Vinland Saga , the Viking saga we've followed since 2005, is nearing its end. In a special interview, Makoto Yukimura, the manga's creator, shared details about the story's development and his inspirations for building the complex plot and deep characters that have defined the work.
Yukimura revealed that the concept for Vinland Saga arose from studying stories of Europeans who explored the Americas, imagining how challenging and dangerous those journeys must have been. This starting point led to the creation of a narrative focused on Thorfinn's personal quest for revenge and redemption, amidst the brutal setting of 11th-century Europe.
Since 2019, Vinland Saga has been in its final arc. Yukimura confessed that, throughout the almost 20 years of the work, the initial plan hasn't changed much, and he has been guiding the story in the way he always imagined. Regarding the iconic phrase "I have no enemies," he explained that he wants to inspire readers to reflect on the positive impact of peace and how essential this message is.
The complexity of the characters was also a theme addressed in the interview, especially in relation to the growth and interactions between Thorfinn and Canute. Yukimura sought to develop the characters in such a way that each one had a unique perspective on life, promoting reflection on how different perspectives can coexist.
At the end of the interview, the author expressed his hope that Vinland Saga could encourage people to think about the horrors of war and thus promote peace. It's a powerful message for a manga that explored humanity so deeply amidst the brutality of history.
For those who have followed the series from the beginning or discovered it through the anime, the final chapters promise to be an epic conclusion to this journey.
