Thorfinn and Kenshin are some of the best protagonists in their respective demographics and genres. The two characters surprisingly share a few things in common. Many of their themes, character traits and ideologies overlap.
Summary of Rurouni Kenshin
The story follows a former assassin known as Hitokiri Battosai. He fought for the emperor to help end the Bakumatsu war. After the war, he disappears and becomes Himura Kenshin. He carries a reverse blade and vows not to kill no matter what as he knows the horrors of war.
Summary of Vinland Saga
The story is set in the Viking era. Thorfinn pursues a journey with his father's killer in order to take revenge and end his life in a duel as an honorable warrior and pay his father homage.
Now let's get into what actually makes these characters similar.
1. Similar Ideologies
Kenshin and Thorfinn share many similarities, one of which is their ideologies. Both of them were savage killers in their past. They've seen horrors of war and the worst of human nature.
Kenshin has vowed never to kill again in an era where killing and being killed was almost normal He even took it upon himself to use a reverse blade making it even harder to kill someone even if he tried.
Thorfinn takes Kenshin's ideology a step further, not wanting to raise a sword against anyone in the first place. He understands that war and bloodshed are meaningless; if everyone talked about their problems it would be more beneficial. In a setting where everyone thrives off warfare, it's commendable that he came to that conclusion.
2. On The Path of Atonement
After all the wrongs they have committed they both want to do as much as they can to make up for what they've done.
Kenshin protects the people around him and tries to do as much good as he can. He knows this will never bring back the people he's killed but he can protect the people around him while he's alive. He inspires the people around him, sometimes without even knowing, helping them become better people.
Thorfinn helps the people around him and tries to spread the message of peace. On his journey for redemption, he's run into multiple people he's hurt before. He knows it won't change the past but he has matured enough to apologize for all his wrongdoings.
3. Kindhearted People At The Core
Kenshin is a very likable character from the start. It's hard to believe that he was a famous assassin. His wacky jokes and hilarious facial expressions landed him at the top of many character polls. You can see how much he cares for people through his interactions with them, even sparing enemies who are out to kill him.
Thorfinn was a pretty cheerful boy until he watched his father die. After that, he let rage and revenge cloud his heart. That innocent child was always there and it came out again when Thorfinn came to the realization that war only causes pain and suffering.
4. Past Catches Up To Them
They have to deal with the ghosts of their pasts always catching up to them. Characters try to push them to the edge and revert them to what they once were.
Due to their change in ideology, their interactions change with the people they once knew. Even when they're pushed to the edge, they stay true to what they believe in.
5. They Liked To Do Things On Their Own
Kenshin had a habit of pushing away the people close to him to protect them, unaware that he was causing them more pain. He would rather do everything by himself than get others involved. Throughout the story he learns to put more trust in people.
Thorfinn, even in his days of being with the mercenaries never socialized much with his peers. Killing his father's killer was the only thing on his mind.
He loses his chance for revenge when Askeladd dies; a new door opens for him. As the story progresses Thorfinn starts opening up to the people around him.
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