Why Askeladd Is the Most Realistic “Grey” Character in Modern Anime

When it comes to anime, we’re used to clear lines between heroes and villains. The protagonist fights for justice, the antagonist embodies evil, and the story plays out accordingly. But every once in a while, an anime character comes along who completely blurs those lines someone who makes us question what’s right, what’s wrong, and whether morality is really as simple as black and white.

That someone is Askeladd from Vinland Saga. A cunning mercenary, a ruthless leader, a man of culture, and ultimately a tragic figure—Askeladd may just be the most realistic “grey” character modern anime has given us. And in a world full of edgy “antiheroes” who lean too far into one side, Askeladd stands out as a brilliantly balanced, deeply human character who feels like he could walk right out of history. So let’s break down why Askeladd is anime’s ultimate grey zone legend.

Who Is Askeladd?

For those newer to Vinland Saga, Askeladd is introduced as the leader of a band of mercenaries during the Viking era. He’s witty, charismatic, and tactical—able to command loyalty from brutal men while outsmarting both allies and enemies alike. But let’s not sugarcoat it: he’s also a killer. A manipulator. A man who doesn’t hesitate to use people as pawns if it gets him closer to his goal.

And yet—despite all of this—Askeladd isn’t a one-note villain. As the story unfolds, we see his sharp intelligence, his buried idealism, his love for his mother, and his complicated sense of justice. He’s not cruel for cruelty’s sake; he’s pragmatic, layered, and strangely sympathetic.

Why Askeladd is Not Like a Typical Villain

1. He Has a Clear, Personal Motivation

Unlike cartoonish villains who “just want power,” Askeladd’s actions are rooted in his heritage and personal pain. His Welsh mother instilled in him a deep hatred for the invading Danes, and everything he does—manipulating Vikings, fighting wars, even betraying allies is part of a long game to protect Wales. This isn’t “evil for evil’s sake.” It’s survival, strategy, and vengeance rolled into one.

2. He’s Brutal but Not Mindless

Askeladd kills, but he does it with intention. He spares when it benefits him, and he slaughters when necessary. Unlike sadistic villains, his violence is controlled. That’s what makes him unpredictable and scarily believable.

3. He’s a Master Manipulator, but Also Honest

Askeladd’s charm is that he can weave lies and schemes, but when it counts, he shows moments of brutal honesty. He tells Thorfinn hard truths. He doesn’t hide his disdain for fools. And when he finally reveals his true loyalties (in one of the series’ most shocking climaxes), it feels earned, not random.

4. He Embodies the Grey Area of Morality

Askeladd is the kind of character who makes you question your own sense of right and wrong. Is he a villain for manipulating and killing? Or is he a hero for protecting his people’s legacy in a hopeless world? The answer is both. And that’s what makes him fascinating.

The Psychology of Askeladd

The genius of Askeladd’s writing is that despite his many sins, fans often find themselves liking him.

• He’s witty. His dry sarcasm in tense moments makes him strangely likable.
• He’s cultured. Unlike most brutish Vikings, Askeladd respects knowledge and heritage.
• He’s fatherly. His complex relationship with Thorfinn isn’t warm, but it’s formative. He essentially shapes Thorfinn’s worldview more than anyone else.

Deep down, audiences crave complexity. We don’t just want heroes who are perfect or villains who are monsters. Askeladd is that sweet spot: someone we’d never want to cross in real life, but someone whose logic we can’t ignore.

Why Fans Still Talk About Askeladd

Years after his arc, fans of Vinland Saga still debate: Was Askeladd a villain, a hero or both? The fact that we’re still asking those questions is proof of how well-written he is. Unlike most anime villains who fade after their role ends, Askeladd lingers in our minds—because he represents something real: the messy, complicated, morally grey nature of humanity itself.

Askeladd isn’t just a standout in Vinland Saga—he’s a standout in anime as a whole. He’s proof that characters don’t need to be black or white to be compelling. In fact, it’s the grey in between—the compromises, the contradictions, the painful choices—that make a character truly unforgettable. And maybe that’s why Askeladd feels so real. Because in life, very few people are purely heroes or villains. Most of us, like Askeladd, are somewhere in the middle.

Image credit MAPPA