Vikings In Anime Culture: What Should You Know?

Norse culture and mythology have been a source of inspiration for various forms of art, including literature, movies, and video games. In recent years, the Viking culture has made its way into the world of anime, captivating fans with its unique blend of action, adventure, and mythology. In this article, we will take a closer look at the world of anime about Vikings, Norse anime, and animated Viking characters. Stay tuned!

What is anime? 

Anime is a style of animation that originated in Japan and has become popular around the world. The word “anime” is a shortened form of the Japanese word “animation,” It refers specifically to animated shows and movies produced in Japan or following a similar style.

Anime features a distinct visual style, with characters who have large eyes, colorful hair, and exaggerated facial expressions. It often explores complex themes and ideas, including romance, friendship, action, adventure, and science fiction. Anime is known for its ability to create emotional connections with its audience and tell compelling stories.

Anime is created using a combination of traditional animation techniques and modern computer technology. It often features intricate and detailed artwork, with a focus on producing vivid and memorable characters and settings. Many anime series and movies are based on popular manga (Japanese comics) and novels, while others are original works created specifically for the medium.

Ultimately, anime is a unique and highly popular form of animation that offers a diverse range of genres, styles, and stories. Its popularity has grown around the world, with anime fans and conventions popping up in many countries outside of Japan.

Are there any Viking anime?

Yes, several anime series revolve around Viking culture and mythology. These anime series showcase the courage, strength, and honor of Viking warriors and their way of life. The most popular Viking anime include the following:

1. Vinland Saga – Vinland Saga is an anime series that follows the story of a young Viking boy named Thorfinn. After his father is killed by a Viking leader named Askeladd, Thorfinn vows to seek revenge. He joins Askeladd’s band of warriors and journeys to discover the land of Vinland. The anime is known for its gritty portrayal of Viking life and its vengeance, honor, and redemption themes.
2. The Heroic Legend of Arslan – The Heroic Legend of Arslan is an anime series based on a manga of the same name. The story revolves around a young prince named Arslan, who must reclaim his kingdom from his father’s enemies. The anime features several Viking characters, including Daryun, a skilled warrior who serves as Arslan’s bodyguard.
3. Valkyria Chronicles – Valkyria Chronicles is an anime series that takes place in a fictional world inspired by World War II-era Europe. The anime features a group of soldiers who must defend their homeland against an invading army. A Valkyrie, a powerful mythical creature from Norse mythology, aids the soldiers.
4. Yggdrasil no Kajitsu – Yggdrasil no Kajitsu is an anime series that takes place in a world inspired by Norse mythology. The story follows a young girl named Skuld, who is tasked with protecting the world tree Yggdrasil. The anime features several Viking characters, including Skuld’s mentor, a warrior named Loki.

What is that Viking anime called?

If you are looking for a specific Viking anime, remembering the title or finding the anime may take time and effort. However, some of the most famous Viking anime are Vinland Saga, The Heroic Legend of Arslan, Valkyria Chronicles, and Yggdrasil no Kajitsu. These anime series showcase Norse culture and mythology and are known for engaging storylines and dynamic characters.

Is Vikings and Vinland Saga the same?

While both Vikings and Vinland Saga are inspired by Norse culture and mythology, they are not the same. Vikings is a television series premiered in 2013 and followed the story of the legendary Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok. The series is known for its brutal depiction of Viking life and its exploration of themes such as power, betrayal, and loyalty.

On the other hand, Vinland Saga is an anime series that premiered in 2019 and is based on a manga of the same name. The series follows the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking boy who seeks revenge for his father’s death. Vinland Saga is known for its gritty portrayal of Viking life and for exploring themes such as honor, revenge, and redemption.

While both Vikings and Vinland Saga share some similarities, they are different in terms of their medium, storytelling style, and focus. Vikings is a live-action television series, while Vinland Saga is an anime series. Vikings is well-known for its graphic violence and political intrigue, while Vinland Saga focuses on the personal journey of its main character and the themes of honor and redemption.

What is the Vinland Saga based on?

Vinland Saga is an anime series based on a historical manga of the same name written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. The manga was first published in Japan in 2005 and is set in medieval Europe during the Viking Age. The plot revolves around a young Viking lad named Thorfinn, who embarks on a quest for vengeance against the leader responsible for his father’s death. 

The manga is known for accurately portraying Viking culture and history and exploring themes such as praise, revenge, and redemption. The author, Makoto Yukimura, researched Viking history and culture for several years to create a realistic and authentic portrayal of the era. The manga features several real-life historical figures, including the Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard and the English King Ethelred the Unready.

The manga has been widely acclaimed for its compelling story, complex characters, and detailed artwork. It has been translated into several languages and has won several awards, including the Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2009. The anime adaptation of Vinland Saga premiered in 2019 and has been praised for its faithful adaptation of the manga and its stunning animation.

What country is Vinland?

Vinland is a fictional location in the anime and manga series Vinland Saga. It is based on a real-life site discovered by Norse explorers during the Viking Age, believed to be in present-day Newfoundland, Canada.

In the series, Vinland is depicted as a land of peace and abundance, where people live in harmony with nature and without violence. The main character, Thorfinn, sets his sights on Vinland as a place where he can escape the violence and bloodshed of his past and start a new life.

Vinland is portrayed as a utopian land, free from the violence and conflict that characterizes much of Viking society. The series explores the idea that such a place could exist and that it could be the ultimate goal for those seeking redemption and a new way of life.

Therefore, Vinland is a key concept in the series, representing the hope for a better future and the struggle to overcome the violence and brutality of the Viking Age.

Is Leif Erikson in Vinland Saga?

Yes, Leif Erikson appears in Vinland Saga as a supporting character. Leif Erikson is a historical figure who was a Norse explorer and is believed to have been the first European to reach North America, around 500 years before Christopher Columbus. In the anime series, he is depicted as a wise and respected adventurer who inspires the main character, Thorfinn, to seek out new lands and opportunities beyond the traditional Viking way of life.

Leif Erikson appears in the early episodes of Vinland Saga, where he hires Thorfinn’s father, Thors, as a member of his crew for a journey to Vinland (North America). After Askeladd kills Thors, Leif takes Thorfinn under his wing and encourages him to join his crew to explore Vinland. Leif is portrayed as a kind and compassionate character who values peace and exploration over violence and conquest.

Overall, Leif Erikson’s presence in Vinland Saga adds to the historical accuracy and authenticity of the anime, and his character provides an important moral compass for the main character, Thorfinn.

Who was Ragnar in Vinland Saga?

Ragnar is a minor character in Vinland Saga who appears in the early episodes of the anime series. He is the father of the main character, Thorfinn, and a respected warrior in his own right. Ragnar is known for his kindness, compassion, and desire to live a peaceful life with his family.

In the anime series, Ragnar contrasts the traditional Viking way of life, which values violence and conquest above all else. He teaches his son Thorfinn to appreciate peace and strive for a better future rather than seeking revenge and perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Despite his peaceful nature, Ragnar is ultimately killed by the Viking leader, Askeladd, who seeks to use his death as a catalyst for a larger conflict. Ragnar’s death motivates Thorfinn to seek revenge against Askeladd and embark on a journey to Vinland, hoping to find a new way of life.

Ragnar is a key character in Vinland Saga, who represents the struggle between the peaceful and violent aspects of Viking culture and serves as a mentor and role model for the main character, Thorfinn.

Is Thorfinn based on a real person?

Thorfinn Karlsefni is a historical figure believed to have been one of the most famous explorers of the Norse region during the Viking Age. It is thought that he led an expedition to North America around the year 1000, known as the “Vinland expedition.”

In the anime and manga series Vinland Saga, the main character is named Thorfinn. He is depicted as a skilled warrior who seeks revenge against the Viking leader Askeladd for killing his father. While the character of Thorfinn is not explicitly based on Thorfinn Karlsefni, the series does take place during the Viking Age and features several real-life historical figures and events.

The author of Vinland Saga may have drawn inspiration from the real-life Thorfinn Karlsefni when creating the character of Thorfinn, but this has not been confirmed. The character of Thorfinn is a fictional creation, and the series primarily focuses on themes such as honor, revenge, and the struggle between violence and peace rather than historical accuracy.

What is the best Viking anime? 

Aside from the popular Viking anime series like Vinland Saga, there are other Viking anime that are also worth checking out. Here are several great options: 

1. Hilda and the Black Hound – This anime series follows the story of a young Viking girl named Hilda, who goes on a quest to save her village from a mysterious black hound. Along the way, she encounters various mythical creatures inspired by Norse mythology and proves to be a skilled warrior and leader.
2. The Saga of Tanya the Evil – This anime series takes place in a fictional world inspired by World War I-era Europe and features a powerful sorcerer named Tanya. While Tanya is not a traditional Viking character, she shares some similarities with Norse mythology, such as her magic use and affiliation with a powerful deity.
3. Lord of Vermilion: The Crimson King – This anime series takes place in modern-day Tokyo and features characters drawn into a battle between gods and demons inspired by Norse mythology. The anime features several Viking characters, including Odin and Thor, and explores themes such as destiny and free will.
4. Ragnarok: The Animation – This anime series is based on the popular game Ragnarok Online and features several Viking characters, including Thor and Loki. The anime follows the story of a group of adventurers who must save their world from destruction by the forces of evil.

These Viking anime offer unique and exciting stories that draw inspiration from Norse mythology and Viking culture. They are definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre.

Who is the Most Famous Anime Viking Girl? 

One of the most popular animated Viking characters is Hilda, the female lead in the anime series Hilda and the Black Hound. Hilda is a brave and adventurous Viking girl who goes on a quest to save her village from a mysterious black hound. Along the way, she encounters various mythical creatures inspired by Norse mythology and proves to be a skilled warrior and leader.

Another famous anime Viking girl is Tharja from the anime series Fire Emblem Awakening. Tharja is a powerful sorceress and a member of the Grimleal, a cult that worships the Fell Dragon Grima. While Tharja is not a traditional Viking character, she shares some similarities with Norse mythology, such as her use of dark magic and her affiliation with a powerful dragon.

Animated Viking Movies 

Aside from anime series, animated Viking movies showcase the valor and heroism of Viking warriors.”How to Train Your Dragon” is a well-known Viking animated film that narrates the story of Hiccup, a young Viking boy, who becomes friends with a dragon and helps his community to conquer their fear of these legendary creatures. The movie is known for its stunning animation and heartwarming story and has spawned several sequels and spin-offs.

Another animated Viking movie is The Secret of Kells, which takes place in medieval Ireland and features Vikings as the main antagonists. The movie follows the story of a young boy named Brendan who befriends a Viking girl named Aisling and must protect the Book of Kells, a sacred manuscript, from Viking invaders. The movie is known for its breathtaking animation and Irish mythology and folklore exploration.

What anime is on Netflix Vikings?

Netflix has a vast selection of anime series and movies, including several that revolve around Viking culture and mythology. One of the most popular Viking anime on Netflix is Vinland Saga, which tells the story of a young Viking boy named Thorfinn and his quest for revenge. The anime is known for its gritty portrayal of Viking life and for exploring themes such as honor, betrayal, and redemption.

Another Viking anime on Netflix is The Last Kingdom, a television series based on a series of historical novels by Bernard Cornwell. The series follows the story of a Saxon warrior named Uhtred, who is raised by Vikings and must choose between his loyalty to his Saxon people and his affection for his Viking family. The series is known for accurately depicting Viking life and exploring historical events such as the Viking invasions of England.

Bottom line 

In recent years, Viking culture and mythology have become a popular source of inspiration for anime series and movies. These anime showcase the bravery, strength, and honor of Viking warriors and their way of life and explore themes such as honor, revenge, and redemption. From Vinland Saga to How to Train Your Dragon, many anime series and movies showcase Norse culture and mythology and provide a thrilling and engaging viewing experience for fans of all ages. So if you are interested in anime about Vikings or Norse anime, be sure to check out these exciting and action-packed titles.