"Two Paths" (ふたつの道 Futatsu no Michi?) is the forty-seventh overall episode of the Vinland Saga anime and the twenty-third episode of Season 2, produced by MAPPA.
Synopsis[]
Thorfinn and Einar, confronted Canute with their feelings so far from their respective points of view. However, Canute declares that he has no intention of giving up Ketil's Farm to fulfill his goal of "constructing a paradise", and the place is filled with tension.
Summary[]
A hallucination of King Sweyn's head telling King Canute they won't understand each other with Thorfinn
Canute asks Thorfinn if he can stop him as Askeladd did back then. One of the guards tells Thorfinn to leave, because he doesn't want to kill him. The head of King Sweyn appears in another hallucination, telling Canute that he isn't yet a king and wonders why he revealed his true feelings to such lowly men. Sweyn hopes that Canute doesn't believe that they will understand each other. He compares the people as sheep and Canute as a shepherd, stating that the sheep won't understand the shepherd and he should just control them. Thorfinn prepares to answer. Seeing that, Sweyn tells Canute to kill him, stating that he is dangerous and that a single sheep can lead all flock astray and towards a cliff. Thorfinn states that if Canute intends to use authority to force his way, then he will run away.
Everyone are left speechless for a moment. Canute wonders if he only intends to run away and Thorfinn states there is nothing else he can do. The paradise that Canute describe will help many while oppress few. Thorfinn doesn't know if that is good or bad, but doesn't believe he has the rights to criticize his ideas, and that leaves him only one option, to run away. Thorfinn prepares to leave and calls Einar to go. Canute wonders if Thorfinn let himself to be beaten up just to admonish Canute. Thorfinn states that he wasted his time and tells Canute goodbye.
While Thorfinn and Einar leave, Canute can't hold himself and starts laughing. Canute explains that there are many people who tried to bargain with him, but Thorfinn is an absolute fool. He didn't had anything up his sleeve, came unarmed, got himself beaten, just to tell him not to seize the farm. Canute finds this the most ridiculous peace talk he ever had. Canute is surprised that the Vikings can "produce" such a "beautiful" man. Canute then wonders where Thorfinn intends to run to, however Thorfinn prefers to not tell him. Canute states that his territory is expanding and one day he may reach his place, but Thorfinn intends to keep on running and as long as he can run to somewhere, he won't fight. Thorfinn intends to create a peaceful place using different method than Canute, that will include the people who can't live in the world Canute creates. Canute wonders if Thorfinn will be able to fill the hole in his dream. Thorfinn states he doesn't have much power and won't be able to fill a large hole. If Canute keeps oppressing people, eventually no one will be able to save him. Thorfinn tells Canute to try harder and not create that much work for Thorfinn. Thinking about it, Canute states he never participated in such challenging peace talks.
A bit later, Thorgil arrives only to find out that Canute had left with his troops. He can't believe it and wonders where he went as their battle isn't over. Meanwhile, on his ships, Wulf reports to Canute that Floki was dissatisfied and couldn't understand why they are withdrawing from the farm. Canute wonders if Wulf is also dissatisfied, but Wulf denies it. Canute then tells him that he is cancelling all other plans to seize other farms, since he doesn't want to create more work for Thorfinn. Canute believed that Wulf is the only one who is fighting with him, but today he gained new allies.
Canute decides to keep only a small army
Canute ordered the disbandment of the Danish army stationed in England that has been pressuring English finances. In the end, his Danish forces were a mere 16 ships, however the English uprising they feared it may occur never happened. The English nobility realized the trust Canute had placed in them when he disbanded his army, and the relationship between them began to change.
Thorfinn and Einar agree to build a peaceful place in Vinland
In the morning, Thorfinn wakes up and sees that Einar isn't in his bed. He then heads out to Arnheid's grave, where he finds Einar. He tells him that he is still a bit dizzy, but is better now. Einar wonders if they will be leaving for Vinland. Thorfinn then states that when Arnheid died, he couldn't answer her on why she should continue to live. She had went through hell and he didn't know what to see to a soul that yearns for the peace of death. He wants a world, where he can tell the people to live, a place more appealing than death for those who yearn to die. Even if a place like this doesn't exist, Thorfinn intends to create it. Thorfinn calls Einar his brother and asks him to come with him and build this peaceful world in Vinland. Einar also calls him brother and the two shake their hands as Einar agrees.
Thorfinn and Einar prepare to leave with Leif. Snake had told everyone that Olmar had convinced the king to leave and wonders if it is really okay and Thorfinn confirms. Pater had survived and promises to take care of Arnheid's grave. Olmar thanks Thorfinn, stating that he wants to be like him, strong and kind, a real man. Thorfinn had heard that Olmar made the decision to stop fighting and finds it amazing. He explains that it took him 15 years to stop fighting, but he finally figured what he wants to do. Thorfinn thanks Sverkel for helping them. Thorfinn and Einar then leave with Leif. Snake then yells and tells them that his real name is Roald, son of Grim.
Older Olmar working hard at the farm
In the time to come, Olmar takes over the farm and works hard. Snake and his men stay and work as farmers. A furious Thorgil leaves the farm and heads to an unknown destination.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Canute
- Thorfinn
- Einar
- Wulf
- Sweyn (Vision)
- Thorgil
- Leif Ericson
- Bug-Eyes
- Mols
- Olmar
- Sverkel
- Pater
- Snake
- Ketil
- Fox
- Badger
Differences from the manga[]
Trivia[]
- Snake reveals his name and that of his father.
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