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again an awesome one! This series just never let you down! Read it!!

[Luke Siyufy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away

[pbeatricev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God, it was soo good. With every next book this series is getting better and better. I need to grab next part immediately. Oh and the end was terrible, I was literally sobbing after that 🥹

[Link · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me cry. So tragic and sad in so many ways but that does not mean it’s not amazing, the violence and thorfinn not wanting to fight and his impossible dream.

[Burton Olivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Arnheid.