‘Vinland Saga: Season 2’ Episode 18 Recap & Ending Explained: Does Ketil Forgive Arnheid for Trying to Escape?

Welcome to the Recap and Ending Explained for Vinland Saga: Season 2, Episode 18, titled “The First Measure.” In this episode, we get a union of the two different plotlines that were running at the same time through the last dozen of episodes. As we know, things have not been their regular selves at Ketil’s Farm. Gardar, a fugitive slave, came to the farm looking for his wife, who became Arnheid, Ketil’s favorite slave. The entire situation became a big mess as Snake, the main guard at the farm, ended up losing men in the conflict.

The situation reached a climax when Thorfinn, who had promised never to do violence again just episodes ago, decided to use his fighting abilities again to protect his friend. It was all in vain, as Snake wound Gardar in his heart, and the man died soon after. So, Ketil is returning to his lovable farm in total chaos, and he isn’t very good himself as the King, Canute, has placed his eye on the farm. Gardar’s rampage will be nothing in comparison to what is coming.

The following paragraphs contain spoilers for Vinland Saga: Season 2, Episode 18. Read at your own risk.

What Has Happened To Airheid After The Gardar Incident?

The episode begins at sea, with a fleet of ships traveling to the horizon. In it, we get a glimpse of Canute and his forces. Wulf and Floki accompany him. The two men discuss why Canute is going personally to face Ketil at his farm and how this might be below what a king should do. Canute wonders if Ketil and his farm will face him in battle. He confesses that he believes humans to be a very precious resource. He doesn’t want to lose his soldiers or people at the farm. If Ketil surrenders, it would be the best outcome.

Wulf proceeds to inform Canute that a long time ago, Ketil was named Iron Fist on the battlefield, so they shouldn’t let their guard down. Canute seems a bit surprised by this. When he met Ketil, he seemed to be a very docile man, so his reputation is something that the King didn’t expect. Wulf informed us that they had good speed and that they would be able to reach Ketil’s Farm in two or three days.

Meanwhile, we return to Ketil’s farm and learn what happened after the Gardar Incident. We see Leif arriving at the farm, accompanied by Thorgil, Olmar, and Ketil. Thorgil informs the farmers that an enemy is coming and that they should pick up as many enemies as possible. Everyone is shocked, but Thorgil’s attitude is very casual. He tries to elevate Olmar’s mood as well. The young man always wanted to go to war, but now, after being humiliated many times, his thirst for battle seems to have disappeared.

On the other hand, Ketil steps out of the barrel he was hiding in and seems like a completely different person. His kind demeanor has disappeared, and he seems catatonic. He goes home hoping to find Arnheid, the only thing he cares about. However, Arnheid is not at her place. Ketil finds his wife on the way, and she informs him about the Gardar Incident, how Arnheid tried to escape, how there were many dead guests, and how Arnheid has been tied up inside the stable. Something seems to break inside Ketil, who cannot believe what he hears.

Does Ketil Forgive Arnheid For Trying To Escape?

We jump back, Einar and Thorfinn, who have been tied up inside the guest’s compound. Einar notices how the guests seem to be agitated. They have been informed an enemy is coming, and they don’t believe they can build up defenses quickly enough. They also lost five warriors in the last few days, so their number has decreased. Einar and Thorfinn have no idea what is happening, but they notice that something is coming. Einar and Thorfinn then discuss what happened during the Gardar Incident.

Einar thanks Thorfinn for having fought Snake. Einar understands that it was a very important moment. Just days before, Thorfinn had promised never to do violence, but he decided to fight again for Arnhied’ sake. Thorfinn explains that he likes Snake. He believes that Snake is a kind and smart man and that he doesn’t want to fight him. Ultimately, he failed to protect Gardar, and now Arnheid will also be punished. Thorfinn wishes he could go back in time and approach the situation in a way that resulted in fewer deaths.

Einar agrees; that must have been another way. He wonders what will happen with Airheid. Could Ketil punish Arnheid for what happened? Thorfinn believes that won’t happen, especially because Arnheid carries Ketil’s child. At the stable, the guard watching over Arnheid believes that she will be spanked a couple of times, and that is it. However, when Ketil arrives, things start taking a dark turn. Ketil strikes Arnheid with a large stick and keeps hitting on her, full of hatred. The gentle Ketil is dead, and the beast from his past seems to have returned.

Arnheid tries to protect herself by explaining she is pregnant his Ketil’s child, but he doesn’t believe anything she says now and continues to strike. Ketil believes his pride has been stolen. Of course, this is not only about Arnheid’s betrayal but also about Canute taking over his lands and the loss of his first love as well. All the hate comes pouring in at once. Thankfully, Snake stops Ketil before he kills Arnheid. Leif tries to buy Thorfinn, Einar, and Arnheid from Ketil, but while the owner releases Thorfinn and Einar with no sweat, he states he won’t sell Arnheid. She belongs to him.

Pater brings Arnheid home and patches her up, but when Einar and Thorfinn arrive, he states that Anrheid might not make it. Her wounds are too big. The last thing we see is Ketil running inside his home and taking a sword out of a chest. His face has completely changed. He is now a demon and states that he will kill everyone, even the King. It seems Canute will face the Iron Fist in battle instead of the gentle farmer.