Episode 44

"Pain" (痛み) is the forty-fourth overall episode of the Vinland Saga anime and the twentieth episode of Season 2, produced by MAPPA.

Synopsis
Ketil and his men are helplessly defeated by the overwhelming power of Canute's army. However, Thorgil, who looks for Canute's head, launches an independent surprise attack and the battle is temporarily interrupted. Thorfinn and Einar headed for the ship, but Arnheid regains consciousness and expresses her gratitude to them.

Summary
Ketil's army is being slaughtered without causing any trouble to the Jomsvikings. Badger loses his arm and just before a Josmviking kills him, Snake comes and saves him. As its clear they don't stand a chance, Snake orders retreat. The men are glad to hear that and start retreating, angering Ketil, who didn't order them to retreat. He tries to stop them, telling them that he won't cancel their debt, but the men don't believe Ketil will survive as he shouldn't have defied Canute. A man then attacks Ketil. Wulf sees it and reports to Canute that one of his men may have defeated Ketil. He apologizes to Canute as the orders were to capture Ketil. Wulf decides to go and check, but before he leaves, Canute states that the Jomsvikings are attacking the backs of the fleeing soldiers, as Canute had ordered them to not do it, Wulf should also tell Floki to not pursue the fleeing soldiers.

Thorgil comes out of the water and sees that Wulf is leaving Canute. Seeing the chance, Thorgil then rushes and attacks Canute, who manages to hear him coming and draws out his sword to protect himself. The attack almost breaks Canute's sword. Thorgil then quickly kills the two guards and notes that he is surprised that Canute had improved and managed to block his attack. As Thorgil attacks again, Canute throws his mantle at him and attempts to take one of the guard's swords, but Thorgil manages to kick him and stop him. Not having time to waste, Thorgil prepares to finish off Canute, however Wulf throws his sword, piercing Thorgil's wrist and then tackles him. He starts chocking Thorgil, who plugs out Wulf's right eye, however Wulf doesn't flinch and proceeds chocking him. Thorgil still manages to push Wulf again, pushing his head aside from his eye socket. Canute comes and attacks Thorgil, but he manages to dodge him. Seeing other men coming to defend Canute, Thorgil screams in frustration and retreats to the sea. Canute states he let his guard down, but notes that Thorgil is a bold man and wishes that he serves him again. As the rest of the army hears that the king was attacked, they all retreat to protect him. Snake is surprised, but guesses it must have been Thorgil. Snake then checks on Ketil and sees that he is still alive. He takes him and prepares to retreat, stating that Ketil still have the responsibility as the losing force's leader.

Arnheid awakens. Hearing the battle, she is reminded of the attack on her village. Einar states they are free people now and the battle doesn't concern them. Arnheid wonders where will they go. Leif suggests his village, which is a bit cold, but a nice place. Arnheid wonders if there are slaves and wars there. Leif confirms that battles were fought there and can't promise that it won't happen again. Arnheid states she won't be coming with them, and will be going elsewhere, since Gardar and the children are waiting for her. She wants to express her gratitude and thanks Einar and Thorfinn. Arnheid then closes her eyes and Einar starts yelling, calling her name and stating that she needs to protect the child inside of her. Arnheid tells him that her child is already on the other side. With all of her loved ones dead, she doesn't see the point on continuing to live. Einar tries to give her a reason and say that he loves her, but Arnheid stops breathing. Thorfinn then gives her CPR and tells Einar to keep talking loudly to her. Einar then asks her to not go and confesses that he loves her. He keeps asking her to live, but after a while they have to give up and let her go.

Thorfinn picks Arnheid's head and start telling her about Vinland, and that it's a peaceful place, where she can live without suffering. He asks her to go there with them and build a peaceful nation there. Moments later, Snake shows up, carrying Ketil and wonders why are they still in the farm. Seeing Ketil, Einar gets angry, stating that he killed Arnheid and he will kill him. Thorfinn tries to stop Einar, however seeing his anger have overtaken him, Thorfinn punches Einar to bring him to his senses. Einar comes to his senses and starts crying. Thorfinn tells him that killing Ketil, won't quell his rage. Thorfinn explains that he was in that same cursed path and asks Einar to not go through it too.

A bit later, they bury Arnheid. Thorfinn recalls Canute words that God is always watching them, even when they kill each other or kill children. He then tells Leif that he is going to see Canute. Since Ketil is still alive and not capture, the battle isn't over, and Thorfinn hopes he can prevent more deaths. Leif wants them to just leave and head back to Iceland. Thorfinn recalls that Leif long ago told him that their ancestors ran away from war and ended up in Iceland. Back then Thorfinn found that as lame, but he is now really proud of them. Thorfinn estimates that Canute brought only 100 men and no matter how badly it goes, he should be able to make it back alive. Leif then tells him that he will have the ship ready to leave when he comes back.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Badger
 * Fox
 * Snake
 * Ketil
 * Canute
 * Wulf
 * Thorgil
 * Arnheid
 * Einar
 * Thorfinn
 * Bug-Eyes
 * Leif Ericson

Differences from the manga

 * In the manga, after burying Arnheid, Leif leaves to the boat and tells Einar and Thorfinn he'll be waiting for them. Einar then asks Thorfinn if he will really create a country of peace in Vinland, then the two promise each other they will do it together. After getting to the boat, Thorfinn decides at the last minute to turn back and talk to Canute in order to resolve the situation. However, in the anime, Leif doesn't leave and Einar remains silent. Thorfinn, while still at the grave, decides to go talk to Canute, with him and Leif having an anime-original conversation about it.