Who killed Thors in Vinland Saga?

Thors was killed by a barrage of arrows on Askeladd's orders.

Vinland Saga is a renowned historical manga series created by Makoto Yukimura. Set in the early 11th century, the story unfolds amidst the Viking invasion of England. Since its serialization began in 2005, it has captivated readers and inspired an anime adaptation. Drawing from Norse sagas and historical events, the series skillfully blends fact and fiction.

At its heart, the series delves into themes of violence, revenge, and the quest for peace in a conflict-ridden world. It follows Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior on a mission to avenge his father's death. Along his journey, Thorfinn encounters numerous challenges and diverse characters who shape his path in both positive and dangerous ways. The series offers a profound exploration of peace and conflict, consistently reflecting on the nature of violence and the ideals of a 'true warrior,' as exemplified by Thors.

Warning: The article contains spoilers for Vinland Saga and Thors.

Also Read: Who is Vinland Saga mangaka?

Who killed Thors in Vinland Saga?

In Vinland Saga, Thors is tragically killed by Askeladd, the leader of a Viking mercenary band. Askeladd was hired by Floki, a high-ranking Jomsviking commander, who feared Thors' potential influence and the threat he posed to the Jomsvikings' power structure, even years after Thors had left their ranks.

Thors' death occurred during a sea battle where he, despite being vastly outnumbered, incapacitated twenty-eight of Askeladd's men without killing any of them, showcasing his incredible combat skills and commitment to avoiding unnecessary bloodshed. However, his downfall came not from direct combat but from a cruel twist of fate. Thors' young son, Thorfinn, had stowed away on the ship and was captured by Askeladd's men. To ensure his son's safety, Thors was forced to surrender.

In his final moments, Thors negotiated with Askeladd, securing promises that his people would be spared and that a message would be delivered to the Jomsvikings. These final acts highlighted Thors' dedication to protecting others, even at the cost of his own life. Thors was ultimately killed by a barrage of arrows from Askeladd's archers. Despite being struck multiple times, he remained standing until the end, demonstrating his incredible willpower and strength.

Thors' death profoundly impacted the storyline of Vinland Saga, serving as the driving force behind Thorfinn's quest for revenge against Askeladd and propelling the main plot of the series.

Why did Floki betray Thors?

Floki's betrayal of Thors stemmed from a blend of personal resentment, political ambition, and fear of Thors' potential influence within the Jomsvikings. As fellow commanders, Floki harbored deep-seated animosity towards Thors, feeling overshadowed by him and resenting his superior warrior skills. This jealousy and insecurity fueled Floki's desire to eliminate Thors.

To carry out his betrayal, Floki orchestrated a covert assassination plot, hiring Askeladd, a mercenary leader, to kill Thors. Floki justified his actions by citing an old death penalty from 15 years prior when Thors deserted the Jomsvikings, though this was merely a pretext for his personal vendetta.

Floki's betrayal was particularly treacherous. He first coerced Thors into joining the Danish invasion of England by threatening his home village, forcing Thors out of his peaceful retirement. Under the guise of a military operation, Floki then set up the circumstances for Askeladd to ambush and kill Thors.

Driven by ambition and calculation, Floki viewed Thors as a threat to his position within the Jomsvikings and possibly to his plans for his grandson, Baldur, to become a chieftain.