'Vinland Saga' episode 1 release date, spoilers: Pilot introduces Thorfinn and Askeladd in an action-packed siege

"Vinland Saga” joins the list of rookie anime series starting this summer in Japan and worldwide through streaming platforms. Just like in the manga, “Vinland Saga” episode 1 will likely start with an action-packed siege of a fortress that Thorfinn and Askeladd will win for themselves.

“Vinland Saga” episode 1: What to expect

The series starts with an army attacking a Frankish fortress. The invaders aim to infiltrate the fortress and steal all its treasures, but they are having a hard time penetrating the gates. The attacking army loses each day and their chances of winning dwindle as the winter approaches. They will turn their situation around once Askeladd and Thorfinn make contact with them in “Vinland Saga” episode 1.

Askeladd is the chief of a group of mercenaries, and they have been watching the battle on the besieged fortress unfold from a distance. “Vinland Saga” episode 1 will likely feature Thorfinn, a prisoner of Askeladd’s band, receiving instructions to go to the attacking army’s camp and offer their services in exchange of half the treasures.

The attacking army and its lord are suspicious of Thorfinn’s offers in “Vinland Saga” episode 1. But later agrees and notes that the confidence of the mercenaries is convincing while also promising to behead Thorfinn if the plan goes south. Askeladd’s band uses its ships to circle around the fortress where practically no line of defense is deployed while the attacking army maintains its position at the gates. This is the point where anime fans will appreciate Askeladd’s skills and leadership.

The army of the fortress is caught off guard with Askeladd’s attack leading to its ultimate defeat. But by the time the attacking army penetrates the fortress, Askeladd, and his mercenaries have already collected all the treasures and have already started sailing away leaving nothing for the attacking army in “Vinland Saga” episode 1.​

“Vinland Saga” episode 1: Thorfinn and his life-long goal of defeating Askeladd

“Vinland Saga” episode 1 will also establish an interesting relationship between Thorfinn and Askeladd. The latter is responsible for the death of Thorfinn’s father, Thors. So whenever Askeladd gives him seemingly impossible tasks, Thorfinn demands he should be rewarded of a duel with Askeladd to avenge his father’s demise.

Aside from being a messenger in “Vinland Saga” episode 1, Askeladd tells Thorfinn they can duel if the latter will manage to behead the commander of the fortress army — and he will without much effort. The first three episodes of “Vinland Saga” will premiere in local Japanese TV networks and worldwide through Amazon Prime Video on July 7.