**Spoilers in episode!**

Askladd’s death was shocking and glorious, marking a crucial turning point in the character arc of the protagonist, Thorfinn, and the plot of Vinland Saga. Today, we delve into the many paths the story could have taken had Askeladd survived the infamous throne room scene. What would an inevitably exiled Askeladd decide to do with the Danish vikings hot on his heels? What path would Thorfinn choose to take after Askeladd’s utterly unforeseeable massacre of King Sweyn and his court? We’ll see.