Episode 30

"We Need a Horse" (馬がほしい) is the thirtieth overall episode of the Vinland Saga anime and the sixth episode of Season 2, produced by MAPPA.

Synopsis
Thorfinn and Einar wanted a workhorse to efficiently clear the vast forest. However, there was no one to lend the two slaves a horse, and when they were lost, they met an eccentric old man who called himself Sverkel.

Summary
Einar and Thorfinn are working on clearing the forest. They attempt to remove a stump of a tree they cut, but as they are struggling, Thorfinn suggests that they cut some of the roots as well. They keep trying to pull it out and cut the roots a bit more, a few more times, until they finally succeed. While the two rest for a moment, Einar wonders why they are not given a horse to prepare the soil, just like they were given when they moved the lumber. Thorfinn explains that they didn't lend them a horse, it was just that the retainers made them do their job for them. Thorfinn wonders if they should continue removing stumps or cut some trees. However, Einar prefers to try asking for a horse first.

The two go and ask for a horse, but are declined as they need to horses for all the other work. A retainer comes and mocks them, comparing them to a livestock. Einar is annoyed and wants to talk to Ketil and explain that they need a horse not only for the stumps, but for tilling the soil too. Thorfinn states that even if Ketil allows them, they will just upset the retainers, who will start hating them even more. Einar is annoyed at how unmotivated Thorfinn is, telling him that they need to start growing crops so that they can buy they freedom sooner, and for that they need a horse. An old man in the field next to them overhears them and states he understands their situation now. He tells them to come to him so they can talk and after asking them about their names, he asks them if he should lend them a horse. Einar gets super excited and confirms that they need the horse. He then wonders who is the old man.

Moments later, the old man, Sverkel, makes them pick the rocks from his field. After a bit, Einar wonders for how long they need to pick them, and Sverkel tells him its until there are no rocks left. They finish clearing the field from rocks. Einar wonders about the horse, but Sverkel tells him to take the basket and follow him. Sverkel then makes them chop firewood and once they are done, to get some water. Einar gets annoyed and feels he is taking advantage of them and wonders if he is really going to give them a horse or is just making them work for him for free. Thorfinn is fine either way as that is what they do everyday, since they are slaves. Einar corrects him that they are Ketil's slaves. Sverkel overhears them and states he doesn't care about their circumstances, but they have an agreement, in exchange for borrowing the horse, they will do chores at his house when they pick it up and when they drop it off.

After getting the horse from Sverkel, Einar and Thorfinn start removing stumps with ease. Einar is quite happy and states that Sverkel is quite a good man. When they pick and drop off the horse, Einar starts doing the chores without any complains. After clearing a small area and the two head to return the horse, Einar is happy and feels that with this speed they may be ready in time for sowing season in the fall. He wonders if Sverkel will even lend them a plow. Thorfinn wonders what they plant in fall. Einar is surprised and states its obviously wheat. As this is something Thorfinn just learned, Einar is surprised and wonders if Thorfinn have ever worked on a farm before. Thorfinn explains that no one in his homeland farmed and he has been on the battlefields since he was a kid. Einar is surprised that a place like that exists, but tells Thorfinn to leave all the farming stuff to him.

Some retainers see them and ask who gave them permission to take a horse. Einar explains that Sverkel lent it to them. The retainers wonder who that is as they don't know a man named Sverkel who lives around those parts, and blames Einar and Thorfinn for stealing the horse. The other retainer looks at the horse and wonders if they even have such a horse in the farm. Einar insists that Sverkel gave it to them, explaining that he is a short bald man, the second retainer then realizes that's the old master and that his name indeed was Sverkel. However, they still don't believe Einar as Sverkel is crabby old man and won't lend them a horse. He is Ketil's father and the most important man on the farm.

Later, Einar and Thorfinn manage to lend a plow as well and start preparing the land. However as its about to rain and Einar sees some roots, he decides that they stop for today to not break the plow. While the two go and return the plow, Einar points out other heavy plows, counting that they are ten and notes that their master is quite wealthy to have that many. Thorfinn wonders if they are indeed that expensive and Einar confirms, stating that in his village, eight families shared a single plow. Einar is glad that Sverkel had one as the retainers would have never gave them one. Thorfinn is impressed by the plow, guessing that a farmer must have invented it. As it starts to rain, the two pick up the tempo to return the plow.

Ketil is visiting Sverkel and is worried about him as he is old and keeps pushing himself. The other day he collapsed on the farm, but luckily Snake was there to help him. Ketil doesn't want Sverkel to continue living alone, but Sverkel states that if they live together they will just argue. Einar and Thorfinn are outside, but don't feel right to interrupt them. Ketil comes out and sees the two outside, wondering what they are doing there. He turns to Sverkel and tells him that he shouldn't do what he wants as those are his slaves. As Ketil leaves, Sverkel invites Einar and Thorfinn inside, and since they are wet, he tells them to wash their clothes. The two enter and look for the washtub, but to Einar's surprise, he sees Snake sleeping in the back. He is even more surprised that he slept through Ketil and Sverkel's argument. Snake then smells that Sverkel is cooking and wakes up, and yells at him for trying to eat alone. Snake then notices Einar and Thorfinn and wonder what are they doing there.

Sverkel puts the table and complains that Snake is only awake during meals, and should be ashamed of how much he eats, even though he doesn't work. Snake explains that thieves come at night, and the farm is peaceful because they are patrolling it, which is why he has no problem eating. Snake sees Einar and Thorfinn standing up and tells them to come and eat, noting that the food isn't that fancy for them to be shy. Sverkel also invites them, stating that they worked today, so they earned the right to eat. While eating, Einar wonders if thieves are indeed coming and Snake confirms it, stating that they are even sometimes armed. Sverkel states that what they would lose to thieves is equal to what they are paying Snake and his men. Sverkel believes they can defend themselves and that there are plenty of men who are stronger than Snake. The two then argue for a bit. However, Snake adds that in reality the farm's fighting force is too small for its scale and the 13 men he has have their hands full chasing down thieves. With 50 to 60 men, someone can easily capture this farm. Sverkel states that nothing tougher than thieves isn't coming. Einar wonder's why and Sverkel explains its due to King Harald's influence. Twice a year, Ketil sends him an absurd amount of tribute, and as the king accepts it, he protects Ketil. Sverkel doesn't believe there is need to have more land than you can protect and that wealth brings misfortune. Having wealth, you fear losing it, then you spend money to assuage your fears, but then you need to earn more money. As its stopped raining, Snake decides to go on patrolling. Sverkel tells him to not come back, but Snake states he will be missing him. Thorfinn and Einar also head to their place, and Thorfinn feels he learned a lot today.

Sometime passes and the two start planting. Einar tells Thorfinn that he can spread more seed, but Thorfinn fears that they have too little. Einar tells him to trust him as he is his friend. As Thorfinn questions that, Einar is surprised and states that they are friend, or he is wrong. Thorfinn then smiles and as he spreads seeds, he confirms that they are friends.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Einar
 * Thorfinn
 * Sverkel
 * Ketil
 * Snake