composite characters
Vinland Saga blends history and fiction by using composite characters—figures who merge real historical individuals with creative liberties to serve the narrative. Thorfinn, for example, is inspired by the real Thorfinn Karlsefni but takes on a vastly different journey, shaped by revenge rather than exploration alone. Askeladd is another, embodying elements of various historical figures, particularly Welsh and Viking leaders, making him a unique mix of cunning strategist and personal philosophy. These characters allow Vinland Saga to explore historical themes while maintaining a compelling, character-driven story.
Vinland Saga Characters
This section provides a brief overview of the main characters that are featured within Vinland.
thorfinn
main character
The protagonist, son of Thors, who seeks revenge against Askeladd but later embarks on a journey of redemption.
Askeladd
main character
A cunning and charismatic Viking leader who plays a major role in Thorfinn’s life.
thors
main character
Thorfinn’s father, a legendary warrior who turned away from violence.
canute
main character
A Danish prince who undergoes significant character development from a timid noble to a powerful ruler.
thorkell
main character
A battle-hungry, towering warrior who enjoys fighting for fun.
bjorn
main character
Askeladd’s loyal right-hand man.
leif erikson
main character
A kind explorer who was a friend of Thors and serves as a father figure to Thorfinn.
garm
supporting character
A skilled warrior obsessed with duelling Thorfinn.
einar
supporting character
A slave who befriends Thorfinn and helps him find a new purpose.
hild
supporting character
A huntress with a personal vendetta against Thorfinn.
gudrid
supporting character
A woman who joins Thorfinn’s journey to Vinland.
half dan
supporting character
A ruthless landowner who values discipline and order.
ketil
supporting character
A wealthy farm owner who shelters Thorfinn and Einar.
snake
supporting character
A warrior who serves as Ketil’s enforcer.
ragnar
Vikings & warriors
Canute’s protective and fatherly guardian.
Floki
Vikings & warriors
A Jomsviking commander responsible for Thors’ assassination.
atli
Vikings & warriors
A Viking mercenary working under Askeladd.
torgrim
Vikings & warriors
Atli’s ambitious and treacherous brother.
gunnar
Vikings & warriors
A strategist and advisor to Canute.
vagn
Vikings & warriors
A notable Jomsviking warrior.
pater
Farm Arc & Beyond
A compassionate officer overseeing the slaves on Ketil’s farm.
arnheid
Farm Arc & Beyond
A kind slave woman with a tragic backstory.
sverkel
Farm Arc & Beyond
Ketil’s elderly father, who teaches Thorfinn valuable lessons.
fox
Farm Arc & Beyond
A member of Snake’s group who underestimates Thorfinn.
badger
Farm Arc & Beyond
Another member of Snake’s group, similar to Fox.
baldur
Vinland Expedition
Halfdan’s son, whom Thorfinn seeks to protect.
narfi
Vinland Expedition
A young man who joins Thorfinn’s voyage to Vinland.
karli
Vinland Expedition
A baby Thorfinn and Gudrid adopt on their journey.
- Statue of Thorfinn Karlsefni by Icelandic sculptor Einar Jónsson in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo taken in 2009. (Courtesy Michael W Murphy/flickr CC)
Note on Abbreviations ↩︎