Ep 1. Somewhere not here

In VINLAND SAGA season 1 episode 1, titled "Somewhere not here," viewers are transported to 11th century England, where they meet the main character, Thorfinn, a young boy who dreams of one day sailing to Vinland, a land he believes his father, Thors, once visited. However, Thorfinn's dreams are put on hold when his father is forced to join a Danish military expedition led by the ruthless Askeladd.

The episode begins with Thorfinn and his family living a peaceful life in Iceland, where his father Thors is highly respected among the community. However, their peaceful existence is shattered when a group of Danes led by Askeladd arrive with the intent of recruiting soldiers for their upcoming campaign in England. Despite his wife Helga's protests, Thors decides to join the expedition in order to protect his family and ensure their safety.

The journey to England is not an easy one, as Thorfinn and his family are forced to adapt to life on a ship with very few resources. Additionally, they must deal with the tyrannical Askeladd, who constantly intimidates and terrorizes the other soldiers on board. However, Thors manages to earn the respect of Askeladd and the other soldiers through his incredible strength and skill as a warrior.

Upon arriving in England, the Danes are met with resistance from the English, and a bloody battle ensues. Thorfinn, who is still just a young boy, watches in horror as his father and the other soldiers fight for their lives. Despite Thors' efforts to keep Thorfinn safe, the young boy is unable to stay out of harm's way and finds himself in the middle of the battle.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the harsh realities of life during this time period -- the violence, the poverty, and the constant fear of one's own mortality. However, amidst all this darkness, there are moments of humanity and compassion. For example, when Thors stands up to Askeladd and refuses to kill an innocent English child, it shows that even in the midst of war, there are still those who refuse to lose their humanity.

In the end, the battle results in a victory for the Danes, but at a great cost. Thorfinn's father Thors is killed in the battle, leaving the young boy devastated and vengeful. This sets the stage for the rest of the season, as a now-grown-up Thorfinn sets out to avenge his father's death and fulfill his dream of sailing to Vinland.

Overall, VINLAND SAGA season 1 episode 1 is a gripping introduction to the series, setting the stage for a story that is equal parts brutal and beautiful. By the end of the episode, viewers are left wanting more, eager to see what happens next in Thorfinn's journey.