Vinland Saga, Volume 11: The Mighty Laid Low

ヴィンランド・サガ [Vinland Saga] #21-22

by Makoto Yukimura

The Mighty Laid Low Thanks to his claim by lineage, the attackers surrounding Jomsborg want Thorfinn to be their leader, but it is a mantle he intensely rejects. When the battle for leadership over the powerful Jomsvikings reaches a stalemate, Thorfinn must make a critical decision. With Gudrid held captive within the fortressed city, walking away will not be an option. He must infiltrate Jomsborg to break her out, and the ensuing battle will leave the greatest mercenary force in the North Sea changed forever…

Genres: Manga, Historical Fiction, Graphic Novels, Comics, Seinen, Adventure, Fiction

375 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2019

About the author

幸村誠

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Jomsvikings' manipulations and conspiring have come back to bite them in their Viking asses as they have stirred up a faction aided by the incorrigible violence loving Thorkell. Both Thorfinn's and the living-on-the-edge Sigurd's crews get deeply caught up in the ensuing conflict. And as amiable nutcase with murderous intent Garm hunts his prey, Hild watches over hers.

More alarming situations arise as Thorfinn struggle to manage him and his friends through the conflict without resorting, or should that be reverting back to killing. With a great supporting cast, corny humour, savage violence and century-appropriate super heroics by the likes of Thorkell, Thorfinn and Garm, this was a riveting improving read. Four Stars, 8 out of 12.

2025 read

[aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75/5

THIS VOLUME WAS EVERYTHING!!!!!!






(I need Thorfinn and Gudrid to be together)

[Sud666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a year or so I find myself, driven by a GR review I randomly espied, back in the awesome manga world of Vinalnd Saga. I had, obviously, ended at Vol 10 and had trouble finding the rest. But, whilst wandering around Europe, not reading but still keeping an eye on what people were reading I found a review for Vol 11. I immediately ordered the rest of the series upon return to the States. Glad I did.

Vol 11 finishes a lot of story arcs and begins a few new ones. Thorkell and Thorfinn show up to combine to fight Floki and the Jomsvikings at Jomborg. Without getting spoilery-many story arcs from Balder and Floki to Thorkell and Sigurd, as well as the famed leadership of the Jomsvikings. I really enjoyed it, as I have enjoyed this entire series.

Random thoughts? Garm is a great character. I think that Thorfinn is truly becoming more like his father where his mastery of combat makes him wish to fight less due to the lack of challenge. Very glad to return to this series after a break. Awesome manga series.

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prologue: I grabbed ten thick volumes of this series on my last day working at the library as part of a just-in-case cache, y'know, in case this coronavirus thing somehow lasted more than a couple weeks and I actually got through the other 80+ graphic novels I already had checked out. Two months later, and I'm all done with all those books, and now Vinland Saga, and I've already been using Hoopla and Libby for the first time to read dozens of digital graphic novels. I'm down to my last six just-in-case GNs, giant omnibuses for Stray Bullets, Ex Machina, Berserk, Planetary, and For Better or for Worse. Good thing I'm on the verge of returning to the library.

Anyone remember the old Charlton series, The Peacemaker, with its "A man who loves peace so much that he is willing to fight for it!" tagline? Pacifist Thorfinn Karlsefni feels the same way, spending a good chunk of this volume dueling unarmed against the spear-wielding psycho assassin named Garm. And that fight is the least violent one to occur in the battle to take the fortress of Jomsborg.

Despite all the gore, this outing is actually one of the more humorous in the series thanks to Thorkell the Tall's larger-than-life personality and the slapstick bum luck of spurned hubby and aspiring war hero Sigurd.

Great series! So unhappy I have to wait months until the next installment!

[Svetlana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Amazing volume! As usual, the art is on top. Horrifying war scenes. The volume is very dynamic. Read it in one seat. Just unable to put it down.
So enjoyed it!!! Especially so funny scenes when Siggy and his “band” were sneaking into Jombsborg. Aha-ha 🤣
Hild character is so annoying!!! This girl, I meant her character, has so much potential!! Why the author keep her on the second plan just to follow Thorfinn and say the same all the time. We got it already! To make sure that Thorfinn will not fight?! But he already made a decision on his own. Why he needs a watchdog?!

[James DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still going strong 11 (big volumes, 22 regular volumes) in. The fights have never been bigger, the stakes as high as possible, and so many characters are pushing to survive. While no major character faces the end, the horrors of war are shown on full display here. A 4.5 out of 5.

[David Halada · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Peace is not something you wish for, it is something you make, something you are, something you do and something you give away. ” ― Robert Fulghum

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might have been my favourite of the series. Thorfinn’s progression as a character trying to live peaceably in a bloodthirsty world has kept me coming back to this series book after book. The use of quick thinking and quick sidestepping have kept Thorfinn utterly engaging as a character. His progression from a feral teenager to a young man with a deepening commitment to choosing peace over fighting seem plausible as the story is written. Showing just how much he struggles and how hard he has to work at it gives the character nuance and depth. I love a character like that. Especially with the backdrop of a devastating war. The art was fantastic. Siggy was surprisingly engaging as well. Loved this a great deal.

[Lia Carstairs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume ends the Baltic Sea War Arc

This was by far my favourite arc of the whole series (honestly the arcs just keep getting better and better). All the new characters we were introduced to!!! And each of them have so much depth I love it so much. Like Sigurd??? Never in a million years did I think he would be such a funny and good guy, I screenshotted so many of his scenes because truly this guy LOL. (Also his convos with his 4 men omg I was dying I really couldn't take them seriously they're so funny) And then Gudrid and Hild!! STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS HELL YEAH!! (And NOT oversexualized either???) From their first appearances, I fell in love with them immediately and am so happy they're part of Thorfinn's crew!! I can't wait to see where their story leads to next. (Also Karli and the dog being additions to the crew was so unexpected please)

This arc was genuinely so amazing in testing Thorfinn's resolve to uphold the promises he made about trying to be a kinder and gentler person. Because really, the amount of chaos and violence that kept coming Thorfinn's way even while he insisted on not getting involved, and yet that wasn't enough. But the way he handled the whole Baltic Sea War was done so so well, I LOVE YOU THORFINN😭

And speaking of chaos, seeing Thorkell again??? Help this guy never fails to make my jaw drop, he is truly insane. And by this point it really shouldn't be a surprise but... wow. And yet somehow you still can't help but like him??? Even though he's awful??? At least his decision at the end with the duel was something I really liked!!! Respect the guy. Also Garm was such an interesting character and also Thorkell-level crazy. He was pretty annoying for the most part but still definitely a great antagonist.

I'm beyond excited to see the crew finally travel to Vinland but also that means I'll be closer to the end so😭 This series is literally in my top 5 mangas/animes ever and honestly I can 100% see it being my #1 favourite. The themes and messages shown throughout the series are so beautiful and devastating. It's truly one of the most well written stories I've ever read.


(Also I just witnessed my sister reading the last arc of vinland and the way she was crying so much and feeling depressed??? LIKE UM TALKING ABOUT SCARY???? Genuinely think I'll hold off just a little bit from reading the last arc now, I'm not ready😭)

[Etienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A ton of action in this one. We get a bit more or it from Thorfinn to, not I much as expected but a decent amount. The story evolve also in a good way, there is still a good dose of humor, but not too much so it was okay. Overall a very good volume and now I'm officially up to date with this series. Next one is pre-order already so I just have to way for it to come. The next one will probably move on quite a bit in the storyline since the Baltic War is over, we'll move to something else, closer to Vinland maybe...

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is hard, but peace is harder. Thorfinn’s commitment to maintaining his pacifist nature is grueling in the midst of a conflict in which everyone is trying to pull him back to the Thorfinn he used to be. And he refuses. He’s such a phenomenal character and every time he makes that continued choice of peace it is beautiful.

[Fraser Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This arcs finale was alright. The fight scenes were cool. The artwork great. It still felt far, far too long, and the actual conflict between the two sides felt pretty boring. The resolution with Gurid and the tension between that decision and chain boy is more interesting than the entire endless fight sequences interspersed with bad timing comedy segments.

Such is the way of the format, I know, but it still feels so juvenile, especially in a series with this kind of subject matter and the seriousness, overall, of what it is trying to accomplish. There isn’t really a reason to pander. If anything, actually, the comedy segments are worse than ever. Maybe it’s a by product of its popularity.

[Jimmy Ramirez Jaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

THORFINN IS BACK RAHHHH 🦅🦅🦅🦅

Beautiful ass volume. Had me crying at the end.

[Andreás Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

More and more this series has become a foundational inspiration in how to live your life. It is gritty. It is intense. But the theme of true pacifism is so powerful.

[Zbigniew Gacek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solidny koniec epickiej bitwy o Jomsborg. Duuużo walki, dobre sceny, koniec dużego story arku. Co dalej ....?

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorfinn and his enormous crew take on Floki and his enormous crew in the battle for Jomsborg. It's all very exciting, as Vinland Saga always is, with plenty of humor (Sigurd running through the battle in a barrel!) and pathos. It's also far too populated with side characters whose reason for being I've long forgotten.

For example, Thorfinn has a rooftop brawl with Garm who is...a super talented spear guy? And the leader of the anti-Floki clan is a mysterious dude with a nice goatee? But where did he come from? At this point in the long-running saga, I need some kind of Dramatis Personae at the beginning of the book to keep track of the dozens of key characters.

At least this eleventh volume finally wraps up the whole Jomsvikings deal as they're ultimately disbanded by a victorious Thorfinn. Time for a hard reset in the saga. Maybe they can discard some superfluous characters while they're at it.

[Hannah]

Wow this series is going downhill fast

[Nicole ᚦᚬᚱᚠᛁᚾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When I was a boy, my father said something to me.
‘You have no enemies. There is no one that you should hurt.’ Now, I realize what a noble teaching this is. I want to do right by those words. But…
It’s just so exhausting…”

I LOVED THIS ONE.

Where do I even begin???

Garm?? I actually loved his character. He’s just crazy, has always been that way. He pursues a fight with Thorfinn, but openly questions him too. He’s so interesting.

Thorfinn taunting Garm? YES THAT’S WHAT I LIKE TO SEE!!! Using Askeladd’s tactics against someone else? He really is becoming more and more like him. (Plus the moment he remembered that trick Askeladd used on him.. “What a horrid thought.”)
I loved seeing his “rude” side again, even if it was just for show. (“Shut up, loser. You should be honored that Thorfinn Karlsefni even decided to give you his time.”)
It’s like we got a glimmer of angsty teenage Thorfinn again for just a moment and I loved every second of it.

“The things that man taught me.. are what kept me alive.”

He mirrors Askeladd so well when he gives his little speech.
“For most people, when the blood rushes to their heads…
Their movements become quite simple. They become too fixated on the one mark they’re attacking.”
Thorfinn must be seeing the errors he’d continuously made on Askeladd in Garm’s mistake.

Thorfinn becoming captain for just a moment and disbanding the Jomsvikings? Iconic.

I felt so bad for Baldr this entire time. Poor thing just wants to fish and be free. When he tried to stab himself in the heart, but he just couldn’t go through with it? Killed me.
His body wanted to stay alive, as Snake had once said.
At least he got his happy ending.

Thorfinn seeing his father’s grave? And it’s unmarked? Broke my heart. Some things just get so bad for him, poor Thorfinn.

On a lighter note, my favorite parts happened at the very END of the manga..
Thorfinn firstly hugging Gudrid?
Her getting absolutely red?? Oh yes this is what I like to see. (“I’m so glad.. I’m so glad you’re all right..”)
Did you say that to anyone else, Thorfinn? Where’s the Einar hug?? Or is your mind still catching up to your heart and body?

I love how she’s always the first to defend him. Going after THORKELL himself? Now she does have some guts to do that just for this one blond warrior guy.

Thorkell being an accidental reason for Gudrid’s confession? The cherry on top.
(“Ah hahh.. Young lady… You love Thorfinn, don’t you?”)
Thorfinn’s confused reaction is hilarious. Einar looks surprised, Hild is only mildly amused.

The ending is so awkward and I love it.

Thorkell just puts some “as a matter of fact” energy over here with the “You’d better wed this girl. She’ll look out for you” thing.

And.. Thorfinn’s obviously got nothing to say here. He’s definitely lacking in the romance department..

Meanwhile Gudrid wants to sink into the ground and die and can’t even turn around. (I would do the exact same.)

The only sin this book made is not having the next scene after the confession.

5 stars

[Darien Springer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything is resolved too simply in this volume. Thorfinn is continually allowed to not sacrifice anything in order to preserve his utopian values. I suppose that just doesn't resonate with how I perceive the world. Peace continually seems impossible to achieve and so I am far more likely to resonate with how The Walking Dead comic presents achieving it as a constant inner struggle. Thorfinn is too often allowed to disable his opponents instead of kill them which feels too convenient. In series like The Walking Dead or Attack on Titan the characters constantly are forced in to moral compromise because there is sometimes no right answer. Vinland Saga makes moral choices seem obvious and easy instead of agonizing. It's clear to me that Yukimura just wants Thorfinn to win over and over again to prove the point Yukimura is trying to make. But when the odds are always in Thorfinn's favor, Yukimura's stance on non-violence seems borderline childish. If only we could all uncomplicatedly be pure in our ideology. If only there were never impossible dilemmas. I wish. Instead of making Vinland Saga feel like an uncaring universe that good people have to struggle in, Yukimura has made the world feel like it is ultimately on the side of the heroes.

[Mark Redman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vinland Saga Volume 11 is an exceptional addition to the series, offering a gripping and immersive reading experience. From start to finish, it is evident that a great deal of thought has gone into the writing and illustration of this volume. The story is both well-crafted and engaging, with the narrative flowing seamlessly from one scene to the next.

What sets this volume apart from the others is the level of detail put into the illustrations, particularly the battle sequences. Each panel is painstakingly crafted, capturing the action and intensity of the battles in vivid detail. The writing is equally impressive, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps the reader invested throughout.

Despite the underlying violence of the story, there are moments of levity and humor sprinkled throughout, providing a nice balance to the darker themes. Additionally, there are moments of tragedy that add emotional depth to the story.

Overall, Vinland Saga Volume 11 is a standout addition to the series, with certain threads of the story coming to a satisfying conclusion while new ones emerge. Highly recommended for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

[Doc · Rating 5 out of 5]

All war and no peace makes Thorkell an excited boy.

Wow. These War in the Baltic chapters just keep going as this book reaching the 36th part as Floki has to deal with the culmination of all of his machinations up to this point. What starts as a rescue operation becomes a book full of action, moral questions, political upheaval, at least one love confession, an interesting mutant child (how did you manage that one Floki), and a fantastic homage to the classic movie the Shining. Thorfinn will once again fight for his life as he continues to tread the line between pacifism and the deadly past he is trying to leave behind. Even if people want him to be the new chieftain of the Jomsvikings. This series continues to put out great stories mixed with emotions, gore, and questions about what is right and wrong in a world where violence and greed prevail.

[marko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petica čista kao suza! Pored četvrtog omnibusa, ovaj broj je najbolji u čitavom serijalu do sada! Kakvo uživanje!!!

⭐️ Thorfinnova faca kada je konačno naišao na Flokia!

⭐️ “We already are friends.” + maestralan duel zbog koga sam zavoleo Garma u sekundi!

⭐️ “THEEERE’S… FLOKIII!” (*vrisaaaak*)

⭐️ BRUTALNA, besprekorno nacrtana nezaustavljiva akcija, prepuna tvistova!

⭐️ Thorfinnova vizija za budućnost, bacanje plašta u ratnu rulju, i rečenica preslatke Gudrid: “THORFINN’S JUST TRYING TO LIVE AN HONEST TRUE LIFE!!”

Ma savršeno. 💛

[Adam Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, it's beginning to drag now. All of the characters who want to change but can't: Thorfinn, Gudrid, Baldr, etc, and all the characters who just want to fight: Thorkell, Garm, Jomvikings ,etc, the reluctant leader: Trorfinn, Thorkell, Baldr etc. Yeah, it's kinda a rinse and repeat formulaic storyline now. It's still keeping my interest, but this book definitely felt like it spun its wheels and didn't really go anywhere.

[Bailey Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series of Manga. Lots of War but a profession of love too.

[Yara Belkis · Rating 5 out of 5]

hello Shakespeare vibes✨

[Michelle G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing volume. I'm enjoying these final volumes so much. The last two have been so fast-paced and action-packed, but also full of moving and funny moments. And the art is incredible.

The reference to The Shining's "Here's Johnny" with that "Theeere's... Floki!!!" moment was beautiful.

And Gudrid's rant about people not leaving Thorfinn alone to just live an honest life and be the gentle person he wants to be is basically me. Leave Thorfinn Alone Team, all the way.

[Cherokee Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all I’m so thankful the war arc is OVER

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorfinn upholds his oath even with plenty of temptation. Great siege and subterfuge.

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

cudowności fantastyczności