Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga: Two Tales with Divergent Paths

Both Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga have captured the hearts of many as fantasy anime. For many, Attack on Titan has been more than just an anime, it has been an emotional experience. On the other hand, Vinland Saga's exceptional storytelling evokes a sense of tranquility among its viewers. The upcoming release of the final season of Attack on Titan and season 2 of Vinland Saga in 2023 has drawn anime fans to find a meaningful connection between the two.

While Attack on Titan delves into themes of freedom, death, and the corrupt nature of politics, Vinland Saga is a tale of vengeance intertwined with deeply-rooted realism. Although there are broad similarities between the two, it is clear that their ultimate objectives are distinct.

How Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga are different

Both anime continue to narrate the journey of their main characters, Eren and Thorfinn, making any comparison between the two feasible only within the context of these two protagonists.

Eren in Attack on Titan (Image via Wit Studio)

Eren Yeager, the main character of Attack on Titan, begins as a youth who feels confined within his own existence. Residing in Eldia, a country encircled by walls, Eren has aspired from a young age to explore the outside world and share the experience with his companions, Armin and Mikasa.

After breaching the walls of Eldia, two powerful titans allowed smaller titans to enter, causing devastation. Eren, whose father is missing, escapes on a rescue boat after witnessing a titan devouring his mother. Thus, his journey begins as an orphan filled with deep hatred toward Titans.

However, Thorfinn Karlsefni, the main character of Vinland Saga, is a young Viking who is unable to cope with the death of his father and believes he must seek revenge on Askellad, the man responsible for his father's demise.

The series depicts the vengeful teenager traveling the world while working with Askellad, all with the goal of eventually killing him. Despite their shared experiences as orphans and deep hatred for the world, Eren and Thorfinn have vastly different perspectives and attitudes towards life.

A contrast of ideology and philosophy

Both Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga share similar thematic messages, touching on topics such as war, freedom, and the rationale behind violent acts. Vinland Saga promotes the idea that true happiness comes from letting go of violence, while Attack on Titan emphasizes that complete freedom leads to happiness, urging one to persist no matter the circumstances.

In order to comprehend Eren Yeager, it is essential to grasp his interpretation of freedom and free will. While they may appear similar, Eren views them as distinct concepts. Free will embodies the decision-making process, essentially shaping one's lifestyle, whereas freedom refers to the ability to pursue one's desires in life.

Eren's long-held belief that reaching the ocean and enjoying it with his friends would bring true freedom was shattered when all he could think of at the moment was his enemies. He had always thought of himself as a fundamentally good person, but the reality was that he was not as special as he had convinced himself to be.

In Attack on Titan, Eren's true nature was revealed - a complex individual shaped by the tragedies in his life. He was neither entirely good nor bad, often capable of both kindness and insensitivity simultaneously.

The initial act of killing two people to save Mikasa may have seemed heroic, but Eren's age of 12 and his handling of the situation raises questions about his potential scheming and manipulative tendencies.

Eren's strong belief in freedom led him to take it away from his friends in Attack on Titan, making decisions for the world without giving them a choice. While some fans support his actions, the lingering question is whether there was a more humane approach.

Similarly, Thorfinn's early years were spent as an assassin in numerous battles, showing little concern for the lives he took as he focused on his goal of killing Askellad.

Thorfinn and Einar (Image via MAPPA)

During his time as a slave, Thorfinn crosses paths with Einar, his closest companion, and this encounter significantly alters the trajectory of his life. Einar, a farmer hailing from Northern England, was enslaved following the attack on his village. His disdain for warfare and injustice becomes a guiding force for Thorfinn, shedding light on the suffering endured by ordinary people and imparting invaluable wisdom.

Over time, Thorfinn begins to feel remorse for his past transgressions and recognizes the immense suffering he has caused in pursuit of vengeance. Unlike Eren, Thorfinn undergoes a genuine transformation shaped by his experiences. Consumed by thoughts of revenge, he becomes unable to empathize with the pain and suffering of others.

King Canute (Image via MAPPA)

Concluding thoughts

In a standout moment from season 2 of Vinland Saga, King Canute questions Thorfinn about his aspirations for the future. Thorfinn responds by expressing his desire to escape and renounce violence altogether. He envisions creating a sanctuary beyond the King's grasp, where all those marginalized by Canute’s regime can find refuge and build a utopia free from suffering.

Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga offer profound insights into life. While Eren believes in fighting for his ideal world, Thorfinn opts for peaceful compromise. Both characters fight for their loved ones, but their approaches are starkly different.

The messages portrayed in Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga are valuable and memorable. Although both protagonists share similarities, they also differ in their own distinct ways. These shows provide viewers with a fresh perspective on life and help them understand more about themselves.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have strong opinions and feelings towards the contrasting ideologies and philosophies presented in Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga. In Attack on Titan, the emphasis on freedom and the corrupt nature of politics resonates deeply with me. Eren's journey from a hopeful少年 to a complex and morally ambiguous character reflects the harsh realities of the world we live in.

On the other hand, Vinland Saga's exploration of vengeance and deeply-rooted realism offers a more nuanced and contemplative perspective. Thorfinn's quest for revenge and his eventual realization that true happiness comes from letting go of violence is a powerful message that challenges traditional notions of heroism and justice. Overall, both Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga have left a lasting impact on me, inviting me to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the choices we make in the pursuit of our goals.