Vinland Saga, Filling out an empty shell.

This blog explains in detail how an anime has significantly shaped my personality, aspirations, and outlook. The story told in Vinland Saga has played a huge role in helping me with my fears, anxiety, and depression. Not many people would attribute everything they are to an animated show about redemption, but as someone who has felt empty for the overwhelming majority of my life, it is easy to see how this series has inspired life into my soul for many years.

Vinland Saga follows the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior seeking revenge against Askeladd, the man who killed his father. Set in the early 11th century, the narrative explores themes of violence, revenge, and the search for identity amidst Viking exploration and conflict. As Thorfinn goes on his quest, he grapples with the consequences of his choices and the possibility of redemption, eventually leading him to question the true meaning of becoming a true warrior.

Thorfinn, a once-feared warrior, lost his one reason to live when Askeladd died, making it impossible for him to properly avenge his father. This left Thorfinn a shell of emptiness, with nothing to anchor and justify the horrible things he did as a Viking. He regularly struggled with nightmares, depression, and anxiety attacks. As a result, he often found himself questioning why he remained alive, believing that nothing good had ever come from living. When these thoughts invaded his mind, he was later enslaved on a farm for going against a prince. There, Thorfinn made his first friend, Einar, someone who had lost everything to similar Vikings.

As both Thorfinn and Einar worked to grow the plantations, Thorfinn came to terms with the weight of his sins and swore off violence and hatred. He reflected on the kindness shown to him by the other individuals on the farm and gradually filled his empty shell with tales of loving thy neighbor, believing that no one has any enemies. As he discovered who he was and what he must do to atone for his sins, he set out to build a peaceful nation where those whose only escape from monarch and Viking torment is death can live peaceful lives and where there are no war-torn borders.

I, myself, have lived in a similar way to Thorfinn. I’ve never been a good person, and I often tear up at the way I’ve acted toward those close to me. My actions and words left me angry at a world I did not want to be part of, leading to depression and loneliness throughout my early years up to when I was around 19. I found myself an empty shell, like Thorfinn when he first arrived at Ketil’s farm. However, seeing Thorfinn struggle with the demons in his soul and fight for redemption by becoming a gentler and stronger person has resonated with me in ways I cannot put into words. For the past five years, I’ve echoed Thorfinn’s virtues and have become a stronger and gentler person as a result. I have found more success in dealing with my depression and anxiety, seeking to become physically and mentally stronger by training my body and mind. I will atone for everything, and my calling to become who God intended me to be will blossom into reality.

Sorry if it got too dramatic in the last paragraph; I don’t usually write blogs or write in general, but these are my thoughts on life. Hope you enjoyed the blog! Feel free to ask or tell me anything in the comments. Stay strong, y'all, and remember: "You have no enemies."