(Thread) Bjorn & Askeladd’s bond is one of my favourite aspects of the prologue to look back on, and his death scene is one of my faves of all time.His honest wish to become Askeladd’s friend even before death contrasted beautifully against his violent, uncontrollable imagery and

reminded us of the human side to these vikings. It’s also one of the few scenes where we get to see Askeladd in an intimate moment (besides his backstory) where Bjorn dives deep into his mind, asking his leader wether he felt ‘lonely’, hating everyone including himself. Until

now, Askeladd has always been portrayed as selfish, and independent, sending his ‘comrades’ and fellow vikings to death under his command. All while hating the Danes. However this moment is extremely special, as his ‘independence’ is revealed to perhaps be loneliness. Bjorn

being able to see through Askeladd reveals just how close they were, even if the other didn’t realise. This ‘loneliness’ which followed him was finally broken by Bjorn, as Askeladd reveals he was his ‘only friend’.
The emotional weight of having to end your only friend’s life is

shown as Askeladd, who’s usually calm and calculating, misses Bjoen’s weak spot. Perhaps it was due to the emotional shock of Bjorn’s words, or that for the first time in years, Askeladd found someone he truly cared about only when faced with his inevitable death.

Going back to

Bjorn’s words before the duel, it’s important to note that he reveals Askeladd even hated himself. Just like his loneliness, Askeladd hating himself is something which goes against the ‘Askeladd’ we know, who’s always seemed confident and proud. However Yukimura reveals this

deep and honest part of Askeladd through Bjorn, so by ending Bjorn’s life right after, it’s almost as though this part of Askeladd ends with him. Both his loneliness and hatred for himself, replaced by determination and strength as he carries out his final duties, both as

the son of a slave and the leader of many fallen men.

(end)

EEE I forgot the title of the thread, I just wanted to discuss Bjorn’s relationship with Askeladd because I feel like it’s often overlooked and is one of the most special aspects to the prologue.
Also Bjorn’s name means bear (like Bjorn the best man), i just think that’s nice lol

*Bjorn the bear man (autocorrect)