‘Vinland Saga Season 2’ Episode 7 Recap & Ending Explained: What Is the Legend of Iron Fist Ketil?

Welcome to the Recap and Ending Explained for Vinland Saga Season 2, Episode 7, titled “Iron Fist Ketil.” The series has turned a heel in this second season to become something that is way more introspective and calm. The world’s dangers still loom over the horizon, but they are present very differently. In previous episodes, for example, we went back to see how Canute was doing, and he is now a fully realized general. Hardship has replaced his beautiful exterior, and he is on a road of conquest.

Meanwhile, our protagonist, Thorfinn, is finding a new purpose in life, thanks to the people he has been meeting recently. His relationship with the farmer, Einar, has been eye-opening for the Viking warrior, who now sees wonder and beauty where he previously couldn’t. Einar and Thorfinn are on a mission to buy back their freedom. It is hard work, and it might not be possible for many years, but the truth is that there is still a glimpse of hope in this dark world. However, it also appears that some characters cannot take it as well as others.

The following paragraphs contain spoilers for Vinland Saga Season 2, Episode 7. Read at your own risk.

How Is Einar’s and Thorfinn’s Farming Going In Vinland Saga?

Episode 7 begins following a thread introduced in the previous episode. We meet with Snake and his men, who have been hired to protect Ketil’s farm from outsiders. However, the farm’s expanse of land is immense, and the men have a hard time covering the entire thing. There have been many cases of thieves stealing food recently. Snake and his men find themselves on the crime scene of the most recent theft, and Snake doesn’t like it one bit. For all his lazy personality, you can definitely see that Snake takes pride in his work.

We then jump to Einar and Thorfinn, who are washing their faces on a well. The pair displays their new beards, showing that quite a lot of time has passed since they arrived at the farm. Einar is conversing with Arnheid, the female house slave he met some episodes ago. Einar has a big crush on Arnheid, who is clearly a very beautiful woman. Arnheid gives a couple of compliments to Einar, and he blushes. However, Arnheid is punished by the master’s wife when she returns. The master’s wife states that maybe an enslaved man is a good match for an enslaved woman.

Meanwhile, Thorfinn and Einar go back to their field, and Einar is static because Arnheid threw some compliments at him. Here we see that Einar is quite innocent, and everything is presented as a very teenage crush. Thorfinn is interested in other things, mainly how the wheat grows in their field. Thorfinn is surprised that the sprouts look so feeble. Einar is as surprised as anyone that Thorfinn has never experienced something like this. Einar states that it is their work to protect the sprouts so that they can grow.

Einar also states that they cannot do much else right now other than wait for them to grow. Well, anything but to pray. So, Einar begins praying to the gods in quite a comedic fashion, and he forces Thorfinn to do the same. Einar knows that buying their freedom back might take years, but they are ready to work as much as possible. They have never been more motivated. He also wonders if, like them, Arnheid is also on the farm under a similar deal. Can Arnheid buy her freedom back?

What Is The Legend Of Iron Fist Ketil?

Arhheid prepares the house because it seems like Master Ketil is bringing some visitors to the farm. The visitors in question are Thorgil, Ketil’s older son, big brother to Olmar, and his men. Thorgil has come from England and brings with him tales of war and conquest. It seems Thorgil has served under Canute for some time and now, having followed the king around, has become quite a loyal subject. Ketil seems to be completely ignorant of what is happening in other territories, so the news is welcomed.

Thorgil sits down to eat while Arnheid serves the food. He tells stories to Olmar, who is listening very attentively. However, Olmar doesn’t seem to be very keen on going to England when his big brothers propose that he should go with him. Olmar might be waiting to prove himself, but in reality, there is nothing in the young man that screams that he could be a good warrior. It is here that Thorgil reveals the legend of Iron First Ketil. Olmar doesn’t understand who Thorgil is talking about, but he is talking about their father.

It seems like Ketil has a reputation among veterans, and Thorgil heard a lot about his father while at war. In the past, Ketil was known as Iron Fist because he would run into battle and break his weapons with the power of his strikes, so he needed to continue the battle using only his hands. Olmar cannot believe that his father could do such a thing. However, Ketil himself doesn’t seem eager to talk about it. The meal is interrupted by Snake, who has captured some thieves in recent days, and he insists that Ketil should decide what to do with them.

There is an issue. Though, the thieves are children. Ketil doesn’t want to punish the children and tries to treat them as well as he can. However, Thorgil insists that such a crime deserves punishment, which should be cutting one arm. Ketil is horrified by his son’s suggestion. Pater intercedes and explains that cutting the kids’ arms would make them useless. It is better if they are put to work. Still, everyone wants the kids to be punished, and Ketil does it himself, trying to spare Strude and Thora from Thorgil’s strike, which would kill them.

As the episode finishes, we see Ketil in bed with Arnheid. He says she is the only person to whom he can speak all that is in his mind. He reveals that the legend of Iron Fist is a lie; he is not like that and feels he is in a world surrounded by darkness. Arnheid tells him that being kind doesn’t make him weak.