Summary
This episode of Vinland Saga offers a beautiful yet painful conclusion to Arnheid’s story while ushering in what should be an even more interesting final arc.
We recap the Crunchyroll and Netflix anime series Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 17, “Way Home,” which contains spoilers.
Fans were shocked and excited last week as they were gifted a glimpse of Thorfinn’s (Yuto Uemura) old fighting stance. After avoiding battle almost all season, it’ll be interesting to see if he chooses to fight or find another way to settle things with Snake (Fuminori Komatsu).
Whatever he chooses will surely change the trajectory of his future entirely. Considering he’s sworn off murder, it’s doubtful he’ll Snake, but that doesn’t mean the battle will be any easier because of his mercy.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 17 Recap
The episode opens with Snake and Thorfinn engaging in a fight. While Snake fights with a sword, Thorfinn uses only his hands, barely evading each swipe. As they continue to show off their skills, they both begin to wonder how either man ended up on the farm.
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?
As the fight progresses, Snake manages to get the upper hand on Thorfinn, positioning himself in front of an injured Gardar and effectively winning the battle.
Does Snake Kill Gardar?
Despite Arnheid and Sverkel trying to reason with Snake, he chooses to stab him in the chest anyway. However, Gardar pops up moments later, revealing himself to be alive.
Does Gardar kill Snake?
After revealing he is alive, Gardar places Snake in a chokehold, attempting to strangle the life out of him. Although Thorfinn tries to stop him, it is Arnheid who stops Gardar before he can murder Snake.
Although they successfully escape with Sverkel’s wagon, Gardar dies in Arnheid’s arms before they make it off the farm.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 17 Ending Explained
As he passes, the viewer seems to see what Gardar sees in the afterlife. After reliving the miracles of being a father and the horrors of slavery, he eventually seems to find his way home.
In the end, he is reunited with Hjalti. At the same time, the guards slowly close in on Arnheid, preparing to take her back to the farm.
READ: Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 16 Recap
Just when I thought I knew exactly where this season was going, Arnheid’s arc threw a beautifully executed wrench into my plans.
Although I never expected Gardar to make it, I also never expected things to end up like this, and now things are looking even worse for her, Thorfinn, and Einar.
As heartbreaking as this arc was, I’m almost sad to see it end, especially knowing that things are only likely to get more painful from here, but in the most compelling way possible.
What did you think of the anime series Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 17? Comment below.
