Thorkell “Thorkell the Tall” – The Mighty Jomsviking of the Vinland Saga

Personality

Thorkell is a larger-than-life character known for his towering stature and boisterous personality. He is portrayed as a jovial and fun-loving man, often seen laughing and smiling both in and out of battle. Thorkell has an insatiable love of battle and thrives in the midst of chaos. He is drawn to conflict and seeks out worthy opponents to test his formidable strength. Despite his ferocious nature, Thorkell also displays a sense of loyalty and respect for those he admires, such as Thors and later Prince Canute.

Background

Thorkell comes from a legendary group of warriors known as the Jomsvikings. He serves as a general and is the brother of the chief of the Jomsvikings. Originally fighting for the Danish army, Thorkell defects and becomes a mercenary for the English, believing that fighting his fellow Vikings will provide a greater challenge. He forms an alliance with Prince Canute and supports his bid for Danish kingship. Before Thor’s defection, Thorkell works alongside him and has great admiration for the skilled warrior. Thorkell’s character is inspired by Thorkell the Tall, a historical Jomsviking lord who mentors Canute in the Flateyjarbók.

Appearance

Thorkell’s physical appearance is as awe-inspiring as his personality. He is portrayed as an enormous man of towering height, earning him the nickname “Thorkell the Tall”. He has a sturdy and muscular build that makes him an intimidating presence on the battlefield. Thorkell’s most distinguishing features are his wild, unkempt blond hair and his harsh beard. Despite his imposing stature, Thorkell’s face often wears a jovial expression that reflects his cheerful nature.

Skills

Thorkell is known for his exceptional martial arts skills and immense physical strength. He wields a pair of axes as his primary weapons in battle. His mastery of these weapons, coupled with his overwhelming strength, makes him a formidable opponent on the battlefield. Thorkell’s feats of strength are legendary, as he can hurl spears with tremendous force and impale multiple enemies with a single throw. His endurance and resilience in battle are remarkable, allowing him to withstand injury and continue fighting with unwavering determination.

Origin

Thorkell originated in the world of the Vinland Saga, a historical manga and anime series created by Makoto Yukimura. The character of Thorkell is based on Thorkell the Tall, a prominent Jomsviking lord from Norse history. In the series, Thorkell plays a significant role as a supporting character, bringing his larger-than-life presence and martial prowess to the narrative. His interactions with other central characters, such as Thorfinn and Prince Canute, shape the course of the story and add depth to the overall plot.
Thorkell’s character in Vinland Saga embodies the spirit of a mighty warrior, blending historical inspiration with fictional elements to create a compelling and memorable personality. With his imposing stature, infectious laugh, and indomitable strength, Thorkell leaves an indelible mark on the world of Vinland Saga.

Thorkell – FAQ

Who is Thorkell in “Vinland Saga”?

Thorkell is a prominent character in the manga and anime series “Vinland Saga”. He is a towering and fearsome Viking warrior known for his immense strength and martial prowess.

What is Thorkell’s role in the story?

Thorkell serves as one of the main antagonists in Vinland Saga. He initially fights on the side of the Vikings and is loyal to the Danish prince Canute. However, he eventually becomes a complex character with shifting loyalties and motivations.

What are Thorkell’s defining characteristics?

Thorkell is known for his towering height, muscular build, and wild blond hair. He possesses incredible physical strength, making him a formidable opponent in battle. Despite his fearsome appearance, he has a jovial and boisterous personality, often displaying a childlike enthusiasm for combat.

What are Thorkell’s motivations?

Thorkell is driven primarily by his love of combat and his desire to face worthy opponents. He seeks out challenging fights and enjoys the thrill of combat. He is also motivated by loyalty to his allies, such as Prince Canute, although his loyalties may change throughout the story.

Does Thorkell have any redeeming qualities?

While Thorkell is portrayed as a ruthless and brutal warrior, he does have some redeeming qualities. He values honor and respects strength, often sparing opponents who impress him. He also shows moments of kindness and camaraderie to his fellow warriors.

How does Thorkell’s character develop over the course of the series?

Thorkell’s character undergoes significant development throughout The Vinland Saga. Initially portrayed as a straightforward antagonist, his motivations and loyalties become more complex as the story progresses. He forms unlikely alliances and experiences personal growth, leading to a more nuanced understanding of his character.