In an exclusive anime interview with Anime News Network, Makoto Yukimura, the visionary creator of Vinland Saga, discusses the themes that shape his renowned series. With reflections on fatherhood, revenge, and the impact of war, Yukimura shares his journey in crafting a story that’s captured the imaginations of fans worldwide.
Fatherhood and Character Contrasts in Vinland Saga
Yukimura admitted that fatherhood emerged as a theme in Vinland Saga somewhat unexpectedly. Initially focused on depicting violence, he later recognized father-son relationships as a recurring element across characters like Thorfinn and Canute.
“When I looked back on my story, I realized there are so many relationships that represent fatherhood. I wonder if this reflects something in my own psychology.”
Balancing Revenge and Forgiveness
Exploring the cycle of revenge, Yukimura chose to focus on healing and forgiveness rather than fueling violence. Through characters like Thorfinn and Einar, he examines how vengeance disrupts lives and how difficult it is to break free from that cycle.
“If I were to choose, I’d choose a path of healing and forgiveness. But at the same time, I admit that revenge creates drama within the story.”
Portraying Violence with Nuance: Thorkell’s Character
Yukimura shared his dislike for violence and explained his intention to depict violent characters in nuanced ways. Thorkell, for instance, isn’t portrayed as simply evil; instead, he is shown with a childlike disposition, highlighting Yukimura’s belief that a penchant for violence often reflects immaturity.
“Thorkell is a lovable violent character. He represents a childlike person… violent people are ultimately children at heart.”
Crafting Complex Characters and Their Arcs
In Vinland Saga, characters such as Thorfinn and Canute undergo profound transformations. Yukimura explained that he carefully differentiates each character’s path and perspective, ensuring that no one character’s way of life is seen as the “correct” one.
“Each of the characters… all have different perspectives, and they don’t understand each other quite a bit. They are living their own lives and how those paths get crossed is the essence of the story.”
Makoto Yukimura on His Growth as a Manga Author
Reflecting on his 24-year career, Yukimura credits his growth as an artist to his patience and dedication to developing complex stories. He’s proud of Vinland Saga’s thoughtful narrative and its slow-burn approach, feeling that he’s become more relaxed and insightful over time.
“When I look at my older work, I get embarrassed… I think my patience grew, and that’s a form of personal growth.”
Inspiration Behind Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga originated from Yukimura’s fascination with European exploration and the arduous journeys to the Americas. When asked if his vision for the series had changed over the years, Yukimura explained that he has stayed true to his original concept, even 20 years later.
“What I was thinking at the very beginning when I started writing, and now, 20 years later with the end approaching, there isn’t that big of a difference. I believe I’m progressing the story the way I originally thought.” – Makoto Yukimura
The Iconic Line: “I Have No Enemies”
One of the most memorable moments in Vinland Saga is Thorfinn’s statement, “I have no enemies.” Surprisingly, Yukimura was unaware of the line’s viral popularity online, though he expressed pride in its positive impact.
“This quote, ‘I have no enemies,’ if there was something that would trend, I’d want it to be something like this. I think it’s a good thing if the feeling that none of us have an enemy could be accepted by many people.”
Approaching the End of Vinland Saga
With Vinland Saga nearing its conclusion, Yukimura admitted that while he has stayed true to his vision, he’s unsure how exactly the story will wrap up.
“As of now, October 18, 2024, I only have a few more chapters to write… Honestly, I don’t know how this is going to pan out at the end. I’m going to do my best, though.”
The Vision for Vinland: A World Without War
Vinland Saga centers around a vision of Vinland as a place free from war and slavery. Yukimura expressed his desire for readers to focus on this message of peace, particularly for younger readers transitioning from violent shonen manga.
“If everyone were against violence—even under threat from those in power—we would never have war. This is the one wish I want to express in my story.”
Vinland Saga’s Message of Peace and Reflection
Reflecting on the series’ themes, Yukimura expressed hope that Vinland Saga encourages readers to consider the cost of war and to hope for peace.
“I hope people will think about war now, and then hope for peace. If that message has been conveyed to as many people in the world as possible, that would make me really happy.”
Where to Read and Watch Vinland Saga
As a trusted anime news site, we bring you the latest on Vinland Saga: the manga is licensed in English by Kodansha USA, with 13 volumes available. The anime adaptation can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll, allowing fans worldwide to experience Yukimura’s masterpiece. Follow Anime King Daily Updates to stay informed about this and other top anime and manga news!
FAQs
How to watch Vinland Saga?
The Vinland Saga anime is available for streaming on Netflix and Crunchyroll.
How many episodes does Vinland Saga have?
Vinland Saga currently has two seasons with 48 episodes in total.
Will Vinland Saga release in India?
Yes, Vinland Saga is available in India on Netflix and Crunchyroll
Source: Anime News Network
