Thorkell
Thorkell
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トルケル
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| Personal Description | |
| Nihongo | トルケル |
| Vital Information | |
| Gender | Male |
| Age | Born ~963 |
| Status | Alive |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Hair | Blond |
| Height | 230 cm (7’7”) |
| Family | Unnamed wife |
| Occupation | Commander |
| First Appearance | |
| Manga Debut | Chapter 18 |
| Anime Debut | Episode 1 (Flashback) |
| Portrayal | |
| Japanese Voice | Akio Ōtsuka |
| English Voice | Joe Daniels (Sentai/Crunchyroll) |
- Japanese Name: トルケル (Torukeru)
- Nickname: Thorkell the Tall
- Titles: Former Jomsviking Commander, Current Commander under King Canute
- Franchise:Vinland Saga
- Family: Brother, Sigvaldi (Jomsviking Chief); Niece, Helga; Great-Nephew, Thorfinn; Daughter, Cordelia
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Émile Durkheim
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|---|---|
| Born |
David Émile Durkheim
15 April 1858 Épinal, France
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| Died | 15 November 1917(aged 59)
Paris,France
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| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Normale Supérieure |
| Known for | Sacred–profane dichotomy Collective consciousness Social fact Social integration Anomie Collective effervescence |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Philosophy, sociology, education, anthropology, religious studies |
| Institutions | University of Paris, University of Bordeaux |
| Influences | Immanuel Kant, René Descartes,Plato, Herbert Spencer,Aristotle, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Auguste Comte. William James, John Dewey, Fustel de Coulanges, Jean-Marie Guyau, Charles Bernard Renouvier, John Stuart Mill |
| Influenced | Marcel Mauss,Claude Lévi-Strauss, Talcott Parsons, Maurice Halbwachs, Jonathan Haidt, Lucien Lévy-Bruhl,Bronisław Malinowski, Fernand Braudel, Pierre Bourdieu, Charles Taylor, Henri Bergson, Emmanuel Levinas, Steven Lukes, Alfred Radcliffe-Brown, E. E. Evans-Pritchard, Mary Douglas, Paul Fauconnet, Robert N. Bellah, Ziya Gökalp, David Bloor, Randall Collins, Neil Smelser[1] |
Background and Role
Thorkell the Tall is a legendary Viking warrior in Vinland Saga, renowned for his boundless strength and unquenchable thirst for battle. Originally a commander of the elite Jomsvikings, Thorkell grew restless fighting for Denmark and switched sides in 1013 to fight for the English, claiming the challenge would be more exciting. This decision establishes Thorkell as both a wild card and a dangerous foe, particularly for the Danes. Known for his towering physique and unmatched combat prowess, Thorkell commands his own band of warriors and proves himself a formidable force on the battlefield.
Despite switching sides, Thorkell eventually returns to the service of the Danes, fighting under King Canute. His fierce loyalty lies not with any one kingdom but with the thrill of battle, making him a fierce and unpredictable ally or enemy depending on where the action is hottest. Thorkell’s unique philosophy on battle—where he sees war as a source of joy and discovery—sets him apart, and his enthusiasm often borders on the playful, even when he’s in the midst of combat.
With a thunderous laugh and a fierce gleam in his eye, Thorkell revels in the chaos of battle, embodying the spirit of a true warrior who finds joy in the clash of steel and the thrill of combat.
Personality and Traits
Thorkell’s love for fighting is matched only by his admiration for strong opponents. His childlike enthusiasm for battle and life makes him a paradoxical figure, at once bloodthirsty yet jovial, ruthless yet honorable. He despises cowardice and weakness, respecting only those who can match his strength or survive his onslaught. Thorkell’s view of combat as a form of play leads him to make decisions that prioritize excitement over loyalty, and he often acts as both a mentor and a source of comic relief within the series.
Relationships
Thorfinn
Thorkell’s great-nephew, Thorfinn becomes one of Thorkell’s most valued opponents and later, a source of pride. Thorkell respects Thorfinn’s courage and skill, even encouraging him to grow stronger through their clashes.
Thors
Thorkell held Thors, his nephew-in-law, in high regard, admiring his exceptional skill and moral integrity. Thors’s decision to abandon the Viking lifestyle intrigued Thorkell, and he respects Thors’s choice, even as he mourns his passing.
Canute
Thorkell’s loyalty to Canute is practical, as he sees Canute’s rule as a means to fulfill his love for battle. His support for Canute comes from respect for the king’s strength and vision rather than personal allegiance.
Sigvaldi and Cordelia
Thorkell’s brother Sigvaldi is the chief of the Jomsvikings, and his daughter Cordelia shares his Viking bloodline. Thorkell values family but prioritizes his own warrior code and pursuit of excitement over familial bonds.
Key Events
- Switching Sides: Thorkell’s choice to join the English in the war against the Danes in 1013 shocks both his comrades and enemies, highlighting his need for a greater challenge.
- Return to the Danes: After fighting for the English, Thorkell rejoins the Danes, now under Canute’s command, as he recognizes the king’s growing power and ambition.
- War Arc Battles: Thorkell’s role in the War Arc sees him clash with Thorfinn and other skilled fighters, providing some of the series’ most intense and memorable combat scenes.
Trivia and Insights
- Historical Inspiration: Thorkell’s character is inspired by the real-life Thorkell the Tall, a famed Viking warrior who served both England and Denmark.
- Strength and Size: Thorkell’s strength is so legendary that both Floki and Garm consider him the mightiest Viking alive, a testament to his colossal physique and skill.
- Battle Philosophy: Thorkell’s love for combat is rooted in a philosophy that views war as the ultimate test and discovery of one’s limits, making him a rare blend of warrior and philosopher.
- Respect for Thors: Thorkell’s admiration for Thors’s strength and choice to abandon war underscores his respect for individual conviction, even if it conflicts with his own lifestyle.
- Playful Antagonist: His personality often serves as comic relief, but Thorkell’s battles remain some of the most intense, displaying his dual nature as a fierce yet lighthearted opponent.
Thorkell’s larger-than-life presence and unyielding passion for battle make him one of Vinland Saga’s most iconic characters, blending humor, strength, and a sense of freedom that is rarely seen among Vikings. His journey across allegiances and love for strong opponents make him both an antagonist and a source of wisdom on the warrior’s path.