Summary
Not only do we see a glimpse of old Thorfinn this week, but we learn a lot about the nature of several other characters while maintaining the same intensity and excitement.
We recap the Crunchyroll and Netflix anime series Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 16, “Cause,” which contains spoilers.
Nothing went as planned in Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 15, and now Arnheid (Mayumi Sako) may be forced to make one of her most complex decisions yet.
After aiding her former husband’s escape, Snake (Fuminori Komatsu) and his men are now more determined than ever to find Gardar and punish him for his crimes.
Although Thorfinn (Yuto Uemura) and Einar (Shunsuke Takeuchi) are innocent now, it may not be long before they find themselves caught in the middle and forced to choose a side as well.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 16 Recap
The episode opens with Thorfinn running after Einar and trying to talk some sense into him as he frantically searches for Arnheid. When they find her, she regretfully explains how she cut Gardar’s ropes before he killed a guard.
After killing the guards, Arnheid says Gardar suffered a severe injury and had to be hidden somewhere on the farm with the help of the old master, Sverkel.
READ: Vinland Saga Season 2 Review
Believing that Gardar has escaped, Snake and his men watch Arnheid closely, waiting for the moment he comes to visit her.
What does Sverkel tell Snake he should give up instead of killing Gardar?
Instead of killing Gardar, Sverkel suggests Snake give up his sword instead.
After explaining how easily any of them could’ve ended up as slaves, Sverkel tells Snake that the real root of his problems will never disappear unless he lets go of his sword and says he should try farming and cultivating life instead of taking it.
How do Thorfinn, Einar, and Sverkel help Arnheid and Gardar escape?
In order to help Arnheid and Gardar escape, Einar dresses up in a cloak to confuse the guards into thinking he is Gardar.
While they chase after Einar, Thorfinn asks Sverkel to borrow a wagon, and the older man suggests they also put him on the wagon to avoid questions.
After growing suspicious of the cloaked man, Snake returns to the farm to find Thorfinn trying to help Gardar and Arnheid into the wagon.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 16 Ending Explained
Seeing no other options, Thorfinn realizes he may have to engage Snake in combat, although he does not want to. As Snake initiates contact with his sword, Thorfinn retaliates with his fists, showing a prowess for fighting that seems to surprise Snake, Sverkel, and Arnheid.
The episode ends with Thorfinn taking up his old fighting stance, thoroughly preparing to fight Snake.
I grew more impressed with Vinland Saga’s ability to craft a compelling story with every episode. It’s hard to be enthralled by what’s happening on the screen and what consequences these characters’ actions may have on everyone else.
Thorfinn’s growth alone has been exciting to watch, and it’s hard not to find yourself rooting for him as he struggles to discover who he wants to be this season.
I wasn’t expecting this arc at all, but it has become one of the best stories to follow this season. The show makes these characters grow on you in such a short time that I find myself emotionally invested in their stories and outcomes.
I’m inquisitive about next week after seeing how today’s episode ended. Considering how much Thorfinn has matured these last few years, I wonder just how differently he’ll approach combat now.
What did you think of the anime series Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 16? Comment below.
