Out of the Cradle (Vinland Saga)

Out of the Cradle is the 18th episode of the first season of Vinland Saga

Plot
With Askeladd crippled from his injuries, Thorfinn challenges Thorkell in a duel for his fate and his next personal duel with Askeladd. Meanwhile, as a berserk Bjorn viciously battles Atli and the others, Canute learns clarity from a deceased loved one.

Why it Rocks

 * 1) The rematch duel between Thorfinn and Thorkell finally begins, and it is well worth the wait, with it being shown how Thorfinn has learned from their last duel, but may still have difficulty battling such an experienced and powerful foe.
 * 2) Many awesome fight scenes in addition to the aforementioned duel, the battle between Bjorn and Atli and his men is prolongued and brutal, with a whole lot of blood and violence.
 * 3) This episode, despite the battle scenes, focuses more on character development, focusing mostly on Canute's character arc started since A Gamble.
 * 4) Thorfinn and Thorkell also get some character development between their duel, as Thorkell is revealed to have known Thors personally, hence the reason why he's so obsessed with battling Thorfinn, and makes him question his quest for vengeance and whether he's really honoring his father.
 * 5) Canute finally sees Ragnar once again in the afterlife, which is a very touching moment and offers him some closure from his death as they're more or less finally able to say goodbye.
 * 6) Canute's character development is wonderfully made and well-written, as he finally grows a spine and becomes much more brave and like a king. He also further develops his own ideals, deciding to become a warrior for peace rather than one for war, and even learns to question his faith and realize the truth about it, as well as the realization of the inherent beauty of the world despite some of the bad parts and people.
 * 7) Interesting themes for religion, explored in a respectful way with relatable and realistic ideals explored thanks to the drunken priest, who believes god's love is in death, whereas Canute realizes god's love is in being brought to the world and being allowed to experience the world.

Reception
The episode received 9.3 out of 10 stars on IMDb.