Vinland Saga main character

Thorfinn, also known as Karlsefni, is the main character and protagonist of the Vinland Saga anime/manga series.

Thorfinn’s main goal evolves in the series over the course of its progression. He initially wanted revenge for his father’s death but later, he focuses on finding Vinland and building a future there. He evolves from being involved in a cycle of violence to pursuing his own redemption reflecting his desire of finding true meaning of life far away from wars and bloodshed.

Also Read: Vinland Saga characters

Thorfinn’s Life

Thorfinn was born in the winter of 996 in Iceland where his family had fled together with the Jomsvikings after Thors decided to give up his warrior career. Thorfiin was unaware of his father's former warrior career and his ties to the Jomsvikings. Along with being Ylva's younger brother, he is connected to the Jomsviking leadership by his mother, who is the third Chief Sigvaldi's daughter.

Thorfinn pursued his father's killer, Askeladd, into battle to be near to him, and he spent almost ten years trying to exact revenge on him which resulted in him becoming ruthless and cold-blooded, murdering a great number of people in the process. Thorfinn was sentenced to slavery when he attacked Canute in a fit of shock and wrath, as Askeladd's death had been Thorfinn's main objective for the majority of his life. Once he attained independence four years later, he changed his life.

After hearing stories about Leif Ericson as a boy, he committed to making the most of his life and establishing peace and a slave-free kingdom in Vinland. Following his departure from Ketil's farm with his new companion Einar, he travelled to Greece to obtain the funds necessary for his eventual journey to Vinland. Three years later, he had amassed sufficient funds and support to travel to Vinland. He established and formed the Arnheid Village.

Thorfinn’s Abilities

Since his father's death, Thorfinn has grown up on the battlefield, witnessing several wars and raids resulting in a tonne of fighting experience. During his years with Askeladd's gang, he rapidly developed into a highly competent warrior who could easily dispatch men at least twice his age.

Instead of immediately colliding with swords, his fighting style focuses on striking vital spots. After losing his knives and letting go of his desire to kill, he evolved an agile method that emphasised speed. Thorfinn also has incredible strength, agility and reflexes. Few of his abilities are:

Expert Close Quarters Combatant

Thorfinn is an extremely proficient fighter and is demonstrated to be exceptionally adept in martial arts. He possesses immense lethality when using swords and daggers.

Dual Wielding

Thorfinn's fighting style is all about quickness and using two knives, one of which belonged to his father. He could usually take advantage of his opponent's weaknesses and use his speed to finish them off quickly while dodging their attacks.

Knife Throwing

Thorfinn cac easily use throwing knives even though they are not his main arsenal.

Enhanced Durability

Thorfinn doesn't often fight without a weapon, but if given the opportunity to practise, he can withstand some serious blows.

Also Read: Who is Thorkell in Vinland Saga?