Canute’s Character Development: Does he get better in Season 2?

Canute is the younger son of Sweyn, who is the king of Denmark. Despite being the son of a king, Canute is not a very confident character. He is often seen as a weak and timid person.

This meek individual, however, showed drastic changes after Ragnar’s death. Even Floki was surprised by the person Canute had become. However, there is a lot Canute requires to become stronger and a better king.

Will we get to see him change for the better in Season 2? Let’s find out!

Canute was first introduced as a timid, fragile character who Ragnar heavily sheltered. However, later in the series, we get to witness Canute become stronger. He becomes cunning and ambitious to achieve his goals.

1. Canute’s Journey So Far!

Canute has grown up in harsh conditions, with his father never caring for him. Ragnar was only the only one who showed kindness and love to Canute, which made him hyper-reliant on Ragnar.

Even during his meeting with Thorfinn, Canute was easily frightened, and his initial reaction was to hide behind Ragnar. He seldom spoke and communicated only with Ragnar. He was a timid, weak and fragile individual.

However, after Askeladd killed Ragnar, he seemed to have adopted a completely different personality. Ragnar has always sheltered Canute. His sheltering of Canute prevented him from living up to his potential.

After the death of Ragnar, the sheltering is gone, and Canute starts questioning his religious beliefs. Even though he was also a devout Christian before, Canute realizes that he cannot just rely on God for help. He needs to act to bring about a change.

2. Will Canute become a better character?

In the 24th episode of Season 1, we saw Canute killing Askeladd. Thorfinn, who witnesses this scenario, falls into a rage and attacks Canute. As a punishment, Thorfinn is sent off as a slave, while Canute is now the King of Denmark.

In season 2, we will majorly be seeing the growth of these characters. The frail and timid Prince Canute will change into an ambitious and powerful King Canute for the better. He becomes cunning, manipulative, and extremely charismatic. He will be seen dealing with enemies swiftly, relying on his clever schemes.

It will be interesting to watch the growth of Canute as a King who can do anything to achieve his goal of making paradise on earth.

3. Will he become stronger?

Canute will definitely become stronger than he was. He seems not to be afraid of things anymore, which adds to his strength. He takes up sword practice later in the series and becomes a decent fighter despite his strong hatred for weapons in his youth.

Along with his North Sea Empire and the vast fleet, he becomes one of the strongest forces in Vinland Saga to be reckoned with!

4. Will Canute become evil?

Vinland Saga is not black and white. It does not divide its characters into good or evil. For instance, even our protagonist has killed multiple people mercilessly in his blind vengeance.

Therefore, we cannot really call Canute evil. He is just doing everything he can to achieve his goals.

5. About Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is a Japanese historical manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. The series is published under Kodansha in its monthly manga magazine – Monthly Afternoon – aimed at young adult men. It currently has 26 volumes in tankōbon format.

Vinland Saga is set in ancient Viking times, where a young Thorfinn’s life goes astray when his father Thors – a well-known retired warrior – is killed while on a journey.

Thorfinn then finds himself under the jurisdiction of his enemy – his father’s killer – and hopes to seek revenge on him when he grows stronger. The anime is loosely based on the expedition of Thorfinn Karlsefni in his search for Vinland.