Why the Cliffhanger in Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 21 ‘Courage’ Left Thorfinn Fans Disappointed

The latest episode of Vinland Saga Season 2, titled “Courage”, has left fans in shock and awe. The episode, which released Monday on Netflix, featured a dramatic confrontation between Thorfinn and one of the leaders of Canute’s army. The two warriors wagered a deal that left viewers around the world speechless. They agreed to settle their feud with a fistfight, but with a twist: Thorfinn would not fight back, and would take 100 punches.

If Thorfinn is able to survive one hundred hits, they would allow him to meet with Canute. Being the former warrior that he is, Thorfinn willingly accepted to put his life on the line, just to get a chance to make his old friend Canute realize that trying to take Ketil’s farm was the wrong path to take. It was another moment where he seemed reluctant to take control of a situation using force.

The episode ended with Thorfinn standing still preparing to take the first of one hundred punches from his opponent who made it clear he was trying to murder him. Before the punch connected the screen then faded to black, leaving viewers wondering what will happen next. Will Thorfinn be able to endure 100 punches without retaliating? And what will be the consequences of his decision?

The ending of the episode has sparked a lot of discussion and speculation among fans of the anime and the manga. Some praised Thorfinn’s courage and pacifism, while others criticized for not showing off his incredible fighting skills. The second season has left many fans frustrated at how often Thorfinn allows himself to be berated and belittled by other characters. Episode 20 made it seem like Episode 21 would finally be a moment where he actually goes full force on the battlefield.

Vinland Saga is a historical fiction manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. It follows the adventures of Thorfinn, a young Viking who seeks revenge for his father’s death. The manga is praised for its realistic depiction of the Viking era, its complex characters, and its themes of war, violence, and morality.

The anime adaptation is produced by Wit Studio and directed by Shuhei Yabuta. The first season aired in 2019, and the second season began airing in early 2021. At the moment there doesn’t seem to be any future plans for a season 3, although the anime world would love for that to happen.

It looks like fans are going to have wait until Episode 22 ‘Emperor of Rebellion’ to see if Thorfinn finally unleashes all his fighting power.