Vinland Saga: Will Gardar & Arnheid escape slavery & be free together?

Vinland Saga has once again managed to take us on an emotional rollercoaster ride with yet another unexpected twist.

This time, the story unfolds with the sudden appearance of Arnheid’s long-lost husband, but sadly, his return isn’t a joyful reunion as he is revealed to be a runaway slave.

Arnheid and Gardar manage to escape from Snake and his men, but unfortunately, Gardar meets a tragic end. Arnheid’s fate is no less heart-wrenching as she dies shortly after being brutally beaten by Ketil.

With each passing episode, the plot thickens, and the stakes get higher, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

1. The Encounter Between Gardar and Arnheid at Ketil’s Farm

The reunion between Gardar and Arnheid was anything but romantic! Gardar was mesmerized by Arnheid’s beauty and couldn’t believe how stunning she looked, even though she was tired.

Thorfinn and Einar were obviously very shocked to find out that the escaped slave was Arnheid’s husband.

Arnheid freaked out when she saw a rider approaching, but it turned out to be her husband, Gardar! He realized they were at Ketil’s Farm and asked about Hjatli, their son. Arnheid looked sad and started telling him about her situation.

Gardar said they all should go home together, and he was delighted to finally find her.

Then Snake showed up with his sword and threatened Arnheid not to take Gardar’s hand, or else she would forfeit her life. Snake killed Gardar’s horse, making him fall.

Arnheid called out to Gardar, but Fox and Badger took her away. They

tied Gardar up to keep him away from Arnheid and called it a day. That had to be one of the saddest reunions ever.

2. Will Gardar and Arnheid manage to escape safely?

When Gardar was captured, Einar devised a plan to rescue him. But Arnheid was hesitant because she knew the risks were super high. She said she cared for Einar and didn’t want him to get hurt. 

That clearly sent some mixed signals, so Einar questioned Arnheid’s love for Gardar. She assured him that she did love him, even though their marriage was arranged. 

Arnheid tended to Gardar’s wounds, but he went full savage mode and bit off one of the guard’s necks! Then he screamed at Arnheid to cut him free. The two managed to flee, but Snake was super mad and sent a search party after them.

Einar helped Arnheid and Gardar escape by being a decoy, but things got messy when Snake figured out what was going on. Eventually, the plan fell apart, and they couldn’t run away together. 

Arnheid had also told them that she was pregnant with Ketil’s baby. She was optimistic that she and Ketil could raise the baby on his farm and give them a peaceful life. 

I was rooting for them to escape, and things were looking good for a bit, but the outcome turned out to be far worse than anyone had anticipated, causing Arnheid’s hopes to shatter.

3. Arnheid’s Tragic Past: A Sorrowful Journey

Arnheid had a life full of ups and downs, and though it ended up being a tragedy, it wasn’t always that way. While sharing her story with Thorfinn and Einar, she expressed her regret about the events that had taken place in the past.

Arnheid used to live a good life in a peaceful village with her family

until some iron deposits were found in a faraway forest, and everyone started fighting over them. Gardar got involved in the dispute and eventually left home.

Gardar called a meeting to discuss whether or not they should go to battle. All the men agreed to fight as they thought they could get the iron if they won.

The ladies of the village were unhappy, and they didn’t like the men

risking their lives for something they didn’t need.

When they finally thought the men were coming back, enemies showed up and burned down their homes, killed the old people, and captured the women. It was a total disaster.

To make matters worse, Arnheid’s son was killed because unmarried female slaves were more valuable.

4. Will Arnheid and Garder die?

Despite Arnheid’s pleas, Snake attacked Gardar in the chest. Gardar and Arnheid managed to leave the cart, but sadly his end was near. At least he got to go out a free man in his wife’s arms.

After Ketil found Arnheid, Leif tried to buy her freedom, but Ketil was a

major jerk and refused.

Gardar died after being stabbed by Snake, but not before he fought back and strangled him. Arnheid was severely beaten by Ketil and died shortly after thanking Thorfinn and Einar for watching over her.

It was a total gut punch, and Einar completely lost it. He was ready to go on a killing spree and take out Ketil.

Thorfinn had to remind him not to fall down the same path he did when he was younger and to break the cycle of violence.

Finally, after burying Arnheid, Thorfinn and Einar decided to

head to Vinland and set up a new society free of war and slavery. 

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.