Vinland Saga: The ULTIMATE Power Ranking! You Won't Believe #1!

Vinland Saga” stands out uniquely within the realm of anime and manga due to its distinct theme, as it delves deeply into the lives of Vikings – a topic seldom explored in such detail in this genre. Although there are numerous historical manga series, some even drawing inspiration from European history, the Viking era is largely unexplored territory. Consequently, the characters in “Vinland Saga” possess no extraordinary abilities; rather, they are ordinary individuals with varying degrees of combat skills. To provide a clearer understanding of power dynamics within the series, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 strongest “Vinland Saga” characters.

16. “Ear”

In Askeladd’s band of companions, there was an individual often referred to as “The Ear” due to his exceptional hearing skills. Unfortunately, his true name remains unidentified. Since he has passed away, information about his life and background is scant. However, his unique ability to discern between people and animals based on their movements and determine their speed is well-known.

He had an uncanny ability to detect ambushes, even when the attackers were motionless, making him an invaluable ally. His combat abilities, however, remain unseen, but it’s presumed that he could hold his own in a fight. In the manga, his fate was sealed with a decapitation, though the details of his demise are not disclosed.

15. Vagn

In the realm of historical fiction, I find myself immersed in the world of the Jomsviking brotherhood during the late 10th century. In this intriguing narrative, I embody the character of Vagn, a prominent figure who ascends to leadership within the Jomsvikings following Sigvald’s demise. My knowledge of the true circumstances surrounding Thors’ passing has fostered an irreconcilable animosity between myself and Floki. I harbor a deep-seated resolve to confront him decisively.

Despite my formidable, ruthless, and stern demeanor, I am not immune to emotional outbursts. The revelation of Eskil’s presence and the enemy in Thorfinn, the son of Thors, has left me overcome with unexpected feelings, causing me to weep uncontrollably.

As far as Hilda is concerned, Vagn is just a common barbarian who doesn’t value the lives of ordinary farmers, and he could easily take their land without a second thought. According to her, it’s clear that he has no regard for the people who are affected by his actions. Thorkell believes that Vagn is much like Floki, aiming to seize control of the remaining Jomsvikings in order to build his own army and rule independently.

14. Canute

In this narrative, Canute is the monarch hailing from Denmark, born to King Sven Forkbeard and Gunhilda of Denmark. Initially, Thorfinn is tasked with protecting Canute during their English conquest. At first glance, Canute seems frail, timid, and unassuming, qualities hardly fitting for a future king. However, he undergoes a remarkable transformation later on. Following the demise of his father, King Sven Forkbeard, and the illness of his elder brother Harald Knud, Canute ascended to the throne, ruling Denmark, England, Norway, Schleswig, and Pomerania as part of the Knutling dynasty.

At first, King Canute lacked both military prowess and noble leadership qualities that one might expect from a future monarch. However, by the year 1015, Canute has earned a reputation as an astute strategist, shrewd politician, and powerful ruler. He is celebrated for his strategic cunning, personal ambition, and skill in manipulating others to achieve his goals.

13. Torgrim

Torgrim was previously part of Askeladd’s group and is Atli’s sibling. Originally depicted as a muscular man with cropped hair, over time, he underwent a transformation and took on more of a warrior’s appearance. He shared a deep bond with his brother even before quitting Askeladd’s band to live secludedly with him.

Given that only a select few, including Torgrim’s brother, survived the fierce battle against Thorkell, it’s reasonable to assume that Torgrim was powerful in both physical strength and combat skills. However, since specific details about his prowess are not fully disclosed, we can only infer that he is likely an accomplished fighter and a formidable character.

12. Atli

Previously, Atli belonged to Askeladd’s group of companions, making up just three survivors among the team members, with Thorfinn and Torgrim being the others. Following Askeladd’s demise, Atli transitioned into a life of theft, ultimately getting caught by the Jomsvikini Vagna. He remains steadfast in his mission as long as it pays him and keeps him alive.

In his free time, Atli followed Askeladd’s commands and enjoyed living the “rough” lifestyle. Much like other Vikings, Atli could be seen as an ordinary plunderer, not particularly distinguished for exceptional battle skills. However, it’s worth noting that he was also a thief by nature, but ultimately, he was apprehended by the Jomsvikings.

11. Ragnar

Ragnar, since childhood, had been Canute’s most trusted servant and adoptive mentor. He guided and protected the young prince. After Ragnar’s passing, Canute transformed significantly, revealing a more assertive and intimidating leadership style, as portrayed in the manga later on. Ragnar not only took care of Prince Canute, but he was also a role model for him. Despite his imperfections, Ragnar ultimately stood up for what was right.

It became clear to Ragnar, Canute’s trusted protege, that Canute was regarded as if he were a biological son, just before Ragnar’s passing. Interestingly, only Ragnar knew about Canute’s personal interests. Despite his deep affection for him, Ragnar found himself uncertain on how to manage the transformation in Canute’s courage; after all, he had always been the one advocating and defending the prince since birth. This shift was instigated by Thorfinn’s persistent mockery of Canute as a weak child, causing Canute to assert his independence.

10. Floki

Floki serves as a top Jomsviking leader. He held this position during King Sweyn Forkedbeard’s conquest of England and continued to do so under King Canute. Throughout the series, Floki emerges as one of the main adversaries; he even employed Askeladd to assassinate his previous ally, Thors. In combat, Floki seldom appeared except when he clashed swords with Askeladd after the latter killed Sweyn Forkbeard.

Given that only the most outstanding Jomsvikings are ever chosen as commanders, it’s clear that his combat skills and strength must be immense. His frequent assignments by Sigvaldi and Sweyn, particularly for delicate tasks like negotiating with Thors to rejoin the Jomsviking ranks and attempting to convince Thorkell to abandon his English allegiance, suggest that he possesses diplomatic abilities as well, making him a character of great influence.

9. Bjorn

Bjorn served as Askeladd’s right-hand man and was his most loyal and dedicated supporter. Bjorn, a sturdy fellow, had dark hair that cascaded down to his neck, unkempt and wild. At first, his beard was quite bushy, but later he tied it up with a rope, giving it the appearance of a goatee. He donned a soft cloak adorned with chest buckles and a nose helmet.

Bjorn is exceptionally dedicated to Askeladd, who views Bjorn as his true friend. This bond is so strong that Askeladd appointed him his deputy. Out of everyone, only Bjorn (besides Thorfinn) stayed faithful to Askeladd when the entire group turned against him. Bjorn has “berserk mushrooms” which make him extraordinarily powerful and immune to pain, but these mushrooms cause him to almost lose his sanity during their use, so he employs them sparingly.

8. Askeladd

Lucius Artorius Castus, also recognized as Askeladd, was a shrewd and enigmatic Viking who led a group of mercenaries, which included Thorfinn. He’s most famously remembered for being hired by Floki to kill Thors, Thorfinn’s father. However, he later adopted Thorfinn himself.

Askeladd is renowned as a skilled swordsman, yet he’s more than just a fighter – he’s adept at reading situations and making shrewd decisions for the greatest advantage. Wise beyond his years, nimble, and with a long-range perspective, he pays meticulous attention to detail in both combat and peace. An exceptional leader, his charm earns him significant respect from his squad members as well as those of Thorkell and Canute.

7. Thorgil

Thorgil, Ketil’s eldest son, appears destined for combat rather than peace, contrasting his father’s gentle demeanor. Despite being of equal or greater size to Ketil, it’s Thorgil’s bold character that sets him apart as a warrior. He is unafraid to take a life in battle and participate in war, making him a true embodiment of a Viking warrior spirit.

Besides being a robust and towering figure, Thorgil was tutored in the mastery of swords by none other than Snake. This implies that his skills mirror those of Snake. However, what sets Thorgil apart is that he honed his unique combat style during his military service under Canute. Consequently, he is a formidable warrior, though not as swift or skilled as Snake, he undeniably surpasses his mentor in physical strength.

6. Garm

In the Eastern Expedition storyline, Garm is set to debut as a formidable adversary for Thorfinn. Since we haven’t seen him in the anime yet, our knowledge about him is limited, but according to the manga, he demonstrates extraordinary strength and speed. These traits are likely the result of his past battles against not only Thorkell, but also Thorfinn on different occasions.

In his battle with Thorkell, Garm effectively utilized his agility since he was smaller yet swifter than the colossal man. Being proficient in spear combat, he managed to engage Thorkell from a safe distance without closing in too closely on the stronger adversary. Interestingly, he demonstrated strength and speed comparable to Thorfinn during their duel. However, it was Thorfinn who exploited Askeladd’s psychological tactics against Garm, ultimately leading to Garm’s defeat.

5. Thorfinn

In the graphic novel and animated series titled “Vinland Saga,” the main character is named Thorfinn, also known by the name Karlsefni. He was previously a part of Askeladd’s group and is the son of the esteemed Thors, who was once the most renowned Jomsviking warrior. An intriguing twist in their past story is Thors’ mysterious defection. His mother, Helga, is the daughter of Chief Sigvaldi and the nephew of Thorkell, which grants Thorfinn potential claim to the leadership of the Jomsvikings.

At first, Thorfinn was weaker than Askeladd but over time, he transformed into one of the most skilled fighters in the series. This transformation occurred due to his newfound motivation, as he now fights for something greater than mere revenge. His current goal is to safeguard his companions and ensure they all reach Vinland.

Thorfinn, having grown up amidst battles, possesses exceptional combat skills and extensive battle knowledge. He stands out among the Vinland Saga characters for his peak human capabilities, with most others being relatively ordinary in this regard. Enhanced durability, agility, speed, and strength are qualities that set him apart from the typical Viking. On Ketil’s farm, he gained additional muscle mass, which boosted his strength without compromising his speed.

4. Snake

Despite being known as a lethargic individual who frequently sleeps and appears to work little, Snake exhibits an extraordinary level of strength, placing him among the highest ranks. In fact, his strength was so intimidating that merely his presence was enough to cow all men working under him. Given his role as leader of a band of mercenaries on one of Denmark’s largest farms, such strength would be necessary.

During their initial encounter, Snake assaulted Thorfinn to gauge his determination for life. In that instant, Thorfinn was reminded of Askeladd due to Snake’s comparable strength, a trait he would later attest to. However, what sets Snake apart from Askeladd is his ability to match Thorfinn’s speed, a characteristic that has always marked him as one of the most powerful characters in Vinland Saga.

3. Iron Fist Ketil

There’s uncertainty about whether Iron Fist Ketil was a real warrior or not, but he’s widely celebrated among the Vikings for his incredible strength. In battle, he reportedly became so powerful that he shattered his own weapon in the heat of combat. With no weapon left, he had to rely on his fists alone. Remarkably, even without weapons, Ketil was still strong enough to outmatch every other warrior in terms of enemy kills.

To avoid being perceived as a coward, Ketil chose to attribute the deeds of Iron Fist Ketil – a supposedly fearsome Viking warrior – to himself. This was because among Vikings, those who lacked the courage to harm others were often seen as weaklings. By claiming to be Iron Fist Ketil, Ketil sought fame and wealth, and it’s possible that his riches and lands came from this legend. However, whether or not Iron Fist Ketil was a real person remains uncertain. What is known, though, is that Snake was believed to have been one of Iron Fist Ketil’s followers.

2. Thorkell

Thorkell, also known as “Thorkell the Tall,” is a member of the Jomsvikings. Standing at approximately 7.5 feet tall, Thorkell is one of the most imposing figures in the series. He’s renowned for his role as the commander of a substantial group of Viking mercenaries, who fought for pay under the King of England, Ethelred II. Battles are his passion, and he finds it frustrating when there’s no worthy adversary until he encounters Gogus during a duel. Thorkell was a close associate of Freydon, and during the English War, he switched allegiances to support Canute.

Thorkell is often referred to as the mightiest Viking, a title that holds truth given the numerous ballads sung about his epic battles. These ballads describe not only his fierce brutality but also his admirable respect during combat. Thorkell’s primary weapons are two massive battle axes, which he wields with an ease compared to how one might handle toothpicks. However, in unforeseen circumstances, he has been known to improvise, such as when he picked up a colossal wooden pillar dropped on him from the fortress and used it to smash his enemies’ bones into powder.

Thorkell’s physical prowess is nothing short of astonishing; he could swiftly slay a bear using just his bare hands. Moreover, despite facing a monstrous creature that outmatched him in size and strength, Thorkell emerged victorious, displaying unconcealed joy throughout the fight.

In a remarkable turn of events, he subdued the beast using a chokehold and turned it into a pet instead of slaying it. This way, he could amuse himself during dull periods. Thorkell openly acknowledges that Thors is the one with strength superior to his own, making him an exceptional friend. Moreover, during battles, he swiftly dispatches foes in groups with astonishing speed, leaving his opponents expressing confusion and terror.

This version maintains the original’s tone and meaning while using more natural, conversational language for a smoother read.

1. Thors Snorresson

Thors Snorresson is Helga’s spouse, father to Thorfinn and Ylva, and once commanded the formidable Jomsvikings, where he was famously known as “The Troll of Jom.” Although he was a renowned warrior, his character underwent a remarkable transformation following the birth of his daughter. This change led him to abandon his position in the Jomsviking brotherhood and flee with his family to Iceland, seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict.

In many aspects, Thors stands out as the most formidable fighter within the series, triumphing against figures such as Askeladd and Thorkell in one-on-one, unarmed battles. His strength was so immense that Floki refused to engage him in combat, despite having an entire company of Jomsvikings at his disposal. He is widely recognized as a virtuoso in hand-to-hand combat.

2025-05-14 08:51

Vinland Saga: The ULTIMATE Power Ranking! You Won’t Believe #1!