Askeladd and Thorfinn’s relationship in Vinland Saga is seriously messed up. Askeladd killed Thorfinn’s father but he didn’t kill Thorfinn, because he saw potential. He turned Thorfinn into a weapon, using the boy’s anger to make him a fighter. But later it shows he also cares about him.
Thorfinn grew up obsessed with revenge, challenging Askeladd to duels over and over. Askeladd just used this to keep Thorfinn around. He’d dangle the promise of a fight, knowing Thorfinn would never win.
Askeladd wasn’t completely cold. He pushed Thorfinn hard and made him tough. In their brutal world, that was as close to caring as you could get. Askeladd saw something in Thorfinn, maybe a reflection of himself, and he shaped it.
During the London Bridge battle, Thorfinn proved his worth. Askeladd noticed, even if he didn’t say anything. It was clear he respected Thorfinn’s skills, even if he’d never admit it.
As time went on, Askeladd seemed to get that Thorfinn’s revenge quest was ruining him. But instead of stopping it, he let Thorfinn keep going. Maybe he thought the kid needed to learn the hard way.
Askeladd’s version of care was twisted. He didn’t coddle Thorfinn; he beat him down and built him back up. It wasn’t love or kindness – it was preparation for a world that would destroy Thorfinn if he wasn’t ready.
So did Askeladd care?
In his own messed-up way, yeah. He saw potential in Thorfinn and worked to bring it out, even if his methods were cruel. It wasn’t warm feelings, but in their world, making someone strong enough to survive was probably the closest thing to care you could find. Also, his last words make it obvious that he cares about Thorfinn.
When Askeladd was about to die, he told Thorfinn not to remain in that place. He urged Thorfinn to go far ahead, to journey beyond the world where Thors had gone. Askeladd reminded him, ‘You are Thors’ son. Go, that’s your real fight.’ He also encouraged Thorfinn to become a true warrior.