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ヴィンランド・サガ [Vinland Saga] #13-14
Vinland Saga, Volume 7: Deaths and Decisions
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?"A fascinating, violent, and moving story [that's] firmly among other timeless classics? Seriously, I don't know how many different ways I can say this manga is worth reading." -Kotaku
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
April 17, 2025
Our refocused hero serving a sort of a penance as a slave to the Ketils has a dream, a dream of a war-free and slavery-free reality called Vinland, a dream passed on to him from his most honourable, but murdered father. As Canute's plans for violent expansionism of resource gathering has led him and his forces to the Ketil farm, both Thorfinn and his 'bother' Eimar will surely be tested?
Although not the most compelling or fast-moving saga, the art and overall sentiment and meaning hugely make up for this. The evolution of both Canute and Thorfinn over the series has been expansive and artfully crafted. Very much a whole as opposed to a sum of its parts, and this series has got my attention and appreciation. Another very strong Three Star, 7 out of 12 two volumes.
2025 read
Although not the most compelling or fast-moving saga, the art and overall sentiment and meaning hugely make up for this. The evolution of both Canute and Thorfinn over the series has been expansive and artfully crafted. Very much a whole as opposed to a sum of its parts, and this series has got my attention and appreciation. Another very strong Three Star, 7 out of 12 two volumes.
2025 read
March 11, 2019
Another knock out volume from one of the best series around.
This continues where the last one left off. Ketil returns home only to find out his mistress tried to leave him. Or his slave more like it. The ugly owner turns even worse. On top of that King Canute is on his way to take that very farm land away from him so his son rallies up to fight with the rest of the townfolk. Thorfinn is on a new mission in life and when him and Eisner see a chance to escape this life they might do it, but when Thorfinn hears of King Canute coming he decides to confront him.
Good: The art is once again gorgeous. I can't get over some of these amazing fight scenes in here. Also, Canute turn to the darker side is interesting because he's not a completely evil man. His scheming is downright terrifying but his heart is still somewhat in the right place. The Confrontation goes a WAY different way than you'd expect, which is wonderful. A reunion so sweet, I couldn't help but smile every page is also great.
Bad: Nothing really...
This series continues to be masterful, or least this arc, and worth every minute reading it. A 5 out of 5.
This continues where the last one left off. Ketil returns home only to find out his mistress tried to leave him. Or his slave more like it. The ugly owner turns even worse. On top of that King Canute is on his way to take that very farm land away from him so his son rallies up to fight with the rest of the townfolk. Thorfinn is on a new mission in life and when him and Eisner see a chance to escape this life they might do it, but when Thorfinn hears of King Canute coming he decides to confront him.
Good: The art is once again gorgeous. I can't get over some of these amazing fight scenes in here. Also, Canute turn to the darker side is interesting because he's not a completely evil man. His scheming is downright terrifying but his heart is still somewhat in the right place. The Confrontation goes a WAY different way than you'd expect, which is wonderful. A reunion so sweet, I couldn't help but smile every page is also great.
Bad: Nothing really...
This series continues to be masterful, or least this arc, and worth every minute reading it. A 5 out of 5.
February 11, 2018
The Vinland saga draws to a close (or does it?). The story of Canute and Thorfinn comes full circle. Canute comes to take Ketil's farm and conflict arises. The story is interesting as we see Thorfinn's descent into the pacifism. Wonderful. But, in the end, it seems to neatly wrap up. Ahh the convenience of fiction since I truly doubt the efficacy of acting like fucking Ghandi during the 1000's, as a Viking.
Still let us not shatter the dreams and fictions of those who hold such fanciful ideas to be true. The Vinland saga is a wonderful tale of Viking adventurers. It is violent but there are some good themes overall. The art style is excellent. I also enjoyed the historical background. The real story is about Canute. For those unfamiliar with history, the real Canute was known as Canute I (Knut in Danish, or Knud, den Store, in Norwegian Knut den Mektige). He was King of England, Denmark and Norway from 1016-1035. Canute's father, Sweyn Forkbeard, placed him in charge of his English holdings. In time Canute, helped by the reaver Thorkell the Tall, establishes his control over all three lands. But Canute did in time adopt Christianity and moved to put more Englishmen into positions of power. Canute, with the help of Archbishop Wulfstan, began to emulate older English rulers, especially King Edgar. In time Canute's rule was prosperous and ,at the end, relatively peaceful. So a nod to the historical accuracy of the overall tale.
While the last book was a little "soft" compared to the rest of the volumes. But an excellent series overall and one I am glad to have read.
Still let us not shatter the dreams and fictions of those who hold such fanciful ideas to be true. The Vinland saga is a wonderful tale of Viking adventurers. It is violent but there are some good themes overall. The art style is excellent. I also enjoyed the historical background. The real story is about Canute. For those unfamiliar with history, the real Canute was known as Canute I (Knut in Danish, or Knud, den Store, in Norwegian Knut den Mektige). He was King of England, Denmark and Norway from 1016-1035. Canute's father, Sweyn Forkbeard, placed him in charge of his English holdings. In time Canute, helped by the reaver Thorkell the Tall, establishes his control over all three lands. But Canute did in time adopt Christianity and moved to put more Englishmen into positions of power. Canute, with the help of Archbishop Wulfstan, began to emulate older English rulers, especially King Edgar. In time Canute's rule was prosperous and ,at the end, relatively peaceful. So a nod to the historical accuracy of the overall tale.
While the last book was a little "soft" compared to the rest of the volumes. But an excellent series overall and one I am glad to have read.
February 26, 2018
4 Stars because it was good book and I would recommend this book to anyone!
May 14, 2020
The parallel plotlines of the last two volumes finally cross as the denizens of Ketil's farm find themselves at war with Canute, King of Denmark and England. Much blood will be shed before Canute and Thorfinn once more come face to face.
Great art, lots of action and many good character moments make for a terrific payoff for the slow burn since the finale of the fifth book.
Great art, lots of action and many good character moments make for a terrific payoff for the slow burn since the finale of the fifth book.
August 18, 2024
4/5
I already absolutely adore Gudrid.
I already absolutely adore Gudrid.
June 21, 2022
SPOILERS
War and slavery are common themes in Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga and both take a personal turn in this volume, with Ketil returning to his farmland and preparing to fight for it as King Canute and the Jomsvikings set sail to claim it. When Ketil finds out that his mistress Arnheid was trying to escape, he feels betrayed and ends up beating her to a pulp without realising she is carrying his child.
These conflicts, both macro and micro, complicate the situation that Thorfinn and Einar are going through, as both men are trying to gain their freedom, despite the latter falling in love with Arnheid, whilst the former is still wrestling with his vow of pacifism, even if the world doesn’t comply with it.
I may have criticised the series for the lack of longevity when it comes to female characters, from how Arnheid has been established and we see her development, especially from the last volume, her fate painfully hurts, even if she seems at peace after living a life where she has been through so much pain. No doubt this breaks Einar, who could have gone down a path of vengeance like his fellow slave, who ultimately saves him from going down that path, even if both men break down in tears from the tragic outcome. You could argue it’s a case of “fridging”, but I certainly choked.
The Battle of Ketil Farm is a brutal spectacle where Yukimura is at his artistic best, from heads being decapitated and streaks of blood being splurged out, but arguably the most compelling stuff from this series is the break from the action where we get to see character revelations. From Ketil, who is revealed to be a fraud and has been taking the glory of the warrior “Iron Fist Ketil”, to his son Olmar, who gains ownership of the farm and takes responsibility and give up the land to spare anyone else from the pointlessness of war, much to the dismay from his cruel mother and bloodthirsty brother, Thorgil. Moments like these are what brings out the best in Vinland Saga.
As we approach the climax of this arc, Thorfinn and Einar won their freedom, but before setting off with Leif the sailor, Thorfinn decides to confront Canute to convince him to spare the farmers, and that’s before winning a bet, in which he receives a hundred punches without getting knocked out. This commitment shows how different Thorfinn has gone from what he was originally, which makes an unexpected confrontation with the King, who has gone through his own transformation, which is darker, but not necessarily rooted in absolute evil, as his journey of conquest is a reaction comes from the brutality from humanity in general.
Considering how dark the story can be, there are moments of levity and what comes out the climax is a hopeful note where there can be some goodness in humanity. The volume ends with a feel-good reunion, whilst setting up the next stage in Thorfinn’s journey, which is to settle Vinland and build a new life of peace. With the recent announcement of a second season of the television series, I’m excited to see this arc getting the anime transition.
War and slavery are common themes in Makoto Yukimura’s Vinland Saga and both take a personal turn in this volume, with Ketil returning to his farmland and preparing to fight for it as King Canute and the Jomsvikings set sail to claim it. When Ketil finds out that his mistress Arnheid was trying to escape, he feels betrayed and ends up beating her to a pulp without realising she is carrying his child.
These conflicts, both macro and micro, complicate the situation that Thorfinn and Einar are going through, as both men are trying to gain their freedom, despite the latter falling in love with Arnheid, whilst the former is still wrestling with his vow of pacifism, even if the world doesn’t comply with it.
I may have criticised the series for the lack of longevity when it comes to female characters, from how Arnheid has been established and we see her development, especially from the last volume, her fate painfully hurts, even if she seems at peace after living a life where she has been through so much pain. No doubt this breaks Einar, who could have gone down a path of vengeance like his fellow slave, who ultimately saves him from going down that path, even if both men break down in tears from the tragic outcome. You could argue it’s a case of “fridging”, but I certainly choked.
The Battle of Ketil Farm is a brutal spectacle where Yukimura is at his artistic best, from heads being decapitated and streaks of blood being splurged out, but arguably the most compelling stuff from this series is the break from the action where we get to see character revelations. From Ketil, who is revealed to be a fraud and has been taking the glory of the warrior “Iron Fist Ketil”, to his son Olmar, who gains ownership of the farm and takes responsibility and give up the land to spare anyone else from the pointlessness of war, much to the dismay from his cruel mother and bloodthirsty brother, Thorgil. Moments like these are what brings out the best in Vinland Saga.
As we approach the climax of this arc, Thorfinn and Einar won their freedom, but before setting off with Leif the sailor, Thorfinn decides to confront Canute to convince him to spare the farmers, and that’s before winning a bet, in which he receives a hundred punches without getting knocked out. This commitment shows how different Thorfinn has gone from what he was originally, which makes an unexpected confrontation with the King, who has gone through his own transformation, which is darker, but not necessarily rooted in absolute evil, as his journey of conquest is a reaction comes from the brutality from humanity in general.
Considering how dark the story can be, there are moments of levity and what comes out the climax is a hopeful note where there can be some goodness in humanity. The volume ends with a feel-good reunion, whilst setting up the next stage in Thorfinn’s journey, which is to settle Vinland and build a new life of peace. With the recent announcement of a second season of the television series, I’m excited to see this arc getting the anime transition.
December 20, 2020
Becoming one of my fave mangas. Battle at Ketils farm. Some sweet moments at the end. The battle scenes are awesome. Cant wait for the next vol
August 22, 2021
Both Thorfinn and Askeladd have been through so much from such a young age, wanting to kill someone who ruined their lives and trying to survive but Askeladd is much more logical in his approach.
March 2, 2024
Slightly worse than the first, if for no other than reason than to step into predictability and resorting to emotional manipulation because it didn’t feel like putting the work in for side characters, and then the characters become only relevant as to how they can interact with the characters arc.
Thorfinn becoming a pacifist is challenged, somewhat, though still feels flimsy. The resolution of the main conflict felt pretty good though. So it was a so-so ending to an arc, I’d say, overall. And then the tail end goes into an attempt at being funny again, which, again, doesn’t work at all, and actively undermines any emotional impact it would have had with a genuine moment. How it goes, I guess, in a manga.
Thorfinn becoming a pacifist is challenged, somewhat, though still feels flimsy. The resolution of the main conflict felt pretty good though. So it was a so-so ending to an arc, I’d say, overall. And then the tail end goes into an attempt at being funny again, which, again, doesn’t work at all, and actively undermines any emotional impact it would have had with a genuine moment. How it goes, I guess, in a manga.
February 23, 2020
One of the great one so far in the series, might even be the best. It has action, good story, characters development, emotions, lots of things happens and it was truly great!
August 3, 2020
Jag har inte så mycket nytt att säga. Serien fortsätter att vara lika bra med så många fina illustrationer som exempelvis den nedan:
Så spännande att se var serien tar vägen nu. Det känns som att jag avslutar varje review så men det händer hela tiden något nytt som förändrar allt.
Så spännande att se var serien tar vägen nu. Det känns som att jag avslutar varje review så men det händer hela tiden något nytt som förändrar allt.
February 13, 2016
This is the 7th volume in the Vinland Saga series. I have been absolutely loving this series and this book was another spectacular one in the series. The illustration, the plot, and the characters are absolutely phenomenal and so well done.
King Canute is on his way to confiscate Ketil’s farm for his own use. Ahnheid gets caught in the middle of it all when Ketil finds out about her betrayal as well. Ketil is beset on all sides by betrayal and seems to be trapped. However, one man’s despair is another man’s fortune...and Thorfinn finds himself in the position to suddenly be free of all the politics. Even with the opportunity to finally be free Thorfinn struggles with leaving Ketil behind when he has some personal sway with King Canute…
The illustration in these mangas remains top notch and amazingly detailed...I love looking at the illustration in here. Characters are always easy to distinguish from each other, the story is easy to follow, and the backgrounds are amazing.
The story has been epic and very well done. I enjoy the comments between books on the actual history of the region and also enjoy the maps showing Thorfinn’s journeys.
This is a pretty emotional installment. What happens with Ahnheid is devastating (women really seem to have it rough in this series). The good thing though is that there is hope for the future too; I especially enjoyed the end of the book and where Thorfinn is going. I won’t go into detail because of spoilers, but it was wonderful to see Thorfinn have some happiness.
Overall this is one of my absolutely favorite manga series. This is the one manga I immediately buy when a new one releases. Everything about this manga is perfect. Highly recommended to fans of historical manga; or just manga in general. Heck, I would recommend this series to everyone...it’s just so well done.
King Canute is on his way to confiscate Ketil’s farm for his own use. Ahnheid gets caught in the middle of it all when Ketil finds out about her betrayal as well. Ketil is beset on all sides by betrayal and seems to be trapped. However, one man’s despair is another man’s fortune...and Thorfinn finds himself in the position to suddenly be free of all the politics. Even with the opportunity to finally be free Thorfinn struggles with leaving Ketil behind when he has some personal sway with King Canute…
The illustration in these mangas remains top notch and amazingly detailed...I love looking at the illustration in here. Characters are always easy to distinguish from each other, the story is easy to follow, and the backgrounds are amazing.
The story has been epic and very well done. I enjoy the comments between books on the actual history of the region and also enjoy the maps showing Thorfinn’s journeys.
This is a pretty emotional installment. What happens with Ahnheid is devastating (women really seem to have it rough in this series). The good thing though is that there is hope for the future too; I especially enjoyed the end of the book and where Thorfinn is going. I won’t go into detail because of spoilers, but it was wonderful to see Thorfinn have some happiness.
Overall this is one of my absolutely favorite manga series. This is the one manga I immediately buy when a new one releases. Everything about this manga is perfect. Highly recommended to fans of historical manga; or just manga in general. Heck, I would recommend this series to everyone...it’s just so well done.
October 25, 2017
Another great volume. Really love Thorfinn and Canute. Such interesting characters!
October 17, 2023
Vinland Saga Volume 7: Deaths and Decisions. Penned by the talented Makoto Yukimura, continues the epic Viking tale with a compelling mix of history, action, and character development. In this volume, Thorfinn's journey evolves as he confronts difficult choices and navigates the challenges of life now that he’s a free man. His confrontation with Canute will harbour a new beginning for Thorfinn.
Once again, the art remains exceptional, capturing both the brutality of battles and the beauty of the natural world. Yukimura's storytelling prowess shines as he delves deeper into the characters' motivations and emotions, as we see a changed Thorfinn, making this volume a must-read for fans of historical fiction and Viking lore.
An excellent continuation of the series and the next volume will be the start of a new story arc. Fantastic and highly recommended!
Once again, the art remains exceptional, capturing both the brutality of battles and the beauty of the natural world. Yukimura's storytelling prowess shines as he delves deeper into the characters' motivations and emotions, as we see a changed Thorfinn, making this volume a must-read for fans of historical fiction and Viking lore.
An excellent continuation of the series and the next volume will be the start of a new story arc. Fantastic and highly recommended!
October 15, 2022
With each volume, Thorfinn's character development becomes more and more compelling, adding depth and complexity to the story and highlighting the themes of war vs. peace. The discussion on the unnecessary need for violence and how recognizing that and turning away from it makes you a true warrior is just really well executed. This volume was simply incredible and the best one yet - incredibly moving and emotional we see reunions of many characters. The continued juxtaposition between Canute and Thorfinn further thickens as we have two people trying to create the same world and have the same goal, but are just going about it in vastly different manners. Canute's characterization continues to be intriguing as we see him constantly battling his own mind. Just everything is amazing.
December 19, 2024
“Come with me, brother. Let us make a new land of peace in Vinland. Across the great ocean, we’ll create a land unknown to slavery nor war.” “Yes, let’s, brother.”
THIS SERIES HAS MY HEART. There’s so many things about this volume that is so beautiful. My favorite thing is how the pathway to Heaven is shown. Just so powerful. The reunion with Thorfinn and Canute, the leaving of Ketil’s farm, the reunion in Iceland. Oh my goodness. This is just perfect and just so moving. So NOW I’m caught up to where the anime ends with the manga. Onward!! ⚔️
THIS SERIES HAS MY HEART. There’s so many things about this volume that is so beautiful. My favorite thing is how the pathway to Heaven is shown. Just so powerful. The reunion with Thorfinn and Canute, the leaving of Ketil’s farm, the reunion in Iceland. Oh my goodness. This is just perfect and just so moving. So NOW I’m caught up to where the anime ends with the manga. Onward!! ⚔️
December 27, 2022
Satisfying in every way for me. Thorfinn is shaping up to be one of my favourite characters. I’m a sucker for a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
Continues to be my all-time fave manga.
February 17, 2025
Gripping, intense, and deeply tragic. I like how Yukimura frames Thorfinn to reflect on the position of slaves in a society that values power above all else. 'It was a shared cultural understanding that those who were too weak to protect their own freedom were at fault for their plight.' Seems like these Viking values are making a comeback these days.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 5, 2023
Here’s the thing - I’m gonna be giving these books 4/5 stars consistently from here on out. They’re just so vibrant in story, characters and art that it’s so hard to give it anything less. I’m hooked and I look forward to finishing this and it’s genuinely one of the best manga series out there and I’d recommend you give it a go.
May 29, 2019
Do you enjoy Berserk? Do you enjoy historical power politics? Do you enjoy dismemberment? Well, with Vinland Saga, you get that much and more. Personal tragedy, heartfelt triumph. This manga will make you feel every valid, profound human emotion you are capable of feeling, if you can stare at carefully depicted entrails without blinking, and if you can root for the high ideals of its valiant characters.
This work sits right along side the true masterpieces of the medium, and as long as it eventually comes to an elegant conclusion, it will remain a true classic in every sense of the word.
Finally, a version of a Saga that doesn't feel like reading an epic poem normally does!
Notice the magaka's peculiar formatting of the panels. Almost every page reads down, with very few interjecting, multi-box rows. I think it has the same effect as a long cut in an action movie. Your scene isn't chopped up into as many jarring pieces. It could just be my imagination, but it definitely adds to the immersive quality of the work.
This work sits right along side the true masterpieces of the medium, and as long as it eventually comes to an elegant conclusion, it will remain a true classic in every sense of the word.
Finally, a version of a Saga that doesn't feel like reading an epic poem normally does!
Notice the magaka's peculiar formatting of the panels. Almost every page reads down, with very few interjecting, multi-box rows. I think it has the same effect as a long cut in an action movie. Your scene isn't chopped up into as many jarring pieces. It could just be my imagination, but it definitely adds to the immersive quality of the work.
January 19, 2016
Nothing can compare with this manga series. An epic historical tale of the Vikings. Book Seven sees King Canute's battle and capture of the Ketil Farm as he seeks revenge. This is a fierce, violent, bloody battle. Very realistic historically. This volume brings a brutal death to a beloved character which shocked me. Thorsfinn has been free to escape but he's honour bound to settle his dues with Canute before he does so. Thorsfinn has become such a complicated, mature character now and he's ready to go back to Iceland. But it isn't exactly as he may have imagined returning a full grown man to a home he left when was only six years old now. An emotional and intense volume.
March 15, 2024
Both satisfying emotionally and philosophically, this volume highlights both the best and worst of humanity. Thorfinn becomes an idealized figure that represents a pacifistic approach to making the world a better place. King Canute, by contrasts, takes a harsher and more violent approach to bettering the world. Seeing the two resolve the conflict over the farmland verbally was very satisfying and a pointed contrast to the absurd loss of life due to Canute wanting to take it over. Arnheid's storyline punctuated the tragedy of humanity's penchant for violence the most. Vinland Saga makes it very clear that most violence results from human selfishness and weakness and is rarely justifiable (except in self defense or the defense of others).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
And so ends the second arc, I think it mostly ended in a satisfying way. Most of the character arcs concluded great , some characters finally showed the world who they truly are for good or for ill and that made this volume a thrilling read. I will say that I do sometimes miss a bit a female perspective on the series, I kinda hope that improves a bit further on. I also found certain developments not really believable and I struggle a bit with how certain themes are developed. That being said there were also a lot of emotional moments here and I'm very curious for the next chapter of the story.
March 21, 2021
When it comes to Japanese writer you will see a lot of "why live but in pain" and the whole baggage of existential crisis.
Indeed. Why?
I read few things about how good Canute back then and how he was very religious person, this whole saga is him being chased by his guilt somehow.
Thorfinn was another case altogether, the guilt he felt was so great that he swore off violence. This manga has been running so long that I forgot the whole story until I reread it again just now.
This 7th book is good closure for everyone.
I am sorry, Arnheid. I thought it was you on cover vol. 24 😭
Indeed. Why?
I read few things about how good Canute back then and how he was very religious person, this whole saga is him being chased by his guilt somehow.
Thorfinn was another case altogether, the guilt he felt was so great that he swore off violence. This manga has been running so long that I forgot the whole story until I reread it again just now.
This 7th book is good closure for everyone.
I am sorry, Arnheid. I thought it was you on cover vol. 24 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2023
“Vinland Saga: Omnibus 7” ili “Kako napisati mangu u kojoj će vam pisac slomiti srce, ubrzo ga zaceliti, naterati ga da radi ubrzano za vreme neverovatnih akcionih scena i na kraju ga smiriti dok uživate jer likovi koje volite konačno doživljavaju sreću kakvu zaslužuju”
March 25, 2018
If this volume would have wrapped up the entire series I would be totally okay with that because of the perfect ending of this story arc. But I won't lie and must admit I'm very much looking forward to reading te next volumes. This manga is so addictive...
March 24, 2022
I read that far too fast.
May 26, 2022
Czytam to zbyt szybko, ale co ja poradzę, że to takie dobre!
Ale trochę tęsknie za Thorkellem...
Ale trochę tęsknie za Thorkellem...
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