Episode 42

"The First Method" (最初の手段) is the forty-second overall episode of the Vinland Saga anime and the eighteenth episode of Season 2, produced by MAPPA.

Synopsis
Ketil and the others managed to escape from Canute's hands and return to the farm in Leif's ship. Thorgil begins preparations for the war to meet Canute and the others, but an exhausted Ketil heads home in search of Arnheid. However, he is informed that Arnheid, who was the only peaceful place for him, tried to escape with Gardar while he was away.

Summary
Canute is heading towards Ketil's farm. Wulf explains that if the wind continues to be in their favor, they will arrive in two to three days. Floki is surprised that Canute will himself face a small clan like Ketil's, as his Jomsvikings should have been more than enough to handle it. Wulf states that Canute has a well thought-out plan and he shouldn't question his decisions. Canute wonders if Ketil will oppose him, however Wulf isn't sure and notes that he heard he was a fierce warrior. Canute hopes that they surrender without a fight, however he has no intention to show mercy if they oppose him.

Leif and Ketil's family arrive at Ketil's farm. The men there expected to see Ketil, and are surprised to see Thorgil. Thorgil then rolls a barrel, which then breaks and reveals that Ketil is inside. Thorgil tells the men to stop what they are doing and start preparing for a battle as enemies are coming. Thorgil tells Olmar to stick with him during the battle and wonders if Olmar is excited to finally be able to fight in a battle as he wanted, however Olmar remains silent. The men with Leif ask Ketil to pay them as they promised, however Ketil is still in shock and just mumbles Arnheid name and leaves.

A man tells Snake's men that Thorgil told them to fix the walls as there will be a battle. Fox doesn't think they can win as they lack experienced soldiers. Einar and Thorfinn are tied up. Einar sees that the guests are unsettled and wonders if Ketil had returned and what he will do when he learns that Arnheid tried to escape. Einar hopes that he doesn't punish her too much as Ketil adores her and she is pregnant with his child. Einar thanks Thorfinn for trying to protect them and breaking his oath. Thorfinn states that he likes Snake and didn't want to fight him, but ended up letting Gardar die. Thorfinn wonders if there could have been a better way to avoid all this and where people didn't die, but Einar doesn't think so, since once the guests died, Snake couldn't back down. Thorfinn states that violence should be the last option and wonders what he could have done first.

Ketil returns to his house and starts searching for Arnheid. His wife sees him and greets him, but he ignores her. Seeing that he searches for Arnheid, she explains that Arnheid is tied up and thrown in the stable, because she tried to escape. Her former husband came for her and many of the guests died. Two male slaves also helped her and Ketil must address all this matter properly. Ketil can't believe that she tried to escape and wonders why everything is slipping away from his hands.

Leif meets Snake and tries to explain that Ketil promised to free Thorfinn, however Snake haven't heard anything about it and doesn't wish to let him even see Thorfinn without Ketil's permission. Leif then asks Snake to come with him and talk with Ketil. Pater asks Leif if he can purchase a slave. Since Thorfinn was promised for free, Leif states he could. Pater is sure that Thorfinn and Einar will be alright, however as he is worried about Arnheid, he then corrects himself and wonders if Leif can purchase two slaves.

At the stables, the man guarding Arnheid believes that she will get off easy, since Ketil likes her. He puts his hand on her, but in that moment Ketil arrives, startling the man. Ketil tell the man to leave. After the man leaves, Ketil asks Arnheid why did she try to escape. Arnheid remains silent, and Ketil then hits her with a stick. He wonders if she despise him, but states that he won't allow anyone to take his pride. As he hits her again, Arnheid asks him to not hit her on her stomach, since she is with a child. She states its his child and wants him to believe her, however crying Ketil states she was the only one he trusted. He starts beating her, questioning what is he supposed to believe and what it means to trust someone. Snake comes and stops Ketil. He agrees that she needs to be punished, but if he proceeds, he will be executing her. If he wants to execute her, Snake will let him do it. Calming down, Ketil tells Pater to treat Arnheid's wounds. While Ketil is leaving, Leif asks him if he is willing to sell Arnheid to him if he no longer wants her. Leif had heard that Thorfinn had two friends and he is willing to pay for them. Ketil states he never said he doesn't want Arnheid. Leif is free to take Thorfinn and Einar, or whoever else he wants, however Ketil isn't selling Arnheid.

Thorfinn and Einar are freed. Pater had treated Arnheid's wounds, but explains that she is still unconscious and doesn't know if she will survive. Seeing her condition, Einar is speechless. Meanwhile, Ketil is still angry. He heads back to his place and takes out his sword, promising to punish the thieves who try to takes things from him, even if the thief is the king.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Wulf
 * Canute
 * Floki
 * Sweyn (imagination)
 * Thorgil
 * Olmar
 * Leif Ericson
 * Bug-Eyes
 * Ketil
 * Fox
 * Einar
 * Thorfinn
 * Snake
 * Pater
 * Arnheid