“All good things must come to an end,” is a familiar saying, but it rarely carries as much weight as when applied to Vinland Saga. After 20 years of captivating fans and earning critical acclaim, this seinen masterpiece has finally come to a close. While fans of Berserk and Vagabond continue to wait for their favorite series to end, Vinland Saga, one of the most celebrated seinen trilogies, wrapped up its journey with the release of its final chapter, chapter 220, on July 24, 2025.
Vinland Saga is the second completed series by author Makoto Yukimura, following the success of his sci-fi seinen manga Planetes. This epic Viking tale began serialization in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine in April 2005. Shortly after, in October of the same year, Vinland Saga moved to Monthly Afternoon, where it was published regularly until its final chapter.
Although its sales may not have reached the heights of Berserk or Vagabond, Vinland Saga made a significant impact and secured a devoted fanbase before being adapted into an anime by Wit Studio, with MAPPA taking over for the second season.
Vinland Saga Officially Concludes
Fans had been bracing for Vinland Saga’s inevitable ending for months. In December 2024, Yukimura shared on social media that the manga was entering its final arc and expressed his feelings about completing such a long-running work:
“Vinland Saga will be ending soon. I know I’m complaining after a break, but… finishing a story is really hard! Looking back, I’ve only drawn the final volume once before. This is the second time. It’s amazing that those who came before me managed to complete such long series. That alone commands my respect,” he wrote on Twitter.
The Lasting Legacy of Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga will always be remembered as one of the most influential and defining seinen manga. The early chapters introduce Thorfinn, an Icelandic boy who dreams of becoming a great warrior like his late father, Thors. But after experiencing the brutal realities of war and having his bloody thirst for revenge cruelly taken away, Thorfinn learns a profound lesson: “I have no enemies. No one has enemies.”
Every fan has their favorite arcs throughout the series. Some anime-only viewers enjoy the War arc for its intense action, while most agree that the Slave arc, adapted in the anime’s second season, is the best. Beyond the anime, the Eastern Expedition arc also stands out, introducing many compelling characters. Fans have been deeply moved by Thorfinn’s quest to become a “True Warrior,” and the series has even inspired many readers to make positive changes in their own lives.
With its profound themes of peace, growth, and the meaning of life, Vinland Saga is sure to be remembered as one of the greatest manga of all time for years to come. Thorfinn’s immortal words, “I have no enemies,” will remain etched in the hearts of its community.