Ep 16. History of Beasts

Vinland Saga season 1 episode 16, "History of Beasts," follows the aftermath of the battle between the Jomsvikings and the band of mercenaries led by Thorfinn's former mentor, Askeladd. With both sides suffering heavy losses, both Thorfinn and Prince Canute struggle to come to terms with their roles in the conflict and the deaths that resulted from it.

The episode opens with Askeladd's rogue band of mercenaries regrouping in the aftermath of the battle. Askeladd himself is injured, and his second-in-command, Bjorn, is the only other survivor. Bjorn expresses his frustration with Askeladd's reckless behavior and the way it has led to the deaths of their fellow mercenaries. Askeladd, however, seems unperturbed by the loss and launches into a story about his own past, revealing a bit more about his motivations and the events that shaped him into the man he is today.

Meanwhile, Prince Canute is also struggling with the aftermath of the battle. He has been sheltered from violence and brutality his whole life, and the realization that his actions - or inactions - have led to the deaths of others is weighing heavily on him. He grapples with guilt and the knowledge that he will likely have to make more difficult decisions in the future.

Thorfinn, meanwhile, is driven by a single-minded desire for revenge against Askeladd. He is consumed by anger and grief, unable to see anything beyond his own desire for vengeance. This leads him to make a reckless and dangerous decision that puts his own life in peril.

The episode deals with themes of morality, leadership, and the consequences of actions. It dives deep into the psyche of several key characters and explores their motivations and the events that have brought them to this point in their lives. The action is intense and well-choreographed, with several high-stakes scenes that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "History of Beasts" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that builds on the strong foundation of the previous installments. Fans of the series will undoubtedly be eager to see how the story continues to unfold in the episodes to come.