"I realised that if Artorius wouldn't come and save my Mother at that moment. Then he'll never come back at all. Someone has to do something. Not a hero, Not a God, but someone."
@@collection-o1n There are no gods or heroes that would save her, change is enacted by people. The only way to save his mother is by being the one to enact that change, being the one to save her himself.
I love how that way of thinking eventually influences the mindset of both Thorfinn and Canute, who realize that no one would come and save them from the hell they live in, so they have to create that desired paradise themselves. Their goal is similar, but Thorfinn's way comes from the kind teachings of Thors, while Canute follows essentially the same path that people like Askeladd and King Sweyn took
@@collection-o1nI don’t really remember either but it was said by thorfin and he was talking about askeladd in the end of season one askeladd shares his real name which is atorius
I love that Thorfinn’s three fathers each taught him how to be a true warrior: Thors planted the seeds with “you have no enemies” and “a true warrior doesn’t need a sword”, Askeladd showed him the futility of war and revenge, and Leif showed him an honest way to live and find true fulfillment
@@starscreamapologist3003 I highly doubt most viking violence was senseless, infact I don't think you can call a Norseman who was senselessly violent a viking, given it was an occupation with specific ends.
@@Wully02I agree. I wouldn't call it senseless but I think we should understand that they lived in a culture that was extremely violent compared to our own. Their entire worldview was shaped around the possibility of violence and many of the warrior caste believed dying of old age to be beneath them. Raiding was an old tradition to them. So old we can possibly trace it back to the Late Neolithic and early bronze age. So it was a part of their life as a seasonal activity. Raids could be violent though something tells me it wasn't always the case as we have mention of simple cattle raids in Sagas, where they simply sneak onto the farm and make off with what they can without being discovered.
@@brotherknight9484 Of course, they were much more violent than we are, or at least more honestly violent. My point is that their violence wasn't senseless.
@@elfofdusk FMA:B hits a lot different if you go into it knowing most of the funny characters you've grown to love are war criminals, and their various eccentricities are coping mechanisms for what we'd call some combination of PTSD and guilt. There's a reason Hawkeye's apartment looks the same as it did when she moved into it.
The scene where Askeladd talks to Thorfinn about the Roman Empire drives home the father-son relationship early on in the show. It is the first time the two have a one on one conversation away from the crowd of vikings, and while Thorfinn is being the typical, smug, edgy teen, Askeladd gives him a history lesson and introduces Thorfinn to a broader view of the world he lives in. It is probably the first time in awhile Thorfinn is given a moment to contemplate on something other than revenge and battle. It's a small intimate moment as these two killers consider their place within the twilight of history.
1:29 The first oath he makes was in the name of his father Olaf and Odin, and he breaks it. The second oath he makes in the name of his ancestor Artorius, and he keeps that oath. You wouldn't notice it the first time watching, but it shows where his loyalties lie.
If you look at Viking mythology, there a theme of loyalties based on parents. Odin mother was a frost giant ,but his father was Asgarian. Hence, his loyalties lies with the Asgard. On the other hand, Loki father was a frost giant and his mother was Asgardian. We have a character who plays the part of spy with a “Viking” father and foreign mother.
Askeladd is a great anti-villain. His goals may be noble (protecting the country his mother loves), but he embraces evil to achieve those goals. Even if he hates himself for it.
@ZX-Gear I'd argue that if you can justify any action, you lost your morality along the way. I'm not saying that people can't or don't, only that to do so they have become deeply damaged.
Yeah sadly the author had a railroad approach and I didn't like how we got to Thorfinn's slavery arch PS and giving Askeladd a fulfilling death, really was hoping for a line like "you killed what I cared about, now since you're dying all I have left is to kill what you care about " no need to have higher implications just a pure moment of terror, but we all know that Thorfinn's mind wasn't there to notice what Askeladd cared about so the part that Thorfinn should say after that as Askeladd has died grabbing Thorfinn is "But I don't know what it is, how could I harm you as deeply as you harmed me when I don't know why you went off and died now"
@@HayatoFuhaku nah , that's a loser's argument "you're wrong cause you didn't get it" , what I'm saying is that I get where the author wanted to push the story but I'm finding more enjoyable to see the discrepancies between human thinking and seeing Askeladd die with terror in his heart but at the same time Thorfinn to be so incompetent that he doesn't realize why Askeladd died. Do you get it? The author gave Askeladd peace at the end of the war that was his life, fulfilment in having defended his mother's country. I wanted to see him despair at seeing how the one he has wronged and has trained under him, the one which his waitering heart didn't kill, I wanted him to regret the time he didn't kill a child and despair as the child says that he'll take revenge by striking at what he loves as he couldn't kill him no more . And I wanted him to exhale his last breath before the child admits broken that "But I don't know what you love" And as Thorfinn sits there , with the corpse of his father's killer, for the first time in his life think about it, broken with tears running down his face to start going over how he lived the last years as a mercenary, to relive all the years of him watching with hate but never reason, for the first time I wanted him to reason. And I wanted him to fail in reasoning, for him to make the wrong conclusion, to get to right before Askeladd was killed, to replay the moment and come to the conclusion that Askeladd loved the prince, that's the only reason why Askeladd would let the prince kill him. I wanted them both to suffer one to agonize as he died for being too smart and drawing the wrong conclusion and the Thorfinn to finally get it through his thick skull that he needs to reason, that he failed to take revenge as he never thought he just felt. He'd been a weasel trying to catch a crow in flight. And for the first time think and fail, as the eagle catches the crow in his talons, the weasel to realize he should have gone for the crow's nest, but in his ignorance to go after the eagles nest and get shredded.
@@crocky6996 doubt it. Iroh became Iroh because of his loss. I kinda doubt that he was able to be someone with real wisdom. I am sire he was a decent father, but I doubt he would have been on the same level then the father he was for Zuko.
Askeladd was such a great character. Even when dead he was still the GOAT. And Vinland Saga as a whole was excellent. It’s a show that I find myself musing about while driving or doing stuff around the house. It really sticks with you
Okay now that I'm on my computer and not my phone, on the video itself. I disagree with Askeladd killing Swain being one of his flaws and bad moments. In the context of the scene, Swain was giving an ultimatum where for Askeladd to save his people he would have to turn on Canute, if Askeladd was truly ends justify the means just for that one goal, he would have thrown Canute away in a heartbeat, but him killing Swain while making himself the bad guy so Canute could survive even after Askeladd's goal was achieved showed his virtue.
Gotta agree - it's one point where Askeladd dedicates himself to a purpose rather than to simply living, something mentioned earlier in the vid and hinted at in relation to Canute, but not elaborated on. Good point!
That's the moment where he lives up to the words "someone has to do something... Not a hero, not a God, but someone", some point out that it's the moment where he becomes Artorius because he was waiting for Artorius at the start of the story, then looking for him until he found Canute, and finally, he reveals his true name and takes matters into his own hands so Canute can be free to do what must be done. His sacrifice wasn't a flawed moment, it was the culmination of everything he is.
He wouldn't turn on Canute because he believes Canute is Artorius. He used to believe that Thorfinn was Artorius but he gave up after realizing he's too stubborn to be like Thors. It was first Thors (invited him to be the leader of the band), then Thorfinn (allowed him into the band), then Canute (Served him).
In the end, Askeladd a.k.a. Lucius Artorius Castus became the very thing he hated - a Viking. His purpose was the preservation of Wales as neighboring England was being conquered.
@@joshuawells835 you just said something that sounds deep and makes no sense. You could argue he was a Viking in his adult life, but not in the end. In the end he was Welsh. He didn’t become what he hated, he embraced what he hates openly, *until* the end when he finally cast off the facade to sacrifice himself.
Askeladd is the GOAT. Despite him being pretty objectively villainous his motives are understandable and even laudable. He wants to save his people and is willing to sacrifice those that aren't. He wants his surrogate son to be a better man than him and knows being a monster will only help to hammer home this lesson. Askeladd leaves me conflicted which is a feeling I love to have for characters in fiction.
Askelaad made s1 of this show for me. After the village, he's just so Compelling to watch. I took his final moments with Thorfinn a little differently. In the last duel, he's frustrated and tired of playing the "game" with Thorfinn, do he goes all out breaking him. I think it was part frustration, part trying to protect Thorfinn (both to get him out of his obsessive revenge and away from the king). When they see each other again, he finally gets Thorfinn to see beyond his immediate hatred. "What will you do now?" Askelaad 's mind goes to Vinland, the place that they all recognize as Good. Askelaad could not rise out of the ashes, but he calls Thorfinn to leave his life of pain and hatred behind.
I Like what you say about “killing Askeladd is the same as becoming Askeladd” same as saying “killing Vader is the same as becoming Vader” just notice how similar but different tone Askeladd and Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader stories,that they are both born as slaves,both lost their mother to savage beast both became savage beasts in the process done evil and both wanted their sons to be better than them.
One of my favorite villainous dads is Viren from The Dragon Prince. He's a similar archetype to Askeladd except he doesn't view his actions as evil. He's a pragmatist; he does what is necessary. It's only when his daughter becomes just like him that he realizes how much damage he's caused, to the world and his family. That leads him to turn away from evil for her sake.
@@phantom9831I like the dragon prince too but do you ever get the feeling that in the later seasons it couldn’t figure out if it was for 20 years olds or 10 year olds?
13:20 “where are those thine accusers? … Go, and sin no more.” He didn’t say it is now as if you had never sinned; He said move on and leave the life of sin behind forever more. Come unto me all ye that are weary and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. “Forget yourself and get to work”
This video is a digital double-stuffed. Thanks! Yeah Jupiter is amazing and its hard to find a good place to cut it out early. And you cant just fade out a master piece! Appreciated
Not only was he like an evil uncle iron for Thorfin, but for Canute as well, in the little time they spend together Canute reafirms and becomes convinced and entranced by the path he will follow and the means to walk it, all of that he learned from Askeladd including how to manipulate someone far more powerful like Thorkell. It really is crazy to think about how all of Vinland Saga is a direct result of Askeladd coming in as a "father figure" into the life of two men, one to clear his doubts, and the other one to correct his determination, beautiful indeed
When I think of father figures, or even mother figures good and bad ones come to mind. I think terms like fatherly and motherly are a mixed bag of good, two edged, and bad traits. Especially sense my dad is emotionally immature and infantilizing me and my brother. (Not trying to rant). But I think unlike many good father figures he doesn't really encourage us to do anything of value, in an effort to one up my mother, who cant give anyone -- even her 3yo son -- a break. Edit: in media, I feel we need more narcissistic women, without fear of being too hard on moms. Not all matriarchs/patriarchs are bad, and we need to observe the sh^t ones without defending or excusing them. Any bullying ad emotional manipulation is a subtle and devastating bullying that we need to guard ourselves against. Also, Happy Spooky Month🎃
Honestly respect for letting the music play out to the end of that bit of "Jupiter" - such a fantastic song. Heard it playing in the bg and got a bit lost in it, and had to go back to listen to what you were saying. XD (Played it in band in high school, so also super nostalgic for me.) Love Vinland Saga and Askeladd - fantastic video about him!
Vinland Saga is one of the greatest Masterpieces of our generation. Askeladd was incredibly well written. I cannot wait for season 3! Might have to give the show a fourth rewatch soon haha 😃
Light Stormlight Archive Spoilers: Yeah I hate Taravangian. He clinged to an outdated wall scrible so much he betrayed the rest of the world to save his city, undermining efforts to save way more than a city. That's not just wrong, that is an incorrect move.
Your solicitude for your music listening public is greatly appreciated, and Jupiter does fantastic things for the conclusions of so many of your videos. For this video, however, I'd have chosen Finlandia. Never fails to bring me to tears.
It's nice to hear Gustav Holst - Jupiter again. Askaladd may be unlikeable, but he was crafty and taught Thorfinn. He felt more like a cautionary tale.
Vinland saga is really underrated, a seinen not only for the gore and brutality but also for the exploration of human morality...Askelad is a more realistic father figure, a flawed man trying to do what he thinks is right
Funny enough, I think the thing that pushed Askeladd to become a father figure was the duel where he almost lost. He almost became his father, seeing Thorfinn as the child he picked up and who grew into being a man. He let his guard down, reminiscing at the beginning and almost meeting the same fate as his own father. That's why he looked so shocked at the beginning then almost doting as he recalled how small Thorfinn used to be. At that moment, he realized he was in the same position as his father and quickly regained his composure, using Thorfinn's weakness to win but realizing he was close to his own death. If he had become his father, he was destined to die at the hands of the one who sought vengeance against him. As such, he felt the need to, at the very least, do something meaningful before he died. Even at this his, he offers Thorfinn the chance to get what he wants but realizes that the boy is empty. Though the two were similar is their primary goal, Askeladd had further ambitions. He had something to fall back on to push him through his life after revenge. Thorfinn, however, had nothing else. He'd lived and fought for revenge. Hence his last words to him.
Having synonymous words in your script isn't bad because, especially in this case, it emphasizes the merc's desires. The note feels a tad superfluous, albeit it is a phunny note
1:26 an interesting observation I made was when he swore upon his fathers name he had zero problem lying. But when he swore upon his ancestor Artorius name he kept his word
Askeladd is genuinely one of the most interesting and nuanced characters in manga. As a character he subverts a lot of tropes, but more than that he actually feels like a real person that could have existed. In fantasy stories, mentors and father figures are overwhelmingly characterized as kind and loving. Askeladd reminds us that sometimes "dad" is abusive, cruel, or simply apathetic. The sad part is, it also reminds us that for the children of these fathers, they are still dad, and there is a lot of pain that comes from existing with someone who is a mentor one day and a bully the next.
This is also a great showing in that we need both examples of what to do as we do examples of what to not do. Do not fight monsters lest you become one, for when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back.
Better to fight a monster and risk becoming one than to submit to their designs. For in the first case there is at least potential for being better (if nothing else at least a less evil monster), whereas in the second monstrous acts and motives are a given.
"I realised that if Artorius wouldn't come and save my Mother at that moment. Then he'll never come back at all. Someone has to do something. Not a hero, Not a God, but someone."
Really shows the lesson of No one is coming to save you.
I don't understand what askeladd meant by that , can anyone explain please
@@collection-o1n There are no gods or heroes that would save her, change is enacted by people. The only way to save his mother is by being the one to enact that change, being the one to save her himself.
I love how that way of thinking eventually influences the mindset of both Thorfinn and Canute, who realize that no one would come and save them from the hell they live in, so they have to create that desired paradise themselves. Their goal is similar, but Thorfinn's way comes from the kind teachings of Thors, while Canute follows essentially the same path that people like Askeladd and King Sweyn took
@@collection-o1nI don’t really remember either but it was said by thorfin and he was talking about askeladd in the end of season one askeladd shares his real name which is atorius
I love that Thorfinn’s three fathers each taught him how to be a true warrior: Thors planted the seeds with “you have no enemies” and “a true warrior doesn’t need a sword”, Askeladd showed him the futility of war and revenge, and Leif showed him an honest way to live and find true fulfillment
Three fathers and none of them acted like a real life viking, amazing.
@@Wully02 almost like Vinland Saga is critiquing the senseless violence of the Vikings lol
@@starscreamapologist3003 I highly doubt most viking violence was senseless, infact I don't think you can call a Norseman who was senselessly violent a viking, given it was an occupation with specific ends.
@@Wully02I agree. I wouldn't call it senseless but I think we should understand that they lived in a culture that was extremely violent compared to our own.
Their entire worldview was shaped around the possibility of violence and many of the warrior caste believed dying of old age to be beneath them.
Raiding was an old tradition to them. So old we can possibly trace it back to the Late Neolithic and early bronze age. So it was a part of their life as a seasonal activity. Raids could be violent though something tells me it wasn't always the case as we have mention of simple cattle raids in Sagas, where they simply sneak onto the farm and make off with what they can without being discovered.
@@brotherknight9484 Of course, they were much more violent than we are, or at least more honestly violent. My point is that their violence wasn't senseless.
"Go, and take those you've killed with you" --> "You're gonna carry that weight" man it all hits hard
it reminds me of a similar line from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood "Remember every face you've killed, because they won't forget yours"
@@elfofdusk and is echoed in openning too
@@elfofdusk FMA:B hits a lot different if you go into it knowing most of the funny characters you've grown to love are war criminals, and their various eccentricities are coping mechanisms for what we'd call some combination of PTSD and guilt. There's a reason Hawkeye's apartment looks the same as it did when she moved into it.
I haven't watched the video yet, but "you're gonna carry that weight" also shows up in cowboy bebop and I like that quote a lot
Askeladd was one of most interesting characters in anime. And the him being welsh added onto that. Great video
Duw bendithia Cymru.
And roman
Askeladd 🤜🤛 The Hound
"My name is Lucius artorius castus which means as the heir of artorius I am the rightful king of Britannia"- my twisted king 👑
why is him being welsh enhance his character ( genuine question )
Askeladd telling Thorfinn to be more like Thors and less like him. What a madlad.
while also saying you can only win against him by being him, the antithesis is even madder
I'm totally not crying.
The scene where Askeladd talks to Thorfinn about the Roman Empire drives home the father-son relationship early on in the show. It is the first time the two have a one on one conversation away from the crowd of vikings, and while Thorfinn is being the typical, smug, edgy teen, Askeladd gives him a history lesson and introduces Thorfinn to a broader view of the world he lives in. It is probably the first time in awhile Thorfinn is given a moment to contemplate on something other than revenge and battle. It's a small intimate moment as these two killers consider their place within the twilight of history.
1:29 The first oath he makes was in the name of his father Olaf and Odin, and he breaks it. The second oath he makes in the name of his ancestor Artorius, and he keeps that oath. You wouldn't notice it the first time watching, but it shows where his loyalties lie.
Yep and iirc when he swears fealty to Canute he swears on Lydia his mothers name.
This is such a damn good show
@@haydens8472peakland saga
If you look at Viking mythology, there a theme of loyalties based on parents.
Odin mother was a frost giant ,but his father was Asgarian. Hence, his loyalties lies with the Asgard.
On the other hand, Loki father was a frost giant and his mother was Asgardian.
We have a character who plays the part of spy with a “Viking” father and foreign mother.
In episode 5 when he says "Like father like son" after hearing from Bjorn that Thorfinn is still alive, he's talking about himself too.
Askeladd is a great anti-villain. His goals may be noble (protecting the country his mother loves), but he embraces evil to achieve those goals. Even if he hates himself for it.
I mean I realize that good and evil are subjective. In a way,you can justify any action given the right perspective. It is what we humans are good at.
@ZX-Gear I'd argue that if you can justify any action, you lost your morality along the way. I'm not saying that people can't or don't, only that to do so they have become deeply damaged.
Yeah sadly the author had a railroad approach and I didn't like how we got to Thorfinn's slavery arch
PS and giving Askeladd a fulfilling death, really was hoping for a line like "you killed what I cared about, now since you're dying all I have left is to kill what you care about " no need to have higher implications just a pure moment of terror, but we all know that Thorfinn's mind wasn't there to notice what Askeladd cared about so the part that Thorfinn should say after that as Askeladd has died grabbing Thorfinn is "But I don't know what it is, how could I harm you as deeply as you harmed me when I don't know why you went off and died now"
@@akmon3490 You're just showing that you didn't get the story's themes and inner logic.
@@HayatoFuhaku nah , that's a loser's argument "you're wrong cause you didn't get it" , what I'm saying is that I get where the author wanted to push the story but I'm finding more enjoyable to see the discrepancies between human thinking and seeing Askeladd die with terror in his heart but at the same time Thorfinn to be so incompetent that he doesn't realize why Askeladd died.
Do you get it? The author gave Askeladd peace at the end of the war that was his life, fulfilment in having defended his mother's country.
I wanted to see him despair at seeing how the one he has wronged and has trained under him, the one which his waitering heart didn't kill, I wanted him to regret the time he didn't kill a child and despair as the child says that he'll take revenge by striking at what he loves as he couldn't kill him no more .
And I wanted him to exhale his last breath before the child admits broken that "But I don't know what you love"
And as Thorfinn sits there , with the corpse of his father's killer, for the first time in his life think about it, broken with tears running down his face to start going over how he lived the last years as a mercenary, to relive all the years of him watching with hate but never reason, for the first time I wanted him to reason.
And I wanted him to fail in reasoning, for him to make the wrong conclusion, to get to right before Askeladd was killed, to replay the moment and come to the conclusion that Askeladd loved the prince, that's the only reason why Askeladd would let the prince kill him.
I wanted them both to suffer one to agonize as he died for being too smart and drawing the wrong conclusion and the Thorfinn to finally get it through his thick skull that he needs to reason, that he failed to take revenge as he never thought he just felt.
He'd been a weasel trying to catch a crow in flight.
And for the first time think and fail, as the eagle catches the crow in his talons, the weasel to realize he should have gone for the crow's nest, but in his ignorance to go after the eagles nest and get shredded.
Evil Iroh... that's a pretty good describtion of Askeladd
I wouldn’t say evil tho I’d say twisted
Nah Askeladd was definitely evil
Makes me wonder how Iroh was before Lu Ten died, would he be pretty similar to Askeladd?
@@crocky6996 doubt it. Iroh became Iroh because of his loss. I kinda doubt that he was able to be someone with real wisdom. I am sire he was a decent father, but I doubt he would have been on the same level then the father he was for Zuko.
@@kash_1085na
I misheard Askeladd as “Ass Lad” and will now exclusively refer to him as such.
Half the time I hear the name I hear _ask a lot_ instead
Ass-Clad
Ass Lad! How ya doing buddy?
I watched the German dub so I find it weird seeing people pronouncing it as "Ass a lad" instead of "Eskelad"
Sub is king
Askeladd was such a great character. Even when dead he was still the GOAT. And Vinland Saga as a whole was excellent. It’s a show that I find myself musing about while driving or doing stuff around the house. It really sticks with you
I constantly think about season 2
Holding siege until Season 3
Okay now that I'm on my computer and not my phone, on the video itself.
I disagree with Askeladd killing Swain being one of his flaws and bad moments. In the context of the scene, Swain was giving an ultimatum where for Askeladd to save his people he would have to turn on Canute, if Askeladd was truly ends justify the means just for that one goal, he would have thrown Canute away in a heartbeat, but him killing Swain while making himself the bad guy so Canute could survive even after Askeladd's goal was achieved showed his virtue.
Gotta agree - it's one point where Askeladd dedicates himself to a purpose rather than to simply living, something mentioned earlier in the vid and hinted at in relation to Canute, but not elaborated on.
Good point!
That's the moment where he lives up to the words "someone has to do something... Not a hero, not a God, but someone", some point out that it's the moment where he becomes Artorius because he was waiting for Artorius at the start of the story, then looking for him until he found Canute, and finally, he reveals his true name and takes matters into his own hands so Canute can be free to do what must be done. His sacrifice wasn't a flawed moment, it was the culmination of everything he is.
yh he specifically kills sweyn to protect people and in doing so also makes the decision to sacrifice his own life for those people too
@cristalido3640 Askeladd was born to be a true knight, but forced to be a viking.
He wouldn't turn on Canute because he believes Canute is Artorius.
He used to believe that Thorfinn was Artorius but he gave up after realizing he's too stubborn to be like Thors.
It was first Thors (invited him to be the leader of the band), then Thorfinn (allowed him into the band), then Canute (Served him).
I promise, this time i won’t be a slave by the double stuffed oreos
In the end, Askeladd a.k.a. Lucius Artorius Castus became the very thing he hated - a Viking. His purpose was the preservation of Wales as neighboring England was being conquered.
Nonsensical and inaccurate statement
@ How is it nonsensical and inaccurate?
@@joshuawells835 you just said something that sounds deep and makes no sense. You could argue he was a Viking in his adult life, but not in the end. In the end he was Welsh. He didn’t become what he hated, he embraced what he hates openly, *until* the end when he finally cast off the facade to sacrifice himself.
@@arcanum3882 Fair, but what I said was still accurate.
Finally, I've been waiting for years for a video like this. About my favorite dark mentor figure.
My favorite anime character. And favorite morally gray character.
Askeladd is the GOAT. Despite him being pretty objectively villainous his motives are understandable and even laudable. He wants to save his people and is willing to sacrifice those that aren't. He wants his surrogate son to be a better man than him and knows being a monster will only help to hammer home this lesson. Askeladd leaves me conflicted which is a feeling I love to have for characters in fiction.
Seems like.., Eren?
@@kuturbie No
Askelaad made s1 of this show for me. After the village, he's just so Compelling to watch.
I took his final moments with Thorfinn a little differently. In the last duel, he's frustrated and tired of playing the "game" with Thorfinn, do he goes all out breaking him. I think it was part frustration, part trying to protect Thorfinn (both to get him out of his obsessive revenge and away from the king).
When they see each other again, he finally gets Thorfinn to see beyond his immediate hatred. "What will you do now?" Askelaad 's mind goes to Vinland, the place that they all recognize as Good. Askelaad could not rise out of the ashes, but he calls Thorfinn to leave his life of pain and hatred behind.
I Like what you say about “killing Askeladd is the same as becoming Askeladd” same as saying “killing Vader is the same as becoming Vader” just notice how similar but different tone Askeladd and Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader stories,that they are both born as slaves,both lost their mother to savage beast both became savage beasts in the process done evil and both wanted their sons to be better than them.
One of my favorite villainous dads is Viren from The Dragon Prince. He's a similar archetype to Askeladd except he doesn't view his actions as evil. He's a pragmatist; he does what is necessary. It's only when his daughter becomes just like him that he realizes how much damage he's caused, to the world and his family. That leads him to turn away from evil for her sake.
Great description of Viren's personnality, and glad to see a follow The Dragon Prince enjoyers
@@phantom9831I like the dragon prince too but do you ever get the feeling that in the later seasons it couldn’t figure out if it was for 20 years olds or 10 year olds?
The Ballad of the White Horse is an excellent poem/story for anyone who enjoyed Vinland Saga
Great recommendation!! So many awesome quotes in that poem.
Askeladd is the GOAT. Vinland Saga is an absolute masterpiece.
Went from hating him to loving him. He earned my respect through & through. Every decision he made was calculated up until the end.
Great video! Glad Vinland saga is being appreciated
13:20 “where are those thine accusers? … Go, and sin no more.” He didn’t say it is now as if you had never sinned; He said move on and leave the life of sin behind forever more.
Come unto me all ye that are weary and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
“Forget yourself and get to work”
Love the Vinland Saga content. Hope there’s more on the way!
I legit shed a tear while watching this. The character analysis and lessons within it were that powerful.
He is finally talking about vinland saga
I can't wait for a Thorfin video and his positive masculinity
Thanks for your videos! I learn so much from them. I can appreciate those works and stories so much more. Have a tiny support from this, take it!
Thank you so much!
"Take those you killed with you" that's some Iroh level wisdom.
Yay! Vinland Saga!
The background soundtrack mix on this video is killer, especially with the content of the games they come from
2:22 he sees himself in thorfin
You are correct
Anyone else gonna talk about the choice of music for the outro? Great piece selection 🫡
Great video man can’t wait to see more :)
I like your bald head Mr smart Essay man.
Askeladd! The most dangerous Welsh viking in fiction.
This video is a digital double-stuffed. Thanks!
Yeah Jupiter is amazing and its hard to find a good place to cut it out early. And you cant just fade out a master piece! Appreciated
He is a very rare character he is neutral evil, where he will employ evil when it makes things easier and not be remorseful or sorry about it
Dude great pull with the Jupiter music!! That middle section is absolutely divine
Not only was he like an evil uncle iron for Thorfin, but for Canute as well, in the little time they spend together Canute reafirms and becomes convinced and entranced by the path he will follow and the means to walk it, all of that he learned from Askeladd including how to manipulate someone far more powerful like Thorkell. It really is crazy to think about how all of Vinland Saga is a direct result of Askeladd coming in as a "father figure" into the life of two men, one to clear his doubts, and the other one to correct his determination, beautiful indeed
Askeladd... what a character man. Was drawn to him even though he was despicable
Askeladd was so well written he carried the entire first season 💀
When I think of father figures, or even mother figures good and bad ones come to mind.
I think terms like fatherly and motherly are a mixed bag of good, two edged, and bad traits. Especially sense my dad is emotionally immature and infantilizing me and my brother. (Not trying to rant). But I think unlike many good father figures he doesn't really encourage us to do anything of value, in an effort to one up my mother, who cant give anyone -- even her 3yo son -- a break.
Edit: in media, I feel we need more narcissistic women, without fear of being too hard on moms. Not all matriarchs/patriarchs are bad, and we need to observe the sh^t ones without defending or excusing them. Any bullying ad emotional manipulation is a subtle and devastating bullying that we need to guard ourselves against.
Also, Happy Spooky Month🎃
When I saw you finished the video to Vinland Saga, I had high expactations and you exceeded them.
Hell yes, more Vinland Saga videos in 2024! It's a fantastic manga and anime, but so many people sleep on it or don't make videos about it.
Honestly respect for letting the music play out to the end of that bit of "Jupiter" - such a fantastic song. Heard it playing in the bg and got a bit lost in it, and had to go back to listen to what you were saying. XD (Played it in band in high school, so also super nostalgic for me.)
Love Vinland Saga and Askeladd - fantastic video about him!
I've watched 62 animes at this point. There is a reason that Vinland Saga ranks in my top 3 favorites.
Vinland Saga is one of the greatest Masterpieces of our generation. Askeladd was incredibly well written. I cannot wait for season 3! Might have to give the show a fourth rewatch soon haha 😃
You’re the coolest channel, bro.
great video, rewatching vinland saga with my friend and loving it just as much as the first time
Your monologue near the end to Jupiter actually had chills on my arm. Great video!
14:05 Never could get tired of Jupiter
And “I vow to thee my country” at that
What’s Jupiter from?
@@jakebattles1985 "The Planets", by Gustave Holst
🙌🏿 *PEAK* 🙌🏿 Askeladd is such a layered character.
Light Stormlight Archive Spoilers: Yeah I hate Taravangian. He clinged to an outdated wall scrible so much he betrayed the rest of the world to save his city, undermining efforts to save way more than a city. That's not just wrong, that is an incorrect move.
Vinland Saga content, hell yeah
This was such a great video. What a welcome sight
Damn, a Stormlight Archive in a Vinland Saga video? Consider my ass subscribed, great content dude 💪
Great analysis of Askelad character growth
The voice actor for Askeladd is my single favorite voice actor purely because of this show. Loved Askeladd
Bro fr fr hes so good in everything he is in i love him as yujiro too goated
@ oooo I’ll have to check that one out too
@ryanlippe6442 its really good i love his performance of yujiro and baki peak in general too
great video. glad i stumbled upon your channel, keep up the good work.
The taravangin reference made my day. Thank you noble sir
Great analysis video! You also have my respect for not cutting the beautiful music at the end
Your solicitude for your music listening public is greatly appreciated, and Jupiter does fantastic things for the conclusions of so many of your videos.
For this video, however, I'd have chosen Finlandia. Never fails to bring me to tears.
Finally some askeladd appreciation 🔥
It's nice to hear Gustav Holst - Jupiter again.
Askaladd may be unlikeable, but he was crafty and taught Thorfinn. He felt more like a cautionary tale.
Thorfinn's arc is one of the most beautifully crafted pieces of writing ever. I cannot wait for s3
This explanation is so beautiful
Vinland saga is really underrated, a seinen not only for the gore and brutality but also for the exploration of human morality...Askelad is a more realistic father figure, a flawed man trying to do what he thinks is right
Askeladd literally became my favorite character. i shed a tear when he died
Beautiful. That’s all I have to say about this video. Amazing job brother
Everything got more intense for me when I recognized the Darksouls music.
I swear this is one of the most moving anime’s I’ve ever watched
The scene of Askeladd talking to Thirston in his dream gives me chills everytime I see it.
Very solid video & character analysis
Funny enough, I think the thing that pushed Askeladd to become a father figure was the duel where he almost lost. He almost became his father, seeing Thorfinn as the child he picked up and who grew into being a man. He let his guard down, reminiscing at the beginning and almost meeting the same fate as his own father. That's why he looked so shocked at the beginning then almost doting as he recalled how small Thorfinn used to be.
At that moment, he realized he was in the same position as his father and quickly regained his composure, using Thorfinn's weakness to win but realizing he was close to his own death. If he had become his father, he was destined to die at the hands of the one who sought vengeance against him. As such, he felt the need to, at the very least, do something meaningful before he died. Even at this his, he offers Thorfinn the chance to get what he wants but realizes that the boy is empty. Though the two were similar is their primary goal, Askeladd had further ambitions. He had something to fall back on to push him through his life after revenge. Thorfinn, however, had nothing else. He'd lived and fought for revenge. Hence his last words to him.
Great video with good wisdom.
May Lord God Christ Continue on bless you
"Editors note to the script writer" 😂😂
3:55 God Bless this editor 🤣🤣🤣
Having synonymous words in your script isn't bad because, especially in this case, it emphasizes the merc's desires. The note feels a tad superfluous, albeit it is a phunny note
@@theorixlux
Agreed. I think it was mostly meant for humor. Plus he is a bit critical of himself at times.
Was NOT expecting a Taravangian name drop in this vid
God
Askelaad was ultimately such a fucking chad. Spectacular character writing
Iroh: we see entirely his wisdom and hear of his war time
Askeladd: we see entirely of his war time and hear his wisdom
what surprised me is even Makoto Yukimura was shock that Askeladd did what he do in his last moments
1:26 an interesting observation I made was when he swore upon his fathers name he had zero problem lying. But when he swore upon his ancestor Artorius name he kept his word
6:41, God of War, Kratos' wife's theme? Can't tell for sure
Man, if you feel so passionate about this type of character, please look up Kreia and her philosophy. You’ll love her so much.
Oh my god finally a Vinland saga video, I remember asking for it ages ago
One reason he didn't kill thorfinn is because of the huge amount of respect he had for thors
He promised thors on his ancestor that he wouldn't kill his son and he never did
I hope you do another video on Vinland cause I enjoyed this
Honestly, one of my favorite characters of all time. Such an interesting and complex being and portrayal
The dark souls music goes so hard
Askeladd has to be one of my favourite characters in fiction.
Askeladd is genuinely one of the most interesting and nuanced characters in manga. As a character he subverts a lot of tropes, but more than that he actually feels like a real person that could have existed. In fantasy stories, mentors and father figures are overwhelmingly characterized as kind and loving. Askeladd reminds us that sometimes "dad" is abusive, cruel, or simply apathetic. The sad part is, it also reminds us that for the children of these fathers, they are still dad, and there is a lot of pain that comes from existing with someone who is a mentor one day and a bully the next.
HAVENT WATCHED THE VIDEO YET BUT BROTHA YOU HAVE A NARRATIVE EYE
One of the single greatest villains written
Nice touch with "We Praise and Ackowledge You, O God" for the outro song
I think a large chunk of who he is can be defined by an old adage. You live by the sword, you die by the sword.
13:25 I will take responsability for what I have done, and if I must fall i will rise each time a better man... or so I've heard said.
You're definitely right
I hadn't thought about it that way but the first season is definitely about Askeladd
Very interesting
What an absolutely amazing character, one of my favorite villains of all time.
This is also a great showing in that we need both examples of what to do as we do examples of what to not do.
Do not fight monsters lest you become one, for when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back.
Better to fight a monster and risk becoming one than to submit to their designs. For in the first case there is at least potential for being better (if nothing else at least a less evil monster), whereas in the second monstrous acts and motives are a given.
Love the bluey music in the background lol 😂