Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by “Richard McLachlan”
This month’s Vinland Saga‘s chapter was centered on Hild. For quite a while, we have only seen a very redundant side of Hild’s character, which is her hatred towards Thorfinn. But no one can blame her, as Thorfinn is the one responsible for Hild’s parents’ death, her disfigured face, basically ruining her childhood and turning her into a downright predator.
However, in the recent arc, we have seen Hild give Thorfinn a chance for his life, given that he doesn’t go back to his violent routes. The big question is whether the female hunter will eventually be able to forgive the protagonist once and for all. Vinland Saga Chapter 188 gives us some foreshadowing in a rather weird way.
Chapter 188 starts with Hild going into a forest to hunt a bear. Upon the villagers’ warning of danger ahead, Thorfinn intervenes and quotes “Bears are Hild’s specialty”. And we all know why. After the death of her family, Hild was trained by a bear hunter. Ironically, her master dies at the hands of a bear, and this event further fuels her hatred towards the world and particularly, Thorfinn, as back in Chapter 120, the huntress images the killer bear as Thorfinn and thereon, initiating her path of becoming a predator herself.
After Hild enters the forest that is densely covered in snow. She tries to track the bear with its footprints. While doing so, she realizes the fact that it has been so long since she has gone for a hunt like this. Then we are shown the stills that highlight the soft side of her character. Such as Hild teaching the children of the village, including Thorfinn’s adopted son, Karli.
These scenes are important as, most of the time, we see only Hild’s stubborn and resentful side. However, Vinland Saga Chapter 188 shows the positive contribution that Hild has been making behind the scenes.
The conversation with Karli also signifies a very important point of discussion—the possibility of Hild forgiving Thorfinn. Karli asks Hild why she always fights with her father and if his father did something bad in the past. Ultimately, he questions whether she would ever forgive Thorfinn for whatever he’s done to Hild. To that, Hild stays silent and expresses agitation.
It is quite apparent that Hild is not ready to forgive Thorfinn at this point of the story, but the fact she also didn’t say that she will not forgive him tells that she might be paving her way to pardoning Thorfinn. Despite her hatred, Hild has witnessed a change in Thorfinn’s personality. He is no longer the wild Viking he used to be.
Instead, he is now a very reasonable leader who plans to solve everything through wit and peace. Hild’s most interactions with Thorfinn are serious and serve as a reminder to Thorfinn that he will be killed if he goes back to his old ways. But after this conversation with Karli, it would be fair to say that Hild might contemplate properly her future relationship with Thorfinn.
Moving on, we get to see that the bear that Hild was chasing is now hibernating in a safe hole. Observing that, Hild decides to spare the bear and makes her way back. This is also an indicator that Hild has softened down, as bears were the predators she hated most. Later on, it gets dark, and Hild is seen resting near a fire.
She ruminates that she has become more familiar with the forest in quite a short time and that it is rather peaceful with very few beasts around. I take this as an exposition of Hild’s inner state that shows that just like the forest, her heart has also gotten peaceful. There are fewer enemies in her life now and plenty of friends.
Now comes the weird part. Soon after she starts examining the environment around her, a human figure comes near her and has the head of a bear. Yes, a human with a bear head. Or a talking bear with a human body. It is unclear whether the bear was an actual human, basically a shaman wearing a bear head, or it was all a Hild’s dream, and she dreamt of a talking bear that could be, as suggested on this Reddit thread, Muwin the Bear.
Well, the important part is that the talking bear asks Hild why she spared the previous bear that she was hunting. Hild first answers that it was her people’s fault that they cut down the forests and forced the bear to move toward the humans’ side in order to find some food. Later, when asked about her hatred for the bears, as aforementioned, that one killed her master, she comments, “That was long ago.”
I must say that despite this chapter having very few dialogues, it still highlighted and probably foreshadowed a lot. Hild’s sheer detest for the bears as something that was in the past tells us that her character has also changed. We don’t know whether Hild’s character will be developed to the point where she will forgive Thorfinn or not, but judging from Chapter 188, we can assume that perhaps there is a brighter future ahead.
The chapter ends with the remarks, “In a forest different from the one of that winter,” hinting that not only the forest but also Hild is different.
That’s all for the Vinland Saga Chapter 188 discussion and review. For more entertainment, keep following us.
Thorfinn intervenes by reassuring the villagers that “Bears are Hild’s specialty.” He acknowledges her skills and past experiences. This intervention highlights Thorfinn’s understanding and respect for Hild.
Hild’s interaction with Karli signifies the possibility of her forgiving Thorfinn. Karli’s innocent questions force Hild to confront her feelings. Her silence and agitation suggest she is contemplating forgiveness.
The chapter foreshadows a brighter future for Hild. Her changing attitude towards bears and Thorfinn suggests she may eventually forgive him. The chapter hints at her ongoing character development.
The human figure with a bear head represents a surreal or dream-like encounter. It could be a shaman or a figment of Hild’s imagination. This figure questions Hild’s motives and highlights her internal conflict.
Hild’s journey into the forest is triggered by her decision to hunt a bear. Despite warnings from the villagers, she proceeds, showcasing her expertise and determination. This hunt serves as a metaphor for her internal struggles.
The main focus of Vinland Saga Chapter 188 is on Hild. The chapter explores her character development and her interactions with Thorfinn and other villagers. It also delves into her internal struggles and potential for forgiveness.
Hild sparing the bear signifies her softened attitude and growth. It shows she no longer harbors the same level of hatred. This act symbolizes her changing perspective and potential for forgiveness.
The chapter’s ending remark, “In a forest different from the one of that winter,” signifies change. It implies that both the forest and Hild have transformed. This remark encapsulates the theme of growth and renewal.
Hild’s character is significant because it shows her evolution from a vengeful predator to someone capable of empathy. Her interactions with Thorfinn and the villagers highlight her softer side. This chapter foreshadows her potential to forgive Thorfinn.
