First published on Ready Steady Cut, the post inland Saga Season 2 Episode 5 Recap appeared. This review of The Path of Blood, the fifth episode of the Crunchyroll anime series Vinland Saga, contains spoilers.
Although it was obvious that Thorfinn (Yuto Uemura) had changed since we last saw him, the final episode gave viewers a chance to observe just how much. Einar (Shunsuke Takeuchi), another person who is having a hard time accepting his past, also doesn’t seem to know what to do with the information.
What this means for their developing friendship in upcoming episodes is something we can only speculate about. Fans also got their first glimpse of Canute (voiced by Kensho Ono) since the first season, so that wasn’t the week’s only cliffhanger. Though we don’t know much about his plans just yet, we can be sure that Thorfinn will be involved in some way.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 5 Recap
Canute is seen leading an army through Mercia at the start of the episode. We learn through flashbacks that England and Denmark have been at war since King Sweyn’s passing. Both Canute and Ethelred II are vying to become king of England, and Ethelred II commands the Danish army against Canute.
Why Does Canute Order Gunnar to Have the Troops Beheaded?
Canute observes troops plundering as they ride through a disorganized Mercia. He immediately commands Gunnar to have them beheaded because he has already forbidden the practice. Canute insists on having their heads displayed in order to make an example of them, despite the fact that taking spoils is common practice.
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Why Did Canute Make the Journey to Visit Floki in Person?
When Canute arrives on horseback, Floki expresses gratitude for having traveled to meet him in person but assures him that it was not necessary. As Thorkill starts riding towards them and yelling his name, Canute acknowledges that there was another reason he arrived. It appears that Canute also went to deal with Thorkill, who is still enraged about having to put an end to the battle after Mercia asked for a truce.
Canute is forewarned by Thorkill that he cannot avoid conflict forever after Floki asks for his help in dealing with Edmund, son of Ethelred.
Why Does Canute Reject Eadric’s Offer to Retreat from Mercia?
When Canute arrives to talk with Earl Eadric, he is given a promise of 4000 pounds of silver now and another 4000 if he agrees to withdraw his men from Mercia. Canute, on the other hand, disparages the king’s offer as being too meager and demeaning, particularly in light of the fact that he personally oversaw the uprising.
Eadric’s son cries out that Ethelred is the real king, but Canute accuses him of being a coward who betrayed his subjects and the kingdom during the previous conflict. Canute tries to get Eadric to kill Ethelred for him since he knows there won’t be any order as long as both kings are alive. If Eadric performs this for him, he promises to leave Mercia, but the man rejects him.
Canute asks Eadric to accompany him outside as he directs his troops to light a big wooden pyre. Signal fires start to appear all across the area within minutes. Canute says that this is what it would look like to fight him and that he could have Mercia turned to ashes in no time when Eadric inquires as to what this is supposed to represent. Then, in exchange for peace, he demands Ethelred’s head.
Vinland Saga Season 2 Episode 5 Ending Explained
Ethelred II passes away in April of the next year, 1016, allegedly from a disease. His son, Edmund, ascends to the throne and makes every effort to repel Canute’s forces. He then appears to pass away from the disease in November of the same year. Canute is finally anointed king of England in the year 1018.
https://youtu.be/_kz6UGedw18
Another stunning episode from a visual standpoint, especially at the finish. It was really satisfying to learn what Canute had been up to during this time gap after several weeks of wondering. Finally attaining the position of King of England should have some fascinating effects on the course of the narrative, especially in light of how much Canute has changed since our previous encounter with him.
Even while it is well known that Canute was a military leader, this episode instead focuses on the less honorable aspects of his ascent to power, which I think is a fantastic way to show viewers another side of him.