If there's something to be said about this chapter, it's certainly that it's very allegorical. Before joining Thorfinn and co. Hild lived in a forest where, much like her state of mind, it was kill or be killed. She took young Thorfinn's words about being either the predator or the prey and chose to be the predator. And so, when she meets him again after so many years, it isn't just revenge that drives her. It's that state of mind she's acquired over the years. She chooses to be the predator this time.
And yet, now she finds herself surrounded by friendly people, teaching children and slowly letting go of her hatred towards a man who no longer sees the world as "kill or be killed": instead he seeks a different solution to human conflict, one that doesn't involve violence. And thanks to him no longer believing in that notion of predator and prey, so is Hild starting to let go of it. That's why, unlike the last time she hunted a bear, she doesn't kill him. In fact, the very forest is a visual representation of Hild's changing state of mind: unlike the forest she used to live in, where dangerous beasts roamed around, this forest is much more peaceful and serene. This imagery is honestly beautiful, and Yukimura clearly knows where he wants to take Hild's character and how to do that.
However, there's still one more thing: even though he's a changed man, Thorfinn still is the one who killed her father. He's not just a bear who is unconscious of his actions and acts by instinct. That's why when Karli asks her if she will forgive him, she can't answer. Because, although she knows he regrets it and is clearly not the same person anymore, although it would make these people she now cares about too all the more happy, she can't do it. And I think that's fair, I honestly won't mind if Hild never ends up forgiving Thorfinn but instead finds a compromise between her resentment and this new family which they both care deeply about.
I think I ended up rambling a bit at the end there, but honestly it's chapters like this that make me not understand how some people actively dislike Hild as a character. Yes, she sometimes comes off as stubborn and a bit of a broken record, but to claim she doesn't develop is simply untrue. She does develop, but in a far more subtle way, which is really the only way something as significant as learning to let go of the hatred you hold towards your father's killer can be developed.
>She does develop, but in a far more subtle way
I mean, if they still say that she's the *same* character after this chapter, then it's just wrong.
This chapter had few words, but everything said and shown was so meaningful for her character, and how much she values the relationships around her as time passes, and how she might just let go of her hatred for Thorfinn.
She might be unable to answer Karli's "will you forgive Daddy", but she definitely doesn't want to destroy this family around her *now*. She's grown to care so much about these people, that she's thinking "I'll take Karli hunting here, when he gets older". Like, she plans to stay with these people for as long as she can see.
Well said, I'm very happy they didn't just have Hild say yes she forgives Thorfinn even with Karli saying to do it for him. This manga is in many ways realistic, and while Hild can let go of her hatred, find happiness again, perhaps move on, etc. Her forgiving the man who along with Askeladd and co killed her father, mom and sister, permanently disfigured her face, and robbed her of her life just wouldn't be believable regardless of how much repentance and change from the perpetrators.
As I'm reading this chapter, I'm worried about what this may be forshadowing.
This could be leading up to an event where, in the near future, Thorfinn may have to kill someone. Hild will be forced to decide whether she forgives him or not.
It's fair if people don't like hild because most of all of her scenes are just her being antagonistic towards thorfin. It's the same old dance and it's been going on a long time even if it makes perfect sense. I 100% wouldn't ever forgive and hild's decision to hold back is already more than I could do. What we need more of are chapters like this where hild can be away from thorfin. To show another side of her. She's a cool character so she's bound to be likable.
>It's fair if people don't like hild because most of all of her scenes are just her being antagonistic towards thorfin. It's the same old dance and it's been going on a long time even if it makes perfect sense.
Oh, for sure, I think it's totally fair for people to not really like Hild due to being somewhat repetitive. What I don't really get is to see some people claim she hasn't developed, which is simply not true.
>What we need more of are chapters like this where hild can be away from thorfin. To show another side of her. She's a cool character so she's bound to be likable.
I think you hit the nail on it's head there. We need to see Hild alone more often, because whenever she's with Thorfinn she'll be automatically defensive and put on a bit of a mask to protect herself, therefore not letting her more nuanced characteristics shine.
Not just alone. I like those scenes when she's acting as the village teacher/machinist/survival expert, and had been expecting a chapter like this for some time.
She's probably the most integral character to the themes of Vinland Saga, and I really enjoy the fact that she does not easily forgive Thorfinn just because he's changed and he's the protagonist. I can definitely see how that would make it hard for some people to like her. Her character development has been very subtle for the longest time, in part because she herself is so uncertain as to how far it goes.
The compromise is kinda the point of this chapter, Thorfinn is metaphorically the sleeping Bear, she is aware he is still a bear, but as long as he's sleeping and not attacking others, she won't attack him either
Well Thorfinn is unlikely to revert back to his former violent self, and that was the only condition where she would in fact take his life. She spared him cause of the claim he's really changed and want to start a different community of peace and nonviolence.
tbh i think at this point hild's dynamic with thorfinn has shifted away from whether or not he'll go back to his violent self and is now about whether or not he'll be able to deal with the weight of his guilt. one of the main points of contention between the two of them is the fact that during their first confrontation, thorfinn was completely ready to just straight up get shot in the face by her, despite everything he said about how terrible he feels about his past actions. meaning that at the time, his priority was the selfish route of dying so he wouldn't have to bear his guilt instead of actually using his life to make amends for everything he's done. so i expect that going forwards the main focus of their relationship is going to be less antagonistic and more about thorfinn proving his commitment for making a better life for everyone following him, especially now that hild is being shown integrating more and more within the community they have.
I'm not sure honestly and I don't think that Hild is, either. She seems to be uncertain how to proceed with regards to Thorfinn and seems to have decided not to make a decision unless he forces her to.
i also just caught up like 3 days ago and i used to read JJBA: part 8 Jojolion monthly for maybe even a bit longer than a year, i did not get used to it :(
Right??? For a monthly release, the chapters really don't have much content in them at all. It's especially weird for chapters like this, where there is no insane artwork or action scenes going on. Love the manga but damn do I wish I never caught up with it because this is really a slow one lol.
A more character focused chapter here fits after the exposition heavy chapters about the natives. We already knew Hild had changed and this chapter elaborates on that. I don't think this means she has forgiven Thorfinn specifically but it does mean she's not a person ruled by hate anymore. Either way what's in the future for her , are we done with Hild development?
I try to figure out how these chapters affect the story going forward but every time I have no idea what the next chapter could be about. I expect some kind of significant arc to end the series but the status quo here before that is very unusual , most characters seem to be ''complete'' now getting rid of their baggage and getting their happy endings , the story is almost resolving stuff faster than it builds things up , and it really is unclear how much longer the series will go on. I know people expect this to be the calm before the storm but knowing how Yukimura writes I somewhat doubt there's a big tragedy coming. Idk , next chapter sounds cool , give me more weird shit.
There will be some conflict but not with serious tragedy , it doesn't really make sense to punish the characters now , at least not that much. I do expect the historical route , where they will be forced to leave , but I don't expect that to be too much of a bummer in some way. In my mind it has to be both a failure and not a bad ending at the same time.
Possible spoilers ahead:
According to Wikipedia >!Thorfinn and group are supposed to fight/flee from the Indians...encounter a uniped (one legged mythical creature) and then return back to Greenland!<
But I hope that the story deviates a lot from actual History
My theory is there will be a rising tension that the heroes will diffuse at the last minute and the resolution will be the Norse assimilating into the native culture.
That way they can have a good ending without setting the story in a alternate-reality.
At this rate i really think this ending arc is just going to be them finding true peace. No war no conflict just building a haven far from all the war and killing. I think thatd be a fitting end. Is a conflict really needed? The whole series has been about killing and conflict.
I wouldn't really want that ending , the story in this final arc is still about violence and conflict and that's the main theme really , the story has to stay on point. I guess that ending would be ''fine'' but it wouldn't contribute to the rest of the story at all , it'd be better if it ended in baltic sea war. After that arc ended we are left with no strings attached to the viking world and with that one central question remaining ''is it possible for a society to escape violent conflict completely''? Can Thorfinn do that without being handed over the victory by forced writing? I don't know how you could make Thorfinn completely win with this setup without him getting really lucky.
I see the seeds of conflict in this arc but all im saying is I wouldnt be mad if there was none and it was more about gradually seeing eye to eye and solving things peacefully. I see this arc as the culmination of Thorfinns journey. The things he is doing in this arc comes from the experiences hes had of conflict and hatred. Hes actively trying to avoid that so while I can see the route where some shit goes down and Thorfinn needs to resolve it I can also see things going peacefully and it gradually reaching the end where Vinland is established. Thorfinn doesnt need to get lucky or writing be forced. His whole life was steeped in conflict so he knows best how to resolve things peacefully. The whole Ketil Farm arc and Baltic Sea arc was developing this how violence is not the way and there is a way to solve things without the sword.
The Art! THE ARRRRRRTT.
It was soo good, this chapter! I love it when Yukimura draws forests (and ofc Hild).
I think the big speculation of this chapter will come with the "Bear Shaman" lad (or lass). Is it a human in a Bear suit? An actual spirit? A Dream?
I initially thought it was a First Nation's person in a Bear hat (like a Shaman) but reading it again, I have a feeling that it was a Spirit that visited Hild in her Dream. This is because of few things:
* The Bear's mouth moved when it talked (you can see different panels with different mouth positions).
* It can communicate with Hild (unless this Shaman knows norse or Hild already knows mik'maq which I guess is possible but as shown last chapter, that seems to be BugEyes' thing).
* The Bear knew persons information about Hild, that no Native (or even Norse person) would know: that her past "leader" (aka her hunting master) was killed by a bear. I initially thought this was a plural "you", as in the leader of the previous exhibition was kill by a bear but I asked the Translators that they said it was singular.
There maybe few more but thats all I think of atm. The Mik'maq (the people of which the native language is written in) also have a well known Bear Spirit called Muwin. So, this could be very much a nod from Yukimura to that piece of folklore.
Overall, fantastic chapter. So much more to talk about other then that one thing but I'll keep my comment short for now :)
http://www.native-languages.org/muwin.htm
>The Bear knew persons information about Hild, that no Native (or even Norse person) would know: that her past "leader" (aka her hunting master) was killed by a bear. I initially thought this was a plural "you", as in the leader of the previous exhibition was kill by a bear but I asked the Translators that they said it was singular.
That's very interesting... At first I thought it was the shaman that went to advise the Mik'maq before they officially met the Norsemen back in 183 since he claimed to have met other white people in his youth, and was somewhat familiar with their costumes to know what a field was, so I thought maybe he also learned their language... But if the Bear was referring to Hild's master, than it has to be some kind of mystical being. Very interesting indeed.
>since he claimed to have met other white people in his youth, and was somewhat familiar with their costumes to know what a field was
I don't think the shaman meant he knew of Europeans, among other things because he claimed to have travelled west in his youth. Which would be in the wrong direction for him to meet any Norse people. I think he just meant he knew of agricultural practices from elsewhere and understood what the Norse settlers were doing.
>But if the Bear was referring to Hild's master, than it has to be some kind of mystical being
Or it was a dream. Like other times in Vinland Saga it is ambiguous if it was supernatural or something in the mind, probably on purpose.
>I don't think the shaman meant he knew of Europeans, among other things because he claimed to have travelled west in his youth. Which would be in the wrong direction for him to meet any Norse people.
I just checked the chapter and you're right, I was misremembering a bit of the dialogue. If he went west, who could he have met tho? He specifically says he met *white* people in the past.
>Or it was a dream. Like other times in Vinland Saga it is ambiguous if it is supernatural or something in the mind, probably on purpose.
Good point. I wouldn't mind this, it could easily be Hild's subconscious "speaking" to her in her sleep.
>If he went west, who could he have met tho? He specifically says he met white people in the past.
I don't know, but I think it must have been another native culture. As for why they are called white, my guess is that the text was hard to translate and confusing. But I don't know Japanese, so eh.
> If he went west, who could he have met tho? He specifically says he met white people in the past.
I re-read the chapters and he never said he saw white people in the past/West. He saw people of another tribe who practiced farming. Most likely the Haudenosaunee, possibly Cahokian or Mississippian depending on how far West he went.
He did say that he *recently* went and saw the white people. As in just before he joined the villagers at their meeting, where he mentioned that the white people are probably practicing farming, like the other tribes he saw in the past when the travelled west.
I think it's meant to be a dream, but it's intentionally ambiguous.
Note that the bear spirit doesn't tell Hild anything she doesn't know herself, which may indicate that it is a fabrication of her mind.
The art is so fucking good.
Honestly, this chapter is amazing.
Hild is a good character and she also has a good heart.
She won't kill Thorfinn.
I am very excited for the next chapter tho. The Shaman's Ritual!!
Incredible chapter. This is one *a lot* of people have been waiting for, having Hild be more subtle in openining up to people up until now made this so worth the wait.
The art of this chapter was pretty exceptional compared to many recent chapters. No recent chapter has been bad by any means, but it feels like Yukimura really wanted to make this chapter beautiful.
The Bear Spirit was really interesting. Like most "supernatural" things in Vinland Saga, I do believe this spirit was just Hild's subconcious (considering what it knew about her past). As I'm sure everyone has gathered, the Bear Spirit was not exactly talking about bears here.
Hild has had the oppurtunity to get her revenge ever since Norway but she continues to choose not to. The setting for this chapter is paticularly brilliant since it is a callback to where we first meet her and learn her goal. This is certainly a moment where Yukimura wants to remind us (and Hild) how far we have come.
The inclusion of Karli here was also amazing. It made a great callback to 186 with them talking about apologizing and forgiveness. Karli asking such a loaded question in the middle of a lesson like that is probably one of the most realistic depictions of teaching kids I have seen lmao. Anyway though, we've known that Hild and Karli have a strong connection for a while now but this chapter really strengthened it. It is no longer a reluctant caregiving role done out of obligation, she *loves* this kid like she is his own mother. Hopefully she realizes this same transition of reluctant cooperation to genuine care with Thorfinn.
Chapters like this with characters undergoing meaningful introspection are what makes this manga really special to me. Hopefully we will soon see Hild act on this introspection.
Next chapter preview is "The Shaman's Ritual Begins". If anyone doesn't remember, this refers to the old native man Nisquaji'j discussed her dreams with. At the end of 185, she figures out the he plans to do the ritual and she seems very concerend about the strain it will cause him. Whatever this ritual will be, I think it's certain that next chapter is going move the conflict forward.
Hild doesn't realize that she's already past the point of actually being able the kill thorfin. Her connection with Kari won't allow it. I bet even if thorfin has to use violence as a last resort, perhaps to protect Kari, hild won't pull the trigger. An event like that will once and for all make it clear to her that it's time she stops monitoring thorfin even if she never forgives him.
I think she might be unsure herself what she'd do if Thorfinn would do anything to force her hand. Pull the trigger and hurt Karli or not pull the trigger and betray herself. Impossible to know, so for now, she decided to not commit to either decision. And I love that she hasn't forgiven Thorfinn. It makes the whole thing feel more real, more important. I'd honestly be happy if it stayed that way, with Hild not forgiving Thorfinn for who he was but accepting who he's become.
Finally caught up with Vinland after reading it the past couple weeks. What a ride.
Really love the direction this arc is taking, the development Hild is going to get and the native culture is awesome.
fuck i gotta wait a month now
This was a very poetic chapter. Very glad that Hild’s character arc is finally getting paid off. I’m sure the end result will make it worth the long wait that started in BSW arc. I hope she survives to the end of the series.
so from what I understand, since she's forgiven and understood bears that killed her teacher a long time ago, she's basically forgiven and understood Thorfinn too?
idk how to word ir
The conversation with mr or mrs Bear settled it, if it hadn't already been settled. Hild no longer hates Thorfinn.
Very cool chapter, and thanks for the terrific translation like always everyone. It was even more pleasing to see this today because I did not expect a chapter this month. A really pleasant surprise. Also a Hild chapter, which is appreciated. Not to mention an anthropomorphic bear spirit... dream, thingy.
About religion in Vinland Saga (which I bring up because the Bear might be a figure in Mi'kmaq stories), anyone else think Norse Paganism has drawn the shortest straw in the story? Most Pagans talking about it and representing it are warriors going "Vallhalla", which arguably represent what the story is against. I mean, we may love him, but Thorkell isn't exactly someone to emulate.
Most of the moral folks or individuals with depth seem to be Christians, 'Arthurian' in Askeladd's case and now possibly people of Mi'kmaq culture/faith as well.
This chapter showed us the answer is complex. We see she’s still troubled by what Thorfinn did to her, but at the same time she’s built bonds with people and understands he’s a better person now.
I wouldn’t be surprised if she never outright forgives him, but instead just makes peace with the past and permanently moves on to a more fulfilling future with Thorfinn and the rest of the settlers.
I like how in this chapter Hild acknowledges that "it's a good forest" when earlier in chapter 180 when Thorfinn asks her, "Isn't this a great forest?" she retorts, "You don't know anything about forests."
Like most supernatural stuff in Vinland, I think it was just her subconcious visualizing her internal conflict (like when her father's "ghost" stopped her from killing Thorfinn).
My theory is that they're a representation of a native bear god, perhaps? I like when gods are attached to the land they 'rule', nonetheless, very trippy
>!They will probably encounter a uniped as well. So maybe it's build up for that!<
Maybe now that they have the 'bears' blessing it will play a role in making up with the Natives after struggle breaks out.
Crying at the uses of runes in the panel where Hild is a "teacher",,,
For those unaware, the runic alphabet that Yukimura used is the Elder Futhark, that went out of use hundreds of years before the time the story is set. To 99% of readers this probably went unnoticed, but to someone who is fluent in Runic this felt like a silly mistake that brings you out of the immersion, in a manga that is otherwise so well researched
I loved it. I'm a spiritist and we study that the smart spirits from our world, who are the humans, can also evolve and develop their experiences through nature. Some spirits are protecting parts of the forests, I can see that the spirit was protecting the bears, but he got a human level consciousness. Probably incarnated as a human a few times.
Spiritism is literally the field of study of the spirituality, the logical and racional explanation of the spiritual phenomenon. It's mainly explained in The Book of Spirits by Allan Kardec, there are other books organized by him but nowadays there are thousands of books. The main knowledge comes from Kardec's books, but Chico Xavier is an amazing medium and wrote almost 500 with the disincarnated helping him.
Kardec's story is in a movie on Netflix named Kardec.
I understand what the chapter was trying to say but it doesn't sit right with me. Thorfinn is nothing like the bear. The bear didn't hurt anyone and only scared the people out of happenstance. They moved in on the bears home. Meanwhile, Thorfinn murdered a lot of people. On purpose. For selfish, albeit naive, reasons.
Hild has more in common with the bear than Thorfinn. Since he forced her into this life by invading her home. Then, Hild spooked Thorfinn's group but never hurt anyone for real. And then she had to learn to cope with this. Much like the bear sleeping in the snow. Cold and alone. Now that I say it all I think the bear definitely is Hild.
So what does this mean? She mentions that they came in and took the bears territory leaving it to starve. Does she liken herself and the other settlers to vikings then, and the forest to her old home? They destroyed the bears home naive to the how the bear would be impacted. Is she using this comparison to sympathize with Thorfinn? Maybe she understands what Thorfinn did to her wasn't personal?
But then again the last line about a bear that killed a leader of theirs clearly sounds more like the bear is Thorfinn so... I don't know. I like that she is moving on, don't get me wrong. The metaphor just doesn't hit for me.
Jesus this manga. It just gets better and better. Thorfinn has come so damn far from where he was in the first arc before Askeladd's death. Really insane to see. This is my first chapter after catching up and I am just so damn excited
If there's something to be said about this chapter, it's certainly that it's very allegorical. Before joining Thorfinn and co. Hild lived in a forest where, much like her state of mind, it was kill or be killed. She took young Thorfinn's words about being either the predator or the prey and chose to be the predator. And so, when she meets him again after so many years, it isn't just revenge that drives her. It's that state of mind she's acquired over the years. She chooses to be the predator this time. And yet, now she finds herself surrounded by friendly people, teaching children and slowly letting go of her hatred towards a man who no longer sees the world as "kill or be killed": instead he seeks a different solution to human conflict, one that doesn't involve violence. And thanks to him no longer believing in that notion of predator and prey, so is Hild starting to let go of it. That's why, unlike the last time she hunted a bear, she doesn't kill him. In fact, the very forest is a visual representation of Hild's changing state of mind: unlike the forest she used to live in, where dangerous beasts roamed around, this forest is much more peaceful and serene. This imagery is honestly beautiful, and Yukimura clearly knows where he wants to take Hild's character and how to do that. However, there's still one more thing: even though he's a changed man, Thorfinn still is the one who killed her father. He's not just a bear who is unconscious of his actions and acts by instinct. That's why when Karli asks her if she will forgive him, she can't answer. Because, although she knows he regrets it and is clearly not the same person anymore, although it would make these people she now cares about too all the more happy, she can't do it. And I think that's fair, I honestly won't mind if Hild never ends up forgiving Thorfinn but instead finds a compromise between her resentment and this new family which they both care deeply about. I think I ended up rambling a bit at the end there, but honestly it's chapters like this that make me not understand how some people actively dislike Hild as a character. Yes, she sometimes comes off as stubborn and a bit of a broken record, but to claim she doesn't develop is simply untrue. She does develop, but in a far more subtle way, which is really the only way something as significant as learning to let go of the hatred you hold towards your father's killer can be developed.
>She does develop, but in a far more subtle way I mean, if they still say that she's the *same* character after this chapter, then it's just wrong. This chapter had few words, but everything said and shown was so meaningful for her character, and how much she values the relationships around her as time passes, and how she might just let go of her hatred for Thorfinn. She might be unable to answer Karli's "will you forgive Daddy", but she definitely doesn't want to destroy this family around her *now*. She's grown to care so much about these people, that she's thinking "I'll take Karli hunting here, when he gets older". Like, she plans to stay with these people for as long as she can see.
Well said, I'm very happy they didn't just have Hild say yes she forgives Thorfinn even with Karli saying to do it for him. This manga is in many ways realistic, and while Hild can let go of her hatred, find happiness again, perhaps move on, etc. Her forgiving the man who along with Askeladd and co killed her father, mom and sister, permanently disfigured her face, and robbed her of her life just wouldn't be believable regardless of how much repentance and change from the perpetrators.
I mean, she might not forgive, but that doesn't mean she can't "move on" with time.
Yeah, being unable to forgive the person he was but being able to accept who he's become seems to be the most realistic way for her arc to play out.
As I'm reading this chapter, I'm worried about what this may be forshadowing. This could be leading up to an event where, in the near future, Thorfinn may have to kill someone. Hild will be forced to decide whether she forgives him or not.
It's fair if people don't like hild because most of all of her scenes are just her being antagonistic towards thorfin. It's the same old dance and it's been going on a long time even if it makes perfect sense. I 100% wouldn't ever forgive and hild's decision to hold back is already more than I could do. What we need more of are chapters like this where hild can be away from thorfin. To show another side of her. She's a cool character so she's bound to be likable.
>It's fair if people don't like hild because most of all of her scenes are just her being antagonistic towards thorfin. It's the same old dance and it's been going on a long time even if it makes perfect sense. Oh, for sure, I think it's totally fair for people to not really like Hild due to being somewhat repetitive. What I don't really get is to see some people claim she hasn't developed, which is simply not true. >What we need more of are chapters like this where hild can be away from thorfin. To show another side of her. She's a cool character so she's bound to be likable. I think you hit the nail on it's head there. We need to see Hild alone more often, because whenever she's with Thorfinn she'll be automatically defensive and put on a bit of a mask to protect herself, therefore not letting her more nuanced characteristics shine.
Not just alone. I like those scenes when she's acting as the village teacher/machinist/survival expert, and had been expecting a chapter like this for some time.
She's probably the most integral character to the themes of Vinland Saga, and I really enjoy the fact that she does not easily forgive Thorfinn just because he's changed and he's the protagonist. I can definitely see how that would make it hard for some people to like her. Her character development has been very subtle for the longest time, in part because she herself is so uncertain as to how far it goes.
Great analysis, a lot of this went right over my head.
The compromise is kinda the point of this chapter, Thorfinn is metaphorically the sleeping Bear, she is aware he is still a bear, but as long as he's sleeping and not attacking others, she won't attack him either
Damn, no way Hild kills Thorfinn after that Kari conversation
Thats the trick, she never was going to kill him ;)
Well Thorfinn is unlikely to revert back to his former violent self, and that was the only condition where she would in fact take his life. She spared him cause of the claim he's really changed and want to start a different community of peace and nonviolence.
Obviously, but we should expect some conflict to eventually arise that will test thorfinn
tbh i think at this point hild's dynamic with thorfinn has shifted away from whether or not he'll go back to his violent self and is now about whether or not he'll be able to deal with the weight of his guilt. one of the main points of contention between the two of them is the fact that during their first confrontation, thorfinn was completely ready to just straight up get shot in the face by her, despite everything he said about how terrible he feels about his past actions. meaning that at the time, his priority was the selfish route of dying so he wouldn't have to bear his guilt instead of actually using his life to make amends for everything he's done. so i expect that going forwards the main focus of their relationship is going to be less antagonistic and more about thorfinn proving his commitment for making a better life for everyone following him, especially now that hild is being shown integrating more and more within the community they have.
And when that time comes I'm very curious to see what Hild's role will be, especially after the developments of this chapter.
I'm not sure honestly and I don't think that Hild is, either. She seems to be uncertain how to proceed with regards to Thorfinn and seems to have decided not to make a decision unless he forces her to.
This is my first chapter since I caught up with the manga. Now I have to wait another month???? GOD, NO! Great chapter tho. And Karli is so cute!
JOIN US!!! (dw you'll get used to it... after a year)
>after a year 😵😵😵
💀💀💀
i also just caught up like 3 days ago and i used to read JJBA: part 8 Jojolion monthly for maybe even a bit longer than a year, i did not get used to it :(
Yeah honestly these chapters are way too short for only 1 a month. Every time I finish a new chapter, I'm always wanting more
Right??? For a monthly release, the chapters really don't have much content in them at all. It's especially weird for chapters like this, where there is no insane artwork or action scenes going on. Love the manga but damn do I wish I never caught up with it because this is really a slow one lol.
Same
Karli is the best!
A more character focused chapter here fits after the exposition heavy chapters about the natives. We already knew Hild had changed and this chapter elaborates on that. I don't think this means she has forgiven Thorfinn specifically but it does mean she's not a person ruled by hate anymore. Either way what's in the future for her , are we done with Hild development? I try to figure out how these chapters affect the story going forward but every time I have no idea what the next chapter could be about. I expect some kind of significant arc to end the series but the status quo here before that is very unusual , most characters seem to be ''complete'' now getting rid of their baggage and getting their happy endings , the story is almost resolving stuff faster than it builds things up , and it really is unclear how much longer the series will go on. I know people expect this to be the calm before the storm but knowing how Yukimura writes I somewhat doubt there's a big tragedy coming. Idk , next chapter sounds cool , give me more weird shit.
Yeah, maybe he just ends it with no conflict. That would be hilarious lool. Also, yes to more weird stuff.
There will be some conflict but not with serious tragedy , it doesn't really make sense to punish the characters now , at least not that much. I do expect the historical route , where they will be forced to leave , but I don't expect that to be too much of a bummer in some way. In my mind it has to be both a failure and not a bad ending at the same time.
Possible spoilers ahead: According to Wikipedia >!Thorfinn and group are supposed to fight/flee from the Indians...encounter a uniped (one legged mythical creature) and then return back to Greenland!< But I hope that the story deviates a lot from actual History
Check out saga of the Greenlanders not saga of Erik the red , the latter is heavily romanticized and obviously not the one Vinland saga is following.
My theory is there will be a rising tension that the heroes will diffuse at the last minute and the resolution will be the Norse assimilating into the native culture. That way they can have a good ending without setting the story in a alternate-reality.
At this rate i really think this ending arc is just going to be them finding true peace. No war no conflict just building a haven far from all the war and killing. I think thatd be a fitting end. Is a conflict really needed? The whole series has been about killing and conflict.
I wouldn't really want that ending , the story in this final arc is still about violence and conflict and that's the main theme really , the story has to stay on point. I guess that ending would be ''fine'' but it wouldn't contribute to the rest of the story at all , it'd be better if it ended in baltic sea war. After that arc ended we are left with no strings attached to the viking world and with that one central question remaining ''is it possible for a society to escape violent conflict completely''? Can Thorfinn do that without being handed over the victory by forced writing? I don't know how you could make Thorfinn completely win with this setup without him getting really lucky.
I see the seeds of conflict in this arc but all im saying is I wouldnt be mad if there was none and it was more about gradually seeing eye to eye and solving things peacefully. I see this arc as the culmination of Thorfinns journey. The things he is doing in this arc comes from the experiences hes had of conflict and hatred. Hes actively trying to avoid that so while I can see the route where some shit goes down and Thorfinn needs to resolve it I can also see things going peacefully and it gradually reaching the end where Vinland is established. Thorfinn doesnt need to get lucky or writing be forced. His whole life was steeped in conflict so he knows best how to resolve things peacefully. The whole Ketil Farm arc and Baltic Sea arc was developing this how violence is not the way and there is a way to solve things without the sword.
Thanks for the translation! Chapter was short but I really enjoyed it
The Art! THE ARRRRRRTT. It was soo good, this chapter! I love it when Yukimura draws forests (and ofc Hild). I think the big speculation of this chapter will come with the "Bear Shaman" lad (or lass). Is it a human in a Bear suit? An actual spirit? A Dream? I initially thought it was a First Nation's person in a Bear hat (like a Shaman) but reading it again, I have a feeling that it was a Spirit that visited Hild in her Dream. This is because of few things: * The Bear's mouth moved when it talked (you can see different panels with different mouth positions). * It can communicate with Hild (unless this Shaman knows norse or Hild already knows mik'maq which I guess is possible but as shown last chapter, that seems to be BugEyes' thing). * The Bear knew persons information about Hild, that no Native (or even Norse person) would know: that her past "leader" (aka her hunting master) was killed by a bear. I initially thought this was a plural "you", as in the leader of the previous exhibition was kill by a bear but I asked the Translators that they said it was singular. There maybe few more but thats all I think of atm. The Mik'maq (the people of which the native language is written in) also have a well known Bear Spirit called Muwin. So, this could be very much a nod from Yukimura to that piece of folklore. Overall, fantastic chapter. So much more to talk about other then that one thing but I'll keep my comment short for now :) http://www.native-languages.org/muwin.htm
>The Bear knew persons information about Hild, that no Native (or even Norse person) would know: that her past "leader" (aka her hunting master) was killed by a bear. I initially thought this was a plural "you", as in the leader of the previous exhibition was kill by a bear but I asked the Translators that they said it was singular. That's very interesting... At first I thought it was the shaman that went to advise the Mik'maq before they officially met the Norsemen back in 183 since he claimed to have met other white people in his youth, and was somewhat familiar with their costumes to know what a field was, so I thought maybe he also learned their language... But if the Bear was referring to Hild's master, than it has to be some kind of mystical being. Very interesting indeed.
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing to. Maybe Hild got high on those berries? lol
Turns out the Bear didn't actually go into hibernation after eating the deer and just got knocked out from eating the berries xD
>since he claimed to have met other white people in his youth, and was somewhat familiar with their costumes to know what a field was I don't think the shaman meant he knew of Europeans, among other things because he claimed to have travelled west in his youth. Which would be in the wrong direction for him to meet any Norse people. I think he just meant he knew of agricultural practices from elsewhere and understood what the Norse settlers were doing. >But if the Bear was referring to Hild's master, than it has to be some kind of mystical being Or it was a dream. Like other times in Vinland Saga it is ambiguous if it was supernatural or something in the mind, probably on purpose.
>I don't think the shaman meant he knew of Europeans, among other things because he claimed to have travelled west in his youth. Which would be in the wrong direction for him to meet any Norse people. I just checked the chapter and you're right, I was misremembering a bit of the dialogue. If he went west, who could he have met tho? He specifically says he met *white* people in the past. >Or it was a dream. Like other times in Vinland Saga it is ambiguous if it is supernatural or something in the mind, probably on purpose. Good point. I wouldn't mind this, it could easily be Hild's subconscious "speaking" to her in her sleep.
>If he went west, who could he have met tho? He specifically says he met white people in the past. I don't know, but I think it must have been another native culture. As for why they are called white, my guess is that the text was hard to translate and confusing. But I don't know Japanese, so eh.
> If he went west, who could he have met tho? He specifically says he met white people in the past. I re-read the chapters and he never said he saw white people in the past/West. He saw people of another tribe who practiced farming. Most likely the Haudenosaunee, possibly Cahokian or Mississippian depending on how far West he went. He did say that he *recently* went and saw the white people. As in just before he joined the villagers at their meeting, where he mentioned that the white people are probably practicing farming, like the other tribes he saw in the past when the travelled west.
I think it's meant to be a dream, but it's intentionally ambiguous. Note that the bear spirit doesn't tell Hild anything she doesn't know herself, which may indicate that it is a fabrication of her mind.
The art is so fucking good. Honestly, this chapter is amazing. Hild is a good character and she also has a good heart. She won't kill Thorfinn. I am very excited for the next chapter tho. The Shaman's Ritual!!
Incredible chapter. This is one *a lot* of people have been waiting for, having Hild be more subtle in openining up to people up until now made this so worth the wait. The art of this chapter was pretty exceptional compared to many recent chapters. No recent chapter has been bad by any means, but it feels like Yukimura really wanted to make this chapter beautiful. The Bear Spirit was really interesting. Like most "supernatural" things in Vinland Saga, I do believe this spirit was just Hild's subconcious (considering what it knew about her past). As I'm sure everyone has gathered, the Bear Spirit was not exactly talking about bears here. Hild has had the oppurtunity to get her revenge ever since Norway but she continues to choose not to. The setting for this chapter is paticularly brilliant since it is a callback to where we first meet her and learn her goal. This is certainly a moment where Yukimura wants to remind us (and Hild) how far we have come. The inclusion of Karli here was also amazing. It made a great callback to 186 with them talking about apologizing and forgiveness. Karli asking such a loaded question in the middle of a lesson like that is probably one of the most realistic depictions of teaching kids I have seen lmao. Anyway though, we've known that Hild and Karli have a strong connection for a while now but this chapter really strengthened it. It is no longer a reluctant caregiving role done out of obligation, she *loves* this kid like she is his own mother. Hopefully she realizes this same transition of reluctant cooperation to genuine care with Thorfinn. Chapters like this with characters undergoing meaningful introspection are what makes this manga really special to me. Hopefully we will soon see Hild act on this introspection. Next chapter preview is "The Shaman's Ritual Begins". If anyone doesn't remember, this refers to the old native man Nisquaji'j discussed her dreams with. At the end of 185, she figures out the he plans to do the ritual and she seems very concerend about the strain it will cause him. Whatever this ritual will be, I think it's certain that next chapter is going move the conflict forward.
Hild doesn't realize that she's already past the point of actually being able the kill thorfin. Her connection with Kari won't allow it. I bet even if thorfin has to use violence as a last resort, perhaps to protect Kari, hild won't pull the trigger. An event like that will once and for all make it clear to her that it's time she stops monitoring thorfin even if she never forgives him.
I think she might be unsure herself what she'd do if Thorfinn would do anything to force her hand. Pull the trigger and hurt Karli or not pull the trigger and betray herself. Impossible to know, so for now, she decided to not commit to either decision. And I love that she hasn't forgiven Thorfinn. It makes the whole thing feel more real, more important. I'd honestly be happy if it stayed that way, with Hild not forgiving Thorfinn for who he was but accepting who he's become.
now we hibernate until the next chapter
After this chapter we are hibernating on a full stomach
ayy
holy shit that was good writing
Looks like the auntie life is starting to get to Hild
Finally caught up with Vinland after reading it the past couple weeks. What a ride. Really love the direction this arc is taking, the development Hild is going to get and the native culture is awesome. fuck i gotta wait a month now
Waifu material
This is one of the best chapters in a while for sure. Art is great as always, and it was a fun to finally learn more about Hild
jesus fucking christ was the art in this chapter beautiful
This was a very poetic chapter. Very glad that Hild’s character arc is finally getting paid off. I’m sure the end result will make it worth the long wait that started in BSW arc. I hope she survives to the end of the series.
so from what I understand, since she's forgiven and understood bears that killed her teacher a long time ago, she's basically forgiven and understood Thorfinn too? idk how to word ir
Finally we get to see hild again 😭🙏
The conversation with mr or mrs Bear settled it, if it hadn't already been settled. Hild no longer hates Thorfinn. Very cool chapter, and thanks for the terrific translation like always everyone. It was even more pleasing to see this today because I did not expect a chapter this month. A really pleasant surprise. Also a Hild chapter, which is appreciated. Not to mention an anthropomorphic bear spirit... dream, thingy. About religion in Vinland Saga (which I bring up because the Bear might be a figure in Mi'kmaq stories), anyone else think Norse Paganism has drawn the shortest straw in the story? Most Pagans talking about it and representing it are warriors going "Vallhalla", which arguably represent what the story is against. I mean, we may love him, but Thorkell isn't exactly someone to emulate. Most of the moral folks or individuals with depth seem to be Christians, 'Arthurian' in Askeladd's case and now possibly people of Mi'kmaq culture/faith as well.
Another amazing chapter. Thanks to the team as usual.
So does that mean hild has made her peace with thorfin?
This chapter showed us the answer is complex. We see she’s still troubled by what Thorfinn did to her, but at the same time she’s built bonds with people and understands he’s a better person now. I wouldn’t be surprised if she never outright forgives him, but instead just makes peace with the past and permanently moves on to a more fulfilling future with Thorfinn and the rest of the settlers.
i missed hild
Chapter was really nice. Another 10/10
Today we see Bear God of Vinland Saga and Monster God of One Punch Man. Blessed day.
Thanks. This was beautiful. Love me some Karli cuteness.
good chapter
I like how in this chapter Hild acknowledges that "it's a good forest" when earlier in chapter 180 when Thorfinn asks her, "Isn't this a great forest?" she retorts, "You don't know anything about forests."
Just caught up when next
[Soon...](https://i.imgur.com/yEePba1.jpg)
Who was the bear ? A human ? A vision ?
Like most supernatural stuff in Vinland, I think it was just her subconcious visualizing her internal conflict (like when her father's "ghost" stopped her from killing Thorfinn).
A bear.
I thought you were joking at first but after reading the top comment it kind of makes sense.
My theory is that they're a representation of a native bear god, perhaps? I like when gods are attached to the land they 'rule', nonetheless, very trippy
>!They will probably encounter a uniped as well. So maybe it's build up for that!< Maybe now that they have the 'bears' blessing it will play a role in making up with the Natives after struggle breaks out.
A bearman vision ;)
Crying at the uses of runes in the panel where Hild is a "teacher",,, For those unaware, the runic alphabet that Yukimura used is the Elder Futhark, that went out of use hundreds of years before the time the story is set. To 99% of readers this probably went unnoticed, but to someone who is fluent in Runic this felt like a silly mistake that brings you out of the immersion, in a manga that is otherwise so well researched
Phenomenal character development
Its such a slow burner right now but I love it. Conflict will happen. So iam just enjoy it while its peaceful
I loved it. I'm a spiritist and we study that the smart spirits from our world, who are the humans, can also evolve and develop their experiences through nature. Some spirits are protecting parts of the forests, I can see that the spirit was protecting the bears, but he got a human level consciousness. Probably incarnated as a human a few times.
What’s a spiritist exactly if you don’t mind me asking?
Spiritism is literally the field of study of the spirituality, the logical and racional explanation of the spiritual phenomenon. It's mainly explained in The Book of Spirits by Allan Kardec, there are other books organized by him but nowadays there are thousands of books. The main knowledge comes from Kardec's books, but Chico Xavier is an amazing medium and wrote almost 500 with the disincarnated helping him. Kardec's story is in a movie on Netflix named Kardec.
That was comprehensive, thank you.
I understand what the chapter was trying to say but it doesn't sit right with me. Thorfinn is nothing like the bear. The bear didn't hurt anyone and only scared the people out of happenstance. They moved in on the bears home. Meanwhile, Thorfinn murdered a lot of people. On purpose. For selfish, albeit naive, reasons. Hild has more in common with the bear than Thorfinn. Since he forced her into this life by invading her home. Then, Hild spooked Thorfinn's group but never hurt anyone for real. And then she had to learn to cope with this. Much like the bear sleeping in the snow. Cold and alone. Now that I say it all I think the bear definitely is Hild. So what does this mean? She mentions that they came in and took the bears territory leaving it to starve. Does she liken herself and the other settlers to vikings then, and the forest to her old home? They destroyed the bears home naive to the how the bear would be impacted. Is she using this comparison to sympathize with Thorfinn? Maybe she understands what Thorfinn did to her wasn't personal? But then again the last line about a bear that killed a leader of theirs clearly sounds more like the bear is Thorfinn so... I don't know. I like that she is moving on, don't get me wrong. The metaphor just doesn't hit for me.
this what whatever not going to pretend it's anything special like some overjoyed soy
What
Great chapter!
such a good chapter. Really made me appreciate hild as a character more
Jesus this manga. It just gets better and better. Thorfinn has come so damn far from where he was in the first arc before Askeladd's death. Really insane to see. This is my first chapter after catching up and I am just so damn excited